MY DAD NEVER WANTED MUSIC, HE BELIEVED ITS FOR THE UNSERIOUS MINDS *PLUS HOW I PROVED HIM WRONG- OKIKI-OMOTAYEBI

Shukurat Balogun Oluwakemi is her name, but she is well known in entertainment circle as Okiki-Omotayebi, she is well vast in Islamic music, also good at events compere, and a well-known expertise at wedding engagement.

Okiki-0motayebi is set to launch an album in Lagos, she wants to appreciate her fans and lit up the city with stars from different phases of the entertainment industry. In this interview, she did bare it all; excerpt:   

THE ROOT OF MY INVOLVEMENT IN MUSIC

My name is Hajia Shukurat Balogun Oluwakemi, I am also known as Okiki-Omotayebi. Music in my life I can say it's dated back to when I was very young.  My interest in music is from childhood.

Right from about 6 years old, I was involved in different types of music in the neighborhood with other kids, including cultural dance.

Whenever someone put to bed, all the children in the neighborhood would gather to sing for the newborn; that used to be our own way of welcoming the new child to our midst. I was barely 6 or 7 years then.

 GOING PROFESSIONAL IN MUSIC...

 In 1997, music took a new turn in my life when I joined an Arabic and Islamic School, Darul-Rahmat-wal-Irshaat at Bariga in Lagos. I became the lead vocal for the school, and at any of our events, maolud-Nabbiy, Walimot Quran, Hijra and others; I was always in the lead to coordinate the welcome songs and that was how my music became pronounced and grew stronger.

during a visit to Sheik Muyideen Ajani Bello

 Furthermore, during my days in secondary school, Wesley Girls Secondary School, I joined the cultural and dramatic club and I became well known based on my versatility in music.

Then, I never knew music would later become a career I will pursue in life. After school, students that were in school still referred to me whenever they needed someone to teach them songs and dancing steps. Meanwhile, being a good composer in my little way made people always looking out for me.

THEN THE DECISION CAME...

Seeing all these from people, this made me joined one of our Ustaz in the area and in the course of backing up for him on stage, I met Alhaji Kamarodeen Ayeloyun and Alhaja Aminat Babalola Omotayebi, this duo did well in motivating me into taking up music as a career. They instilled confidence in me and today, I am grateful to both of them.

MY PARENT CONSIDERED MUSICIANS AS WAYWARD PEOPLE

My parents were not happy with my union with music, Dad never wanted it, his thought about those in music was all about being wayward. Any time I had an outing then, they were never happy, it was an obvious thing and I  was determined, I kept on going and really, I had the mind of proving them wrong by doing great and maintaining the good upbringing I had.

They eventually made a U-turn when they started getting feedback from people about my excellent performances anytime they came across me at an event.

This commendation from people made them changed their notion and they have been supportive afterward.

MOVING FORWARD...

In 2009, I took music professionally and it has grown tremendously. Alhaja Omotayebi encouraged me and I have never looked back.

In December 2010, I had my first album Oba To Rewa, and the second album came in 2013 titled Iwa Rere, in 2016 I did another one, a duet album with the likes of Alhaji Kamorudeen Ayeloyun, Alhaja Aminat Omotayebi, Ahaji Ridwan Dosunmu, Alhaja Mistura Aderounmu and Hajia Jejeniwa Kifayat, it was titled Ko ye mi.

The fourth album is on its way and it's going to be a great masterpiece.

BESIDES MUSIC, I HAVE OTHER BUSINESS CONCERN

Besides music, I moderate at events, I anchor Islamic programs, wedding engagements, and others. Also, I am a good Actor and a businesswoman.

MY ROLE MODEL...

My role model is Alhaja Aminat Babalola Abeke Afolasade Omotayebi. She inspires me a lot, I look up to her in many ways and she is a blessing to me. I chose to follow her footsteps because she is different amongst them all. She is well respected in the industry because of her versatility in music, her dress sense, her humility and of course, her Islam!

HOW I GOT THE  NAME...OKIKI OMOTAYEBI

Okiki Omotayebi is my stage name, Alhaja Aminat Babalola gave me the name because, in her words, she always told me that, “Shukurat, you will be famous. People from far and near will celebrate you...”

Okiki means Fame. I got the name during my graduation from her school. Thank God, we are getting there as she prayed.

THINGS ISLAMIC MUSIC HAS TAKEN FROM ME

Islamic music has taken a lot from me, as an Islamic Act, there are lots that are expected from you and this has really shaped me to be a better person.

at a wedding engagement

CELEBRATING OKIKI-OMOTAYEBI DAY

The motive behind Okiki Omotayebi day is to appreciate those that have stood by us over the years. My band wants to celebrate my numerous fans, we want to appreciate people who have contributed in one way or the other to the life of Okiki Omotayebi. Also, we want to bring people together to come and appreciate the beautiful work of Allah in our lives.  

We have so many dignitaries that will grace the occasion, our Royal father of the day is The Jagunmolu of Bariga land, Alhaja Omotayebi, Oga Bello, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan Ogogo, Ibrahim Itele, Arike Gold, all Islamic stars, while Jide Awobona and Lateef Adedimeji will anchor the program. The event is billed to take at Beverly Hall, in Bariga, Lagos. Sheik Muyideen Ajani Bello will deliver the lecture and the program shall commence by 12pm on the 27th, October 2019.