While growing up, Babatunde Oludare a.k.a Oludre was a keen lover of sound. He enjoyed listening to the likes of Obesere, Pasuma and other fuji artistes.  But he never knew he would be a musician someday. Oludres’s desire to do something new different from his regular work made him delve into music. The United Kingdom-based singer returned to Nigeria with promise. He spoke with ORUKPE NELSON.

What kind of music do you do?

I have always enjoyed listening to the likes of Obesere, Pasuma and other fuji artistes. Their music influenced my sound. So, I came up with my genre, hip-hop fuji. I was very young the first time I heard Obesere’s song. It was about 5:30am, but I got up and started dancing.

Why music?

In the United Kingdom; I was not fulfilled with the job I was doing. I wanted to do something that made me happy and I noticed that whenever I switched on the television new artistes kept coming up. I felt I could do better than them, so I decided to try what I love to do. I started writing my songs and before I knew it I began to sing. I was a member of the church choir when I was growing up. I have always enjoyed singing.

Are you not concerned that fuji music is seen largely to be for the streets?

That was in the past. Right now in the UK, afro-beat is gaining more recognition. The people in the UK only need to hear what you are saying to embrace your music. I live there so I understand what I need to do. I tried to put words of English Language into my songs, which helps them to relate with it.

How would you describe the reception of your single?

It has been very encouraging. Television stations in the UK play my songs a lot. There is hardly any club that you go to in the UK that they do not play my song. The fact that Nigerians are plenty in the UK makes it better. There are some places you would go to that give you the impression that you are in Lagos. That is where I get most of my acceptance. The white too love good beats. Once your beat is good they would dance to your song.

Were you doing other things before music?

I was working at a supermarket but I was not fulfilled. I felt I have the potential of becoming the next big artiste to come from Nigeria. That is why I decided to concentrate on music.

You quit your job for music?

I am still working and I am also doing my music. It has not been easy, but I have made up my mind and once I am determined to do something I go for it. I already have large supporters in the UK, so it is a sign that I am doing the right thing. I have never thought of giving up on my music since I started, though I have faced some financial constraints and others. When I started singing fuji in the UK, the concept was relatively new. I did not really think I could do it but I began to enjoy it along the way and I don’t want to stop at all.

Since you have been accepted in the UK, why did you return to Nigeria?

I do hip-hop fuji and it has its roots in Africa. I cannot remove that home factor from it. I want to be accepted here as much as I am accepted in the UK. I am established there and I want to be established here in Nigeria too.

How about racial discrimination?

Racism is a very sensitive issue and the truth is that it cannot be totally eradicated. It will always be there and what I used to conquer it is self-esteem. Personally, I like it when people look down on me because it gives me strength to show people what I am made of. I have not faced any encounter with my music, but I had experienced it in my workplace. It is quite difficult for you to rise at work if you are a black man in the UK. They tend to favour the white when it comes to promotion. We don’t complain most time because we may lose our jobs. Since I started my music; I don’t bother anymore because I am on the road to success.

How do you compare the music scene there with that of Nigeria?

The competition is quite stiff in Nigeria. It is easy to do music in the UK while I do other jobs, but I cannot say the same about Nigeria. But if you can plan yourself, it is possible in the UK. I have never worked in Nigeria, but from what my friends told me, I feel it is tough. An average Lagos resident leaves his house by 5am and does not come back till 9pm mostly due to traffic. When will such person go to the studio to do songs?

What makes you unique?

My genre of music is different and I believe I am original. I like to promote my culture and Ibadan where I am from.