Alhaja Monsurat
Ajelero Adegbemiro popularly known as Akobi Esan is a force to reckon with in
the Islamic music industry.
In this interview, Akobi
Esan spoke about her forthcoming album launch, her journey so far in the world
of Islamic music and how far she has coped with stardom. Also, she has
explained the reason she named her new album, Tan t’Olorun and how some of her colleagues
are killing the Islamic music industry. Excerpt:
Can we meet you?
I am Alhaja Monsurat
Ajelero Adegbemiro popularly known as Akobi Esan. I am from Badagry, Lagos
State. I had my secondary and primary education in Badagry and my degree at Lagos
state University. Before I started my music career, I worked at a phone booth
and also worked at a filling station.
Going into music, how did it start?
I didn’t learn from
anyone. I would say my music career started back in those days when I used to
attend Arabic school. Whenever our teacher told us to sing, I was always the
lead singer. Even when I was in school, whenever we were told to do
cultural dance, I was always the lead singer. Besides these, I was told that
one of my Uncle’s wives was a singer as well at Islamic society known as
Asalatu.
When did you go professional with your music?
Well, I was an Amirah
(women leader) for Ansarudeen Youth Association of NIGERIA, Badagry branch in
those days. I used to sing alongside my cleric in any occasion we had shows and
I used to understudy him because he was a very good singer. That was how people
discovered how good I was being his backup singer.
Fortunately, there was
a day our lead singer disappointed us at a wedding event; that was on the 20th
of November 1999. A man who has been observing me gave me the challenge to lead,
I did and it was a huge success.
After my performance that
day; which happened to be my first time on stage in front of a huge crowd, I
noticed people were happy and that was how the support started. This made my
parents and people around me gave me the encouragement to ride on; that was how
the journey began.
Your first album came up when?
My first album titled ‘Ire
Ni Mo Fe’ was released in 2009; followed by ‘Bizimillahi’ (Allah’s permission),
it was a like a hip-hop song. I also dropped another one titled Iho Meji” (Two
Hole), Odale (Traitor) and Ramadan followed consecutively. My new album is the
one I intend to launch on the 6th of October 2018.
The name Akobi Esan, how did you come about it?
When I was attending
Arabic class then, I was very outspoken; though very timid and did not like
going physical with people (laughs). So anytime I felt cheated, I wouldn’t
fight; rather I would tell whoever offended me that whatever anybody does, surely
nemesis will come someday. I used to say that God begot not and the only child
He has is vengeance which means Akobi Esan in Yoruba language. That’s how
people started calling me Akobi Esan and it became a name I am well known with.
Which of your album shot you to prominence?
IHO MEJI was a big hit
in the year 2013. RAMADAN dedicated for the Islamic holy month was also a hit, likewise
“ODALE.
What are the challenges you have faced as a
musician?
The main constraint I
am having today is keeping up with my marital responsibilities due to my tight
schedule and also harassment from touts at events.
Which of Islamic associations do you belong
to?
I belong to the
Islamic Musicians Association of Nigeria (ISMAN) under the leadership of Alhaji
Mumin Damilola a.k.a Esin O Gbamilaye.
How do you cope with your male admirers?
I am a responsible
woman and it is never an issue for me because my husband understands the
industry.
What is your view on indecent dressing among
female Islamic musicians?
Even if you aren’t an
Islamic musician, indecent dressing is not good at all. It is something I
detest so much. Islamic singers today are on the verge of sending the
profession to the bin with the drama they are now infusing into their music.
Whenever you watch video or listen to Islamic audio songs, it is all about
drama and they are making the whole thing look as if we are just being
dramatic, with little or no seriousness for the profession
Tell us about your forthcoming album launch
Well, the name of the
album is Tan t’Olorun; this means who can equate God? My inspiration comes anywhere
even when I am praying, in the kitchen or during my bathe. My new album dwells
on people who love to play God and act unjustly without remembering they will
die someday.
The launching of the
album will come up on the 6th of October at Ado-Odo Ota local Government, Ogun
State. After the launching, the album would be out officially by Monday, 8th of
October 2018. Sheikh Muhideen Ajani Bello a.k.a Oniwaasi Agbaye is the
spiritual father and minister of the day. All Islamic singers and associations
would be present too; while Alhaja Mistura Aderohunmu will be on the band
stand.
Who are your role models and your friends in
the industry?
Before I got married,
I used to listen to Alhaja Afusat Asideeq songs. As for my friends, all of my
colleagues are my friends especially the likes of Alhaja Mariam Akiki, Alhaja
Kafayat Singer, Alhaji Bukola Alayande (Ere Asalatu), Alhaji Saoti Arewa and
others
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