INTERVIEW: GABRIEL AFOLAYAN SPEAKS AT LENGTH ON HIS MUSIC CAREER
It is no longer news that seasoned actor Gabriel Afolayan, son of late film maker Adeyemi Afolayan and brother to accomplished actors, Kunle and Aremu Afolayan is dipping his hand into another pie, which is music.
In this interview, the debutante who is chanelling every faction of his talents into becoming a well-rounded artiste and who isn’t cowed by the presence of other established or upcoming artistes spoke at length about his sojourn into music amongst other issues.
1) Gabriel Afolayan is very successful in the acting terrain, what’s driving you into music?
Its strictly passion and music appreciation that is driving me on into the arena.
2) What kind of music do you do?
I do African soul
3) Your sizzling hot single, ‘Kokoro Ife’ is generating a lot of buzz everywhere, how do you feel about this?
I feel so happy and its surprising.
Never thought it would be this accepted, there’s this negative buzz about actors diversifying into music because they don’t get much roles again and thus have to supplement their earnings with music. No! The case is different, I’m just passionate about music and seeing this level of appreciation makes want to put in more efforts on my material.
3) Kokoro Ife is purely a love song. Is there any story behind the song or was it something you just stumbled on?
Kokoro ife is inspired by love and its complications. The continuous search for love and how we all rendezvous at the same spot. If you pay attention to the song you’ll find out the mode at which the guy searched and still couldn’t find, meaning you don’t set out searching for love, it comes to you natural. And the typical lesson is “if you are opportuned to secure love, hold on to it and cherish it”. This was said in the first 4 lines of the first verse. Basically Love is what the world seeks.
4) How long have you been into music?
Many people are not aware of the fact that I didn’t just make the decision to do music, I’ve been on the journey for long.
I started music professionally in 1997.
I was signed as a back up singer to a studio called phynix in Ibadan, Oyo State.
And also I used to back up for one- man band then as well. I was born a Baptist, I’ve been a chorister way back. I also had a musical group while in the Univeristy (University of Ibadan).
5) Are you quitting the stage for music or is there going to be a balance?
No way! I won’t. There is a balance already. I am under a management called studio 6 multimedia ltd; they have Studio 6 films and Studio 6 music. I’m like a complete brand to them and we have proper scheduling.
6) The music industry is highly competitive, how prepared are you for this?
I am prepared for the game cos I have something to offer in terms of my style. I listen to all kind of songs. But I appreciate soul music the most and it has inspired my style. That does not stop me from doing fast songs. It’s just that I would want to be known for a particular movement in music. I know about the competitive nature of the music industry and I must say it’s really making the game grow.
7) How far do you see yourself going in music?
The field is large enough. I am not coming in to drag or brag about anything. I am in music to bless the game with my uniqueness. And I know I will surely pull my own crowd/fans. I would surely contribute my quota. I’m going very far.
8) Any plans to release an album yet or feature other accomplished acts?
My album project is still in view but I’m just dropping singles for now. So I have just been recording songs at random. Although we’ve pencilled down some notable collaborations which I want to keep under wraps now.
9) Who is or are your influence(s) in the music industry.
A lot of them. I’m influenced by so many veteran musicians, talk of King Sunny Ade, Haruna Ishola, Ebenezer Obey, KWAM 1, Obesere, Victor Uwaifo, Segun Adewale, Admiral Adekunle, Sir Shina Peters, Kolawole Ayinla, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Pasuma, Kenny Kore, Samsong, Ty Bello, Tiwa Savage, W4, Wizkid, 2face, BankyW, Sound Sultan, Gt guitar man, Asa, Yinka Davies, Ego, Wande Coal, Lara George,Terry G and lots more. On the foreign scene I have Anthony Hamilton, Sisqo, Tyrese, Mario, Lauren Hill, Brandy, Smoky Robinson, Nat King Cole, Louis amstrong; the list is endless.
10) Considering the nature of your jobs now, how do you unwind?
The only time I unwind is when I want to sleep at night. The job itself is a whole lot of fun.
11) Has being the son of a film legend influenced you or opened doors for you in both careers?
It calls for more. Being from that source brings a lot of challenges. People pay attention to every detail, there are certain things they accept from others that they won’t take from you, it goes beyond being basking in the infleunce of my late father, it is really challenging.
Download Gabriel’s single, ‘Kokoro Ife’ (Love bug).
PHOTO OF THE DAY: MOTHER&CHILDREN KILL CROCODILE FOR SUPPER
Wonders shall never cease? Mother and children killing crocodile. How did they manage to tame this crocodile? How did they bring it to that slab alive?
The small girl is so brave. Pinning the (perhaps dead) creature's mouth down is one thing I can't imagine doing. What if it just rises up and bites her hand or do some silly stuffs? I wish I can get answers to these questions but trust me this is a big surprise! And kudos to these fearless people .
LIONEL MESSI MOVES TO FRENCH CLUB
Like what seriously went wrong with his contract in Barcelona? That was the question that came to my mind when I heard about this gist but never mind, its not the same Lionel Messi we all know.A 16 year-old French footballer caused confusion in a Togo-based club when his name appeared on their database, subsequent research however revealed that he was merely bearing the same name with Argentina/Barcelona icon, lionel Messi.
However the Cameroonian mid-fielder who after putting up an impressive performance during a trial match organized in Angers club was offered a contract.
The club spokesman said: "We were shocked to learn that Lionel Messi had signed with Angers.
"We never get confused because even though our database now contains more than a million football players each player has his own person ID"Source: PunchAnother phenomenon in the making???
NIGERIA-BORN AMERICAN ACTOR, GBENGA AKINNAGBE, NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS, TONTO DIKE HEADLINE COMPLETE FASHION MAGAZINE
AMERICAN ACTRESS, KATE WINSLET RUES NUDE SCENES IN TITANIC MOVIE
American actress and Titanic star Kate Winslet regrets her nude scenes in the 1997 box office, Titanic.
The sultry actress during the premiere of the 3D version of the film which took place in London yesterday stated that she wasn't eager to watch the scenes where she disrobed for a portrait."I'm not going to look. I'll be in the bar by that point."
It is like being forced to go through a photo album of your former self for three and a half hours solidly. I haven't seen the whole film in a very long time but it's a whole different me and we look much younger and our acting was different, hopefully not as good as now."It's ok darling. You were wonderful in other scenes.
Source: British Vogue
ACTRESS LOLA ALAO SET TO ADD TWO FEATHERS TO HER CAP.
Kogi State-born actress Lola Alao might have been a little absent in movies but that doesn't mean she has taken the back seat.The former air hostess with the defunct Okada Airlines who has just rounded work on a telecoms project is set to make statements with the launch two of her personal projects.
Come 6th May, the accomplished actress will premiere her red-hot movie, 'She Ike Mi'.
The movie parades renowned artistes like Muyiwa Adegoke (Londoner) Bimbo Akintola, Akin Lewis, Said Balogun, Moji Olaiya and many more. This same year, the delectable mother who became well-known after her role in Zeb Ejiro's celebrated soap opera, 'Ripples' which was aired in the 1990s will join the league of celebrity enterpreneurs when she throws the door of her luxurious restaurant, 'Lola Alao kitchen' open to upscale diners, friends, fans, well-wishers to mention a few.
AMERICAN SINGER, JENNIFER LOPEZ TO HEADLINE BRAZILIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL
43 year-old singer, actress and enterpreneur, Jennifer Lopez will in few months time headline a music festival in Brazil.
J-lo as fondly called who shot into prominence after the release of her album, 'On the 6' in 1999 visited the country (Brazil) for the first time this week to spread word on her Latin-based show, 'Q'Viva'.
The American Idol judge would be performing at the Pop Music Festival in Sao Paulo on June 23 and in Rio de Janiero on June 27.
ENTERTAINMENT CONSULTANT, TONI PAYNE UNVEILS REALITY TV SHOW "MY CHAMPAYNE LIFE"
Toni Payne, former US-based cosmetologist turned Public Relations Executive cum consultant is one personality who doesn't need introduction.
The self-styled Olori and CEO, Toni Payne Concepts; a music, beauty and fashion firm is one dynamic and versatile individual who has created a niche for herself in the entertainment industry.
Come April, the enstranged wife of Yoruba lyricist; Abolore Akande a.k.a 9ice who introduced her unique online radio few months back will unveil her new reality series.
With Toni Payne: My ChamPayne Life; the ravishing socialite would give her avid followers and fans an insight into her diurnal activities as a PR Executive, enterpreneur and mother.
Powered by Reel E Networks; the reality show will be beamed across STV NETWORKS (Monday 2pm), TVC (Wednesday 630pm), DBN LAGOS (Tuesday 11pm & Saturday 9:30pm), ITV ABJ (Tuesday 6:30pm), ITV BENIN (Thursday 10:30pm), BCOS IBADAN (Friday 10pm, Tuesady 9am), ESTV ENUGU (Wednesday 10:30pm), DBS ASABA (Tuesday 10:30pm) MBI Obosi (Saturday 10:30pm) it will also be aired on MNET as well as TV stations in the UK and USA.
REAL MADRID TO BUILD $1BILLION ISLAND RESORT
By January 2015, the management of Spanish football team, Real Madrid would have completed the construction of a $1 billion Island resort in the United Arab Emirates.
Labelled The Real Madrid Resort Island, the island will boast of features like 60 luxury bungalows, a 5 star hotel containing 450 rooms, a marina complete with a yacht club, a theme park, the first-ever stadium with one side open to the sea and a holographic football show.Source: goal.com