Farm to Glory: How Music is Giving a Nigerian Farmer A Shot At Global Recognition

Earlier this year, Yoruba farmer turned singer, King Rapsodi released a song with the Delta-based pidgin rapper, Erigga. Titled Damage, the song has the potential moment in the career of the artist. King Rapsodi’s last project failed to gain the real traction he sought. Speaking on this, he said  “I put out an EP without having enough fans to stream it’. It is one valuable lesson I have learned in my career so far. When it happened, I was disappointed so I went back into the studio to create something new for Nigerians. That was the single with Erigga, and thank God, it was a success.” Since releasing that single back in June 2021, the singer has hit a collective number of streams totaling over a million on streaming platforms.

Christened  Rasaki Andrew Sodiki in Osun state in 1998, the singer who has Yoruba and Urhobo parentage credits both cultures for his development in music. After moving to Delta state during his formative years, he got influenced by the Warri entertainment circle. Warri and Sapele have always been a major hotbed of talent with artists, comedians, and other stars regularly migrating from the southern state to the nation’s commercial beehive – Lagos. ‘I came to Lagos to sing, showcase my talent, and get discovered.’

Since releasing that first single, the 23-year-old has experienced a stable rise and has further developed his craft, culminating with his single with already established Rapper, Erigga. The talented young artist, a multiskilled person, still finds pleasure in doing business and making money on the side. He works as a mobile software engineer and if he weren’t doing music today, he would possibly aspire to be a footballer or a well-known farmer in the ilks of the former president, Olusegun Obasanjo.“If not for music, I would continue playing football or go into the farm business fully. For me music is life. It’s more like the very skin covering my bones.” This love and passion for music, perhaps define the lengths he has gone in his short career thus far, with him hoping to one day become great like famous Nigerian artists -Wizkid and Davido- and helping other young artists to find their foot in the ever-challenging music industry.

The singer/songwriter knows the value of fans’ support and how they influence growth and have been instrumental in his meteoric rise. His voice, soft, smooth and melodic, has always been his unique selling point. Since that first single, he has released several songs on different streaming platforms, gaining confidence and further developing his music skills.“Music is such an important part of the society,” he explains. “As artists and songwriters, we are carriers of influence however we see it. The songs, sounds, and messages we put out via our music and art form, directly impact listeners in powerful ways. This is especially true of the youths and adolescents of our society, who are still extremely malleable to the world around them. It is why I always try to write conscious songs that not only inspire but send positive messages to anyone who listens to it. My songs cut across age as it is for both youths and adults.”

The singer understands how the industry works and how good music can sell itself with the right promotion. “Once your sound is accepted by the general public, it is easy to grow. The general public is ready to help you achieve your goals and even take you to higher heights. It is why I try to be consistent and always put out good music. So far, my family, friends, and listeners have been very supportive”

While not signed to any record label or management outfit, the talented singer keeps promoting his craft, as an independent artist. “Until I hit the big break, I’d keep doing my thing and putting my voice out there. I know it is tough as independent artists but it is not something unheard of as so many have achieved success as independent artists. I am open to any opportunity for growth but I won’t sit down and wait for opportunities to come. I have to keep doing music and showcasing myself.” And that forms the plan of the future for King Rapsodi, releasing good music. Until he drops his new single which is in the works, he’ll continue pushing his standout single, Damage ft Erigga. “I have new songs waiting to be released, I’m still putting finishing touches. When the time is right I’d drop them. For now, I’d tell fans and wellwishers to keep streaming my music and watch out for bigger projects”. This is just the beginning for the farmer turned singer. The world is his oasis and we’re all in it to watch him achieve his dreams.