Ayoleyi Solomon, famously known as Reekado Banks, is a young Nigerian singer and writer currently signed to the Mavin Records. He studied History at the University of Lagos. Since joining the Mavins, he has featured on posse cuts like Dorobucci, Adaobi and Looku Looku. I had a chance to engage in a conversation with him earlier on the week, below is the transcript of the chat that prevailed:
Hi Reekado, again thank you for having this chat with me. To get started, how did your dive into the music scene?
Music for me was something I ran to when I was bored. Although, I had loved music since I was little. But I remember I began to taking it seriously in 2008, when I had just finished my WAEC exams and there was a 3 month wait for my NECO exams. During this period, the only thing that kept me alive was composing and listening to music.
Who or what was a big inspiration thus far in your career?
Different people have inspired me for different reasons. My biggest inspiration so far would be my boss, Don Jazzy.
How did you meet Don Jazzy, and describe the experience please.
Like I will always say, it was a miracle. Don Jazzy sent out something on the Internet that people should send in their demo singles, my older brother helped me send mine and I was the only one chosen out of over 5,000 entries.
Now being a member of the Mavin Empire, describe the learning experience you have endured by being surrounded by many other talented artists.
We’ve learnt different things from each and everyone of the Mavin family. Not just music related stuff, but life teachings in general. For example, humility for me was learnt from Don Jazzy, I learnt patience was key from Di’ja, and fine boy looks from Korede Bello!
For the second half of 2015, what can we expect from you?
Right now all I can say is, after the release of my 3rd official single, KATAPOT which is a mid tempo alternative song, the club has missed me. So the remaining half of this year, we will see series of club oriented songs. I recently became a GLO ambassador and there are many more projects in the works.
Many youths are looking to you and Korede Bello as the future, what tips do you have for youths trying to make it in the industry?
First of all I’m happy they look up to us (Me, Di’ja and Korede) , and all I’ll say is, put God first and keep being hardworking.
What would you say is your exact genre of music?
I’d call it Sweet and sellable music!
How has your social life emerged since you’ve become a Mavin?
It’s been amazing. Thank God for the growth; I’m thankful for all the Reek addicts, they make it all worthwhile.
Any particular artist you hope to collaborate with in the near future?
There are so many of them, M.I, Chris Brown are the main two artists I hope to collab with in the near future, by God’s grace.
Congratulations on the house that you just built for your parents. That is amazing.
Thanks Gbemiga, I am honored to have been able to do it for them- They have given me more than enough. It is certainly the least I could have done.
With your social scene booming, any girlfriend present?
Hahah, yes I’m jealously in love with my music, and I hope to celebrate what’s yet come to out with all my fans soon.
-Mavin superstar- Thanks for having the time to chat. We from the Culture Custodian team, wish you best of luck in the years to come.
Thank you all for having me on this platform. God bless.
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