Did you know that there are approximately 4.66 billion active internet users worldwide? Can you imagine all the different ways in which we all use the internet? Obasanjo’s Internet is our interview series where we speak to some of our internet favourites on how they relate to the internet and what it means to them and their work. This week, musician Kehinde talks to us about how he uses Obasanjo’s Internet
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
I would say it’s never the same honestly, cause some days you’d want to pray, and some days you might have something to do in the morning, so that’s what you want to do first. But essentially, it’s sure as hell that I’ll check the time.
How do you use the internet for work or pleasure?
Both, it just depends on what’s going on. If I’m busy, I probably won’t even use the internet. But If I’m on the Internet, it’s probably for pleasure but the work side of it will be to promote music.
What moment or episode in your life would you say captured the essence of the internet?
I can’t reflect on my whole life, but recently, I’ll say EndSars. That was a bit crazy cause everybody was pulling in from all around the world to focus on a Nigerian issue. That was a big moment to see what was possible. No one ordinarily cares about Nigerian issues but at that point, it felt like we mattered in some way, because of the internet.
Your favourite social media platform and why?
Instagram, just cause everything is open for interpretation. I feel images leave more to the imagination, for example, there’s just that thing of everyone seeing the same thing but interpreting it in different ways.
What was the last meme you saved?
I don’t do that. I never really caught on to meme culture. It’s cool, but it has never been my things
Do you remember the first time something you posted went viral? What was it? How did it make you feel?
I wouldn’t say I’ve had a viral moment, not in the way i’ll define a viral moment. There have been times when I’ll put stuff out and people will react nicely. It shouldn’t validate the craft, but it kinda does. It feels good.
What’s the most outrage you have ever generated over something you posted? How did you react to it?
I’ve never done any mad shit that everyone is pissed on a general scale, but 100% I’ve had people trying to diss my craft, saying different negative things but the key thing for that is not to take it too personally. Sometimes those bad comments can be taken and made into something positive.
What rules do you live by on the internet?
Privacy and illusiveness. I’ve never been the person to have many people around me at a time. It’s always like one, two or three people. Now that I have a lot more in play, and a lot more to lose, I just maintain my privacy, live my life, and grow gradually.
What is your guiltiest online pleasure?
On Instagram, motivational reels – essentially Pastors, some spiritual stuff like Buddhist monks, say some dope stuff. Even Islamic clerics say some dope stuff but mostly motivational videos. Self-help, spiritual stuff. My FBI guy
Would you say you have an online persona?
Nope, but obviously people will see stuff I put out there and interpret it differently. Their opinions aren’t real, it’s how they see it. You have to be around me to know the connection between what you see on the internet and my real life.
What’s your favourite emoji and why?
Hearts. I send hearts a lot. It just makes sense, spread love. You could curse me in a message and I’ll send you hearts, na you know.
Are you particular about your feed?
Yes. Everyone has an opinion about how I should handle my socials, but I don’t want to force anything. The internet is permanent and I’m very conscious about what I’m doing with music cause it’s just one moving part of my life and there are so many sides to my life. I’m conscious of how I present myself.
YouTube or TikTok? Which do you prefer and why?
YouTube. There is nothing you can’t do on YouTube. If you want to learn about anything in this life and if it’s not on YouTube, YouTube will give you information on how to get it. There is no message, help, Pastor, you’re looking for that you can’t start from YouTube. It’s a great repository at this point.
Which Nigerian creator do you think the world needs to see and hear more of?
Kehinde. When I finally get to where I’m going, everyone would be wondering how they didn’t catch on early.
Who is the coolest person you follow and the coolest person who follows you?
Portable. He’s just himself. Everyone who follows Portable probably feels like they know him or something. He’s very transparent and honest.
What is your favourite Nigerian podcast?
I don’t follow podcasts, but if someone does something that has clickbait stuff it’ll probably come up on my socials and it’ll probably catch on. Someone I’ve actually gone to their page to skim through what they have going on is Korty.
Have you ever hooked up with someone you met online?
Yeah 100%
5 people you’d love to see answer these questions
Kanye West, Damien Marley, Jay Z, Wiz Khalifa, Davido.
Read previous Obasanjo’s Internet entries here.