SPOTLIGHT: After dancing ‘shaku shaku’, my songs will help people think, says Omotayo

Omotayo’s story starts with the cliche ‘I first found music in church’ but even before that, his early teenage years exposed him to a wide array of musical genres, particularly from his father who was a music collector.

At a time when radio cassettes were the norm, he would listen to his father play songs by the likes of Luther Vandross, Michael Bolton, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion and of course, African music by Fela, Sunny Ade, and Ebenezer Obey.

But Omotayo found himself drawn to the RnB classics and developed a keen interest in the genre, and by virtue of being a romantic, it was a perfect fit.

A couple of years ago, the singer gained some traction when he recorded the soundtrack of Nollywood movie ‘Couple of Days’.

In 2018, now armed with Milky Way, his new EP, Omotayo is intent on building a solid fan base with songs like ‘Shalewa’ and ‘Let Me Love You’.

In this interview, he shares with TheCable Lifestyle his love for R&B and immediate plans to build his brand.

In this era of pon pon and shaku-shaku music, why is Omotayo pursuing core R&B/soul?

I pride myself on being unique and being true to myself and craft. R&B/soul is what I was put on earth to do and I do it well. We can’t all make the same kind of music. Music should be fluid and versatile. When the fans are done listening to the ‘shaku shaku’ music at the club, they will come home to my music to help them think, calm, feel and get inspiration from. And most of all, I chose RnB/soul for all the reasons that matter.

Having listened to the songs on your EP, one can’t help but be impressed. What’s the plan to push the recordings?

Frankly speaking, my brand is unfinanced by any sponsor or the likes but I have a great team, family and friends that support and believe in me. Most of all, I have the right attitude and motivation. Asides that, the songs are already on all the distribution platforms. The songs are already getting airplay and traction. We will continue to do the best we can. Besides, good music must always find its way.

Shalewa is a lovely track. What’s the story behind it?

Shalewa is a song about two lovebirds separated by society’s conforms. Shalewa is the story about a lady who was once young, free, in love and without a care in the world. She leaves her lover behind and travels the city only to return and realise that her class/status had now risen above that of her lover.

Though secretly still in love with him, she saves face for society, for the spectators around her. Shalewa is a psychological story that a lot of people can relate with at some point in their lives. I try to make my music as intelligently woven as possible and tell stories that the common man can relate to.

Who are the artistes Omotayo gets his inspiration from?

These days I am mostly inspired by life. I experience the lives of people around me so deeply. Having said that, I would say I am kind of a music whore, so to speak, because I derive inspiration from any music or musician. One minute, I’m listening to Phill Collins, the next I’m on Wande Coal’s matter or Tiwa Savage, then it’s Jon Bellion, then Brandy or Boys2Men, then it’s Rihanna or Beyonce then it’s The Script.

Is Omotayo signed to or affiliated with any record labels/artistes – or does he seek to be fully independent?

I am surrounded by a team of talented individuals who believe in my dream. Technically, I am signed to a label which, I am one of the board members and its called Cliq Entertainment. The team only cares about the progress of my brand but if and when big labels capable of doing for me what I can’t already do for myself come around, I’m ready to sign the papers. Emphasis on “what I can’t already do for myself”. I am also currently under a management company called Cream Entertainment.