Olawale Ayodele Ojo, a 400-level Agronomy student of Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, recently emerged winner of the MTN Project Fame West Africa (season 6). Olawale fondly referred to by friends as ‘pimp’ because of his amazing skill in laptop and phone repairs opened up on his future plans.

Background?

I am the first of four children. I did not start music from a tender age like some other people. I am the first musician in my family. I did not get to learn from people. The church I grew up with didn’t have musical instrument like piano so it was boring. Music for me started when I was at university, when I started attending big churches with musical instrument. That was when I got the privilege to learn few things about music.

Your name Olawale, meaning wealth has come home. Do you think your name gave you good luck?

It’s not about the name, it’s God. I believe it was how God wanted it to happen.

How many times have you tried to enter into this competition?

This is actually my first time. I have never been to any musical competition before now.

How was your experience in the academy?

It was great! It was very good because it was like giving me the opportunity to do what I like doing best. Imagine for the whole period we sang everyday, which is my favourite thing. I love every part of it. Because I had the opportunity to sing and watch myself grow and learn.

What was your greatest challenge?

My greatest challenge was being nervous and rigid on stage. However, I was able to overcome it when an old woman shouted, why are you always scared on stage? That really touched me. It was the turning point.

You are going home richer than you came here. Are you planning to throw a huge party when you get back home?

I will appreciate people that voted for me, on facebook, twitter, radio station if I can, but I won’t throw a party.

Who was your most favourite housemate?

I didn’t have a favourite contestant in the house. I think they are good and nice people and have their own personality, strength and weakness, just like me. They are all my friends.

Did you have any housemate you thought was your biggest threat in the academy?

None! We all had our weakness and strength, for some they have stage confidence. At the last six, I knew everyone left was good. All I did was to put more efforts in everything I do on the stage. At a point; I knew any of the six finalists deserves to be a winner but I didn’t know the view of the audience.

What were your game plans while coming to PF, and did it work?

I did not have any game plan, because it is my first time I am coming for such competition. It was not possible for me to have a game plan, I could not figure out how everything will look like. I only asked God for direction and favour and it worked for me.

Why do you think West Africa fell in love with you?

That I can’t say! Maybe because of my originality, but I always try to put in my best performance every time I was on stage.

How tough was the rivalry in the academy?

Sincerely, there was no rivalry in the academy. We were all friends, we treated each other like family members, we helped each other. When one has problem with any part of his/her song; we assisted and contributed to the success. We were there for each other like brothers and sisters.

What do you intend to do with music?

I want to use music to influence the mind of people positively either through dance, writing and melody. I want to create a positive impact and influence?

What do you think of musicians and drugs?

Yes, even before I got here, I did not drink. I don’t smoke, I know it’s not by my power but I know God would keep me and put me through. I have told myself that I will never do drugs; no matter the circumstance.

Winning project fame; will it change your lifestyle?

It won’t change my lifestyle but will change my life. It has already changed my life. But now, I don’t see myself like I used to see myself. I know now that more opportunities would come my way.  I would be able to do what I want to do.

We learnt your father kicked against your music pursuit?

Everything was a blessing in disguise. My father’s discouragement really taught me how to be a fighter. If I didn’t give it a fight, I wouldn’t have been where I am today. His discouragement was a motivating factor that propelled me to greater heights.

What message do you have for your fans?

I really appreciate them, I don’t see myself as the best here, I see myself that you guyz just love me and voted for me, I am so grateful and I will always give you guyz the best I can.

Who are you role models in the music industry?

I draw interest from many musicians, because every one of them has his peculiarity and strength and I learn from everybody. D’Banj, Tiwa Savage, P.Square, Wizkid, they are all celebrated in Africa and across the world. I learn a lot from them. I don’t really have a favourite one.

Which of them do you look forward to doing colabo with in the nearest future?

It depends on the kind of music I want to do. I am an RnB artiste. Like you know, the in-thing now is dance hall music because everybody wants to commercialise his/her music without losing originality.

What kind of music should we expect from you?

Basically, I will like to focus on classic; I have been working on that for long and not just create something that will just come and go, music that will stand the test of time by God grace.