When did you start music?
I started back immediately I finished from Command Secondary School in Ibadan with my cousin.
Does your cousin still sing?
Not for now. He’s into something else.
Why have you not brought him into your team?
Well, right now I am still trying to get to the top and he’s back in school. As of now, I cannot say I started from the bottom though, but I am still hustling because everything is about time. Like now, I don’t even have an album yet. I need to do that. I also am having so much fun for now.
In your debut single, Sholee, were you talking about erection?
No o bros. I don’t know why everybody thinks the song is about libido or erection o. I did not even look into that aspect when I penned the song. What I actually meant was about a guy who met a girl in a club and wants to find out if she’s hard or not.
What do you mean by ‘hard’?
As in if she’s got class, if she’s got the look. If she’s really worth all her shakara. You know, when your song is out there doing pretty good, people start to read meanings to it, That also shows that the song is doing well. That fans even took it to be a lewd song. In fact, it is a blessing.
How is that?
The song has made me famous. Faster than I ever anticipated.
At the time you were singing the song, was there a particular girl you had in mind?
There was no gal at all, it’s just a song. And it actually did not take a long time because when I am in the studio, I try to give my best to what I do.
Did you expect the song to be such a hit that soon?
No bro, I wasn’t. It was such a surprise that the song blew under two months. The acceptance was massive.
How long did it take you to complete recording it?
I recorded the song in February last year and shot the video in April. In fact, when we asked ladies to show up for the video audition, I was surprised to see a huge crowd who came for the video shoot. That’s why I say it’s the Lord’s doing (halleluyah).
Can you be a pastor someday?
Of course, I could be someday (laughs). I am quite religious when it comes to talking about myself. I am just being straight and truthful right now, but most people won’t believe it because of my videos and songs. I grew up in a Christian home and attended CAC. Back then, I used to be dragged to church whether I had clothes to wear or not, you must attend. So, as regards this unprecedented success, I’d say anything is possible, but with GOD first. When I dropped “Sholee” me, my parents and my crew fasted and prayed for seven days. So when it happened, I knew I was not a mistake. I knew the success was not a fluke.
Were there other songs before Sholee?
Of course, I did some recordings, but they were not officially released. We tried to do that as a group back then, but honestly, I cannot remember the title or what year that was. I am only sure it was after my secondary school days.
How did you cope at Command School, a military school at that, and you were still able to do music ?
It’s not about the school, it’s about you and what is inside of you. No matter where you are or what you do, and no matter how they try to pull you down, if it’s in you, it will surely be obvious that you have got something in you. Command couldn’t stop my music career because we had ways of working round it. We were always performing at social gatherings at school then. That helped our career a lot.
How was life for you back then in Ibadan?
I was in the boarding house then, it wasn’t that hard to survive in Ibadan. Most times when we were on holidays, I always came back to Lagos. I love the slow Ibadan life. I have been there many times since I became famous. After my days at Command, I got admitted into the University of Ibadan.
What course did you study there?
Theatre Arts. Life in UI was not really cool because back then, I still depended on my parents. I stayed at Independence Hall back then. My first year only. I lived at Agbowo after my first season on campus. You see, I am not from a rich family, but my parents are okay. They tried their best to take care of me, but now, I can proudly say am getting there and life seems better and cool.
Zikites and Independites were notorious for embarrassing females. Did you?
Ha. You must have attended UI too to have known all this. Yes, I did o. I won’t lie. We made cat calls at ladies who passed that narrow path, a short cut to Idia Hall. It was only for fun.
Meoww. Hmeeeee. Laughs. Ha. Bros, you be UIte and surely my neighbour from Zik
I was in Tedder. Can we expect something different from Sean Tizzle in your next project?
Of course yes. I studied Theatre Arts, you know. I am a good actor, but I chose music above acting because it is what I know how to do best. I can act as well, but I prefer singing to acting. It doesn’t mean I will turn down any acting offer though. In fact, don’t be surprised when you see me in a movie one someday. I even just did a movie sound track for Tunde Kilani immediately after I dropped “Kilogbe”.
Who came up with the concept of that video?
My team, me and a bit of contributions from the video director, Sesan. We didn’t want the video to be all about big bums, so we came up with a story to make a difference. It was shot in South Africa
What attracts you first to a lady and would you follow a babe because of the size of her behind?
(Laughs) Everything attracts me. She must be beautiful with a sexy and appealing body. I don’t really like girls with big things though, but very nice if she’s curvy too. I respect my female fans a lot. I have no choice but to respect them because I am looking forward to having something serious someday and it could come from anywhere.
Would you actually drop your car keys for another just to impress a girl?
If I can afford another car conveniently, why not? Please, that was a video o. For now, I can’t do that.
Were your parents supportive of your music career?
They have been very supportive from the start even till now. You know parent’s blessings are very much than giving you money. It’s something that lasts longer. I am one of their favourites, so most of the time, they support me in all I do positively.
Does it bother you that artistes charge outrageous appearance fees?
This music thing is not easy. You need to put a lot in it, sometimes sleepless nights just for you to have something nice out there. But I believe when you start to reap from what you have sowed, you surely deserve the financial gains that comes your way.
So, you don’t believe the outrageous millions that even one song hit stars charge can run promoters out of business, thereby killing the music industry?
People have been singing before now. They will continue to sing and there will always be shows. Even music is the major profession in Heaven. I don’t believe what we charge can kill the industry
Even when corporate organisations that usually sponsor events have cut back on sponsorship budget?
The industry will sort itself if that happens. I don’t see it happening though
Can you do charity/free shows?
It depends because I did a lot of that when I was an upcoming act. I can do it to show love back to the street for supporting me and making me who I am today. I still do charity shows and few free shows depending on the personality
Do you have stage frights?
Yes. It doesn’t matter who you are, even if you have the biggest song in the world, it must surely happen. But with God, it has always been well. You meet different audiences at different shows, so you just need to do your thing by pleasing them or you will not get invited to shows again. That means you will not be making money again and I am not ready to stop making money bros.
That means you have to be on top of your game.
I intend to. I am working on my debut album which should drop before Easter. Out of the 15 tracks that I have already cut, only two are from the five singles that are already rocking the charts till now. The adverts will be out on billboards, posters etc. and my fans should expect something new, something different and more mind-blowing.
A lot of people felt you did not deserve to be Headies Act of the year because of your success with a single. It was a reserved award for acts who have dropped full albums, not singles. What do you think?
I told you from the start that God always has a hand in what I do. If I am the first musician to win the award with just a single, it is God’s doing. I never even expected the song to be a hit under two months. Now, I have to step up.
Have you ever been told you look much like Davido?
Yes bros. I think it is an honour to be compared with someone as big, successful as Davido. If I was not popular, will people ever compare me with Davido? I respect him a lot. He has done much in the little time he came onto the music scene.
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