Reminisce, whose original name is Remilekun Safaru, in this interview with TUNDE AYANDAand BOLATITO ADEBOLA, speaks on the beginning of his music career, his challenges and why he praise-sings his friends.
What have you been doing lately?
It’s been good around me here, though many people have been asking of me based on the fact that I don’t go out, even not to night clubs. People don’t see me hanging around in night clubs, but I was busy recording songs, attending shows and working on the compilation of my new album. Everything is going well with me. I’ve already released two singles and I’m also working to expand my fan base.
Your songs, Nigboro and The Government, are very popular. How do you feel with the acceptance?
Nigboro is just a song confirming my talent on the street. Nigboro means “on the street” while The Government, which features Olamide, is a rap song. I don’t count trending as being successful. Trending, to me, is not the way to measure how successful your song is doing on the music scene. This is a song that is not even a radio song! I’m not promoting it on radio, but I have heard it played very well on radio stations in Lagos and outside the state. The outcome of the song on the music scene has been so good and encouraging
Olamide is regarded as your best friend in the industry. Do you have a relationship before you started music?
I won’t say we are very close, but in a simple word, I would say Olamide is my brother. I started from ID Cabasa Studio, and after I left the studio, he (Olamide) came on board and he also looked up to me like a mentor and senior. He has a lot of respect for me and I also respect him, because he is doing good with his game and people love him. Basically that is it. The last time I could remember seeing him was when we recorded the song The Government and also met in Abuja. It’s not as if we are very close; it is just the respect we have for each other. I like him. I listen to his music very well and he listens to mine as well. That’s just the relationship between us.
What was the inspiration behind your hit song, Kako Bi Chicken?
Kako Bi Chicken was just a song I decided to do in a different way from the usual rap song that many people have been doing so far in the industry. We made the beat and recorded on it. We then released it to the public and the reception was great. Though a lot of people criticised it then, even when we released its visual to the TV stations, they complained and criticised it, calling it a bad song and ugly video. But I’m used to people criticising my effort, and this helps me a lot. It brings the best in me because if they don’t complain, I won’t be focused. I love how I’ve been criticised, because for you to criticise something, it simply means you care and love it. I know people love my music.
Is it your favourite song?
Yes, that’s my biggest song because it was the song that made me. It’s my biggest song till date.
What were the gains the song brought to you?
The popularity alone is overwhelming. It also registered my brand as ‘Reminisce’ and opened so many doors for me. It’s a big song, and in such song, many should know how to utilise whatever opportunity that comes with it. I gained many friends with the song. I did so many interviews and a lot of financial gains came with it.
It’s been good around me here, though many people have been asking of me based on the fact that I don’t go out, even not to night clubs. People don’t see me hanging around in night clubs, but I was busy recording songs, attending shows and working on the compilation of my new album. Everything is going well with me. I’ve already released two singles and I’m also working to expand my fan base.
Your songs, Nigboro and The Government, are very popular. How do you feel with the acceptance?
Nigboro is just a song confirming my talent on the street. Nigboro means “on the street” while The Government, which features Olamide, is a rap song. I don’t count trending as being successful. Trending, to me, is not the way to measure how successful your song is doing on the music scene. This is a song that is not even a radio song! I’m not promoting it on radio, but I have heard it played very well on radio stations in Lagos and outside the state. The outcome of the song on the music scene has been so good and encouraging
Olamide is regarded as your best friend in the industry. Do you have a relationship before you started music?
I won’t say we are very close, but in a simple word, I would say Olamide is my brother. I started from ID Cabasa Studio, and after I left the studio, he (Olamide) came on board and he also looked up to me like a mentor and senior. He has a lot of respect for me and I also respect him, because he is doing good with his game and people love him. Basically that is it. The last time I could remember seeing him was when we recorded the song The Government and also met in Abuja. It’s not as if we are very close; it is just the respect we have for each other. I like him. I listen to his music very well and he listens to mine as well. That’s just the relationship between us.
What was the inspiration behind your hit song, Kako Bi Chicken?
Kako Bi Chicken was just a song I decided to do in a different way from the usual rap song that many people have been doing so far in the industry. We made the beat and recorded on it. We then released it to the public and the reception was great. Though a lot of people criticised it then, even when we released its visual to the TV stations, they complained and criticised it, calling it a bad song and ugly video. But I’m used to people criticising my effort, and this helps me a lot. It brings the best in me because if they don’t complain, I won’t be focused. I love how I’ve been criticised, because for you to criticise something, it simply means you care and love it. I know people love my music.
Is it your favourite song?
Yes, that’s my biggest song because it was the song that made me. It’s my biggest song till date.
What were the gains the song brought to you?
The popularity alone is overwhelming. It also registered my brand as ‘Reminisce’ and opened so many doors for me. It’s a big song, and in such song, many should know how to utilise whatever opportunity that comes with it. I gained many friends with the song. I did so many interviews and a lot of financial gains came with it.
The song was a random abstract. I wanted a unique song of my own and that was actually the beginning.
Did you have any album before the Book of Rap Stories?
No. The Book of Rap Stories was my first album. I started on a very fresh note releasing an album of 12 songs and have four popular songs in it.
You claimed trending isn’t success; how do you rate success with your songs?
Someone just left for Ilorin now and he told me that people say that in Ilorin, if you ask for my album, they can’t find because it’s selling like hot cake; and that they have to wait for another two weeks before they can see. So, till tomorrow, my songs keep selling. I’m not one of those that will boast my CD sold two million and tell lies. If you sold up to that, bring out the receipts and let’s see. Are we not in this industry together? With just one album, a lot of people think I›ve been here for long, so they compare me with people that already have two to three albums. And I just have one. So, I’m still fresh in this game and I still have a lot to achieve.
Your song, If Only, is also popular. Why do you focus on the street with your music?
It’s because I enjoy making music and I make music in whatever way I think it should be done. I don’t restrict myself singing in Yoruba and English. You can’t categorise my song. I’m just trying to make my own song in my own way. I don’t want to be restricted to rapping alone; so I rap, sing and also do Fuji. I can do proper Fuji music. I love music that is basic and I love the street.
It is believed that you are close to Yahoo! Boys; you sing about them and they even appear in your videos
Yes. These guys you are talking about are people I’ve known for so long. I went to secondary school with many of them. They are my fans and friends, and I can›t deny them. Anyone can be my fan. I can mention your name in my song if you are good to me, but people like to read meanings to everything and say a lot. It’s my job; I am a musician and my job is to make music. I don’t ask questions. So, whatever grouse anyone has with them, they can look for their contact and find them. As for me, I am doing my job.
Is it true you were also involved in Yahoo! Yahoo! (Internet scam) in the past?
People can say all sort of things without proofs. I don’t like responding to speculation.
How true is it that you hate doing duets?
That’s a big lie! Before I grew up in the industry, I worked with almost everybody and the essence of working with people was to promote the song and promote the artiste. But I realise that a couple of people won’t promote such songs; rather, they would promote their solo instead of the duet with an up-and- coming or other artistes. The way I do my music, I do it with fashion and I decide to do it in a proper way; so, I charge for collaboration and, in some cases, I give some people the green light. When I feel your song is good, I’ll help you out, but you sign an agreement to put out the song within 90 days. But you know Nigerians, they don’t want to sign. When you bring that out, they will say you are proud or have ego problem. That’s why I just stay away and decide not to work with anybody. I’m just doing my music for people to enjoy. We are not doing it in a standard way. Even if you produce me, we will sign an agreement that I paid an amount so that in the future we don’t have to argue.
People tend to think you are radical. Is it because of the content of your songs or because you sing for the street?
It’s not like that. Like I said, that’s my brand; that’s me. That’s what makes me different. That’s why people are talking about me. That’s my unique point. I told people I don’t want to copy anybody before I make it in the industry, so I’m doing a lot of things many people think will not work. A lot of friends discourage me – even those that are very close to me, like Sheyman, Sharz – on the need to re-package. I told them that is how I want it. This life is all about what you want to do; if you allow people re-define it, if you allow people tell you otherwise, you may not get there. But if you choose to do it in your own way and remain focused, you’ll get there. I just want to be different. I don’t want to go to an event and look the same way as everybody. For example, a lot of artistes put on sunglasses, jewellery. I stopped wearing those, and I don’t put on glasses again. I›ve stopped that since last year, because I don’t want to look like anyone. All I do is to just put on my jeans, my shoes and t-shirt and sing. That›s what I’m supposed to do and make money. The whole industry follow the same pattern and I don’t want to be like that. I want to be different in the industry. I’m creative, so I choose to do things my own way.
Why do you choose Reminisce as your stage name?
‘Reminisce’ is an English word. What works for me is my person, I just want to be unique. I don’t want to be what I’m not. Before I started, I said I was going to meet some people at the top. I don’t like fake people. People told me when I was coming up that a lot of labels would sign me; but they told me to do like a kind of re-branding. I resisted (it) because I believe in myself. I just want to be me. I don’t want to do a setting for getting money. I don’t want to mix any kind of music to make money. I just want to remain Reminisce, put my music out and my people listen. That’s all. I think my person is what people like.
You have these scary eyeballs that people think are a result of smoking. Is this true?
That’s my personal life, and I don’t talk about my personal life.
What have been the challenges so far?
The challenge, definitely, has been financial. Producing music is very expensive. A lot of up-and-coming artistes tell me their uncle wants to sponsor them. How is that possible? Right now, the stake is really high and expensive. The video, production and packaging are very expensive, and that’s why you see that Wizkid and some others are the ones making it these days, because they have the financial backing – which I have nothing against. The financial aspect is the major problem. The industry needs to be properly structured, and this may never come. Everybody has achieved many things in this country. Our own generation is part of the achievements. The likes of D’banj, 2Face, Psquare, whatever they achieve, they achieve it for themselves. (There’s) no structure to support what we are doing. But one day, I hope the change will come to us.
If you had not gone into music, what would you have done?
I would definitely have gone into business. I used to sell shoes before I started music. I would have been a businessman. I have plans; I do a lot of business.
Despite facing a lot of challenges in the industry, what keeps you going?
My environment. There is nothing like having your friends around. My manager is my friend, my personal assistant is my friend. Everybody around me is a friends. My label mate, Jahbless, is my friend. There is nothing like having your people around you. That’s the most important thing.
How do you cope with the female attraction?
Girls are very vital in the industry, but the point is (that) girls are like every other thing. They are like alcohol; they are like drugs; they are like food. But there is a limit for everything. Inasmuch as you are out there, girls will definitely love you. Girls love famous people, so you should manage them just like you manage every other thing; like the way you manage money. Girls are very necessary; you have to like girls, but you should also learn to beat the addiction.
What can you tell us about your background?
I was born in Kaduna but I grew up in Yaba, Lagos. I grew up with 9ice’s former manager, Dehinde Fajana. We grew up in the same street. Then I moved here. I grew up like every other kid: your parents flogged you if you played football or misbehaved. I grew up like every other Nigerian kid with the dos and don’ts. My parents were very good to me, especially my dad. I had everything. We were not rich but okay. I attended Kings&Queens Secondary School, Oko-Oba, Agege, then later moved to Comprehensive High School at Ayetoro, Ogun State, after which I went to the Kwara State Polytechnic, where I studied Purchasing and Supply.
Did you have any album before the Book of Rap Stories?
No. The Book of Rap Stories was my first album. I started on a very fresh note releasing an album of 12 songs and have four popular songs in it.
You claimed trending isn’t success; how do you rate success with your songs?
Someone just left for Ilorin now and he told me that people say that in Ilorin, if you ask for my album, they can’t find because it’s selling like hot cake; and that they have to wait for another two weeks before they can see. So, till tomorrow, my songs keep selling. I’m not one of those that will boast my CD sold two million and tell lies. If you sold up to that, bring out the receipts and let’s see. Are we not in this industry together? With just one album, a lot of people think I›ve been here for long, so they compare me with people that already have two to three albums. And I just have one. So, I’m still fresh in this game and I still have a lot to achieve.
Your song, If Only, is also popular. Why do you focus on the street with your music?
It’s because I enjoy making music and I make music in whatever way I think it should be done. I don’t restrict myself singing in Yoruba and English. You can’t categorise my song. I’m just trying to make my own song in my own way. I don’t want to be restricted to rapping alone; so I rap, sing and also do Fuji. I can do proper Fuji music. I love music that is basic and I love the street.
It is believed that you are close to Yahoo! Boys; you sing about them and they even appear in your videos
Yes. These guys you are talking about are people I’ve known for so long. I went to secondary school with many of them. They are my fans and friends, and I can›t deny them. Anyone can be my fan. I can mention your name in my song if you are good to me, but people like to read meanings to everything and say a lot. It’s my job; I am a musician and my job is to make music. I don’t ask questions. So, whatever grouse anyone has with them, they can look for their contact and find them. As for me, I am doing my job.
Is it true you were also involved in Yahoo! Yahoo! (Internet scam) in the past?
People can say all sort of things without proofs. I don’t like responding to speculation.
How true is it that you hate doing duets?
That’s a big lie! Before I grew up in the industry, I worked with almost everybody and the essence of working with people was to promote the song and promote the artiste. But I realise that a couple of people won’t promote such songs; rather, they would promote their solo instead of the duet with an up-and- coming or other artistes. The way I do my music, I do it with fashion and I decide to do it in a proper way; so, I charge for collaboration and, in some cases, I give some people the green light. When I feel your song is good, I’ll help you out, but you sign an agreement to put out the song within 90 days. But you know Nigerians, they don’t want to sign. When you bring that out, they will say you are proud or have ego problem. That’s why I just stay away and decide not to work with anybody. I’m just doing my music for people to enjoy. We are not doing it in a standard way. Even if you produce me, we will sign an agreement that I paid an amount so that in the future we don’t have to argue.
People tend to think you are radical. Is it because of the content of your songs or because you sing for the street?
It’s not like that. Like I said, that’s my brand; that’s me. That’s what makes me different. That’s why people are talking about me. That’s my unique point. I told people I don’t want to copy anybody before I make it in the industry, so I’m doing a lot of things many people think will not work. A lot of friends discourage me – even those that are very close to me, like Sheyman, Sharz – on the need to re-package. I told them that is how I want it. This life is all about what you want to do; if you allow people re-define it, if you allow people tell you otherwise, you may not get there. But if you choose to do it in your own way and remain focused, you’ll get there. I just want to be different. I don’t want to go to an event and look the same way as everybody. For example, a lot of artistes put on sunglasses, jewellery. I stopped wearing those, and I don’t put on glasses again. I›ve stopped that since last year, because I don’t want to look like anyone. All I do is to just put on my jeans, my shoes and t-shirt and sing. That›s what I’m supposed to do and make money. The whole industry follow the same pattern and I don’t want to be like that. I want to be different in the industry. I’m creative, so I choose to do things my own way.
Why do you choose Reminisce as your stage name?
‘Reminisce’ is an English word. What works for me is my person, I just want to be unique. I don’t want to be what I’m not. Before I started, I said I was going to meet some people at the top. I don’t like fake people. People told me when I was coming up that a lot of labels would sign me; but they told me to do like a kind of re-branding. I resisted (it) because I believe in myself. I just want to be me. I don’t want to do a setting for getting money. I don’t want to mix any kind of music to make money. I just want to remain Reminisce, put my music out and my people listen. That’s all. I think my person is what people like.
You have these scary eyeballs that people think are a result of smoking. Is this true?
That’s my personal life, and I don’t talk about my personal life.
What have been the challenges so far?
The challenge, definitely, has been financial. Producing music is very expensive. A lot of up-and-coming artistes tell me their uncle wants to sponsor them. How is that possible? Right now, the stake is really high and expensive. The video, production and packaging are very expensive, and that’s why you see that Wizkid and some others are the ones making it these days, because they have the financial backing – which I have nothing against. The financial aspect is the major problem. The industry needs to be properly structured, and this may never come. Everybody has achieved many things in this country. Our own generation is part of the achievements. The likes of D’banj, 2Face, Psquare, whatever they achieve, they achieve it for themselves. (There’s) no structure to support what we are doing. But one day, I hope the change will come to us.
If you had not gone into music, what would you have done?
I would definitely have gone into business. I used to sell shoes before I started music. I would have been a businessman. I have plans; I do a lot of business.
Despite facing a lot of challenges in the industry, what keeps you going?
My environment. There is nothing like having your friends around. My manager is my friend, my personal assistant is my friend. Everybody around me is a friends. My label mate, Jahbless, is my friend. There is nothing like having your people around you. That’s the most important thing.
How do you cope with the female attraction?
Girls are very vital in the industry, but the point is (that) girls are like every other thing. They are like alcohol; they are like drugs; they are like food. But there is a limit for everything. Inasmuch as you are out there, girls will definitely love you. Girls love famous people, so you should manage them just like you manage every other thing; like the way you manage money. Girls are very necessary; you have to like girls, but you should also learn to beat the addiction.
What can you tell us about your background?
I was born in Kaduna but I grew up in Yaba, Lagos. I grew up with 9ice’s former manager, Dehinde Fajana. We grew up in the same street. Then I moved here. I grew up like every other kid: your parents flogged you if you played football or misbehaved. I grew up like every other Nigerian kid with the dos and don’ts. My parents were very good to me, especially my dad. I had everything. We were not rich but okay. I attended Kings&Queens Secondary School, Oko-Oba, Agege, then later moved to Comprehensive High School at Ayetoro, Ogun State, after which I went to the Kwara State Polytechnic, where I studied Purchasing and Supply.
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