A musical revolution is about to be ignited and the driver behind this move is 20-year old Nigerian musician, Haaj_Silver. While bracing up to carve a niche for himself in the Nigerian music industry regardless of the competition ahead, he says he has a focus.
Meet Hazzan Babatunde who is popularly called Haaj-Silver. He is one of the up and coming artistes focused on Afro Pop Music and thrives only in his ability to make people happy through his style of music.
Hassan, an undergraduate of Bowen University, in this chat with PMParrot speaks about his early discovery of his musical talent and how he developed his style of music.
The promising music act is set to release two amazing songs titled ‘Juru and Pretty Love’ on the 8th of October, 2017 and according to his management, the impact would be felt massively in Lagos which is the epicentre of entertainment in Nigeria.
He recently visited out Corporate Office in Ibadan where he spoke exclusively with the duo of KUNLE GAZALI and MARIAM AZEEZ. Excerpts:
Let our esteemed readers meet you and brief them about your background?
My name is Ajani Hassan Babatunde and my stage name is Haaj_Silver, I attended George and Duke Nursery and Primary School and Oritamefa Baptist Model School both in Ibadan for my primary and secondary school education. I am presently running my undergraduate programme at the Bowen University, Iwo in the State of Osun.
As an up and coming artist, which kind of music are you into?
The type of music I am into is Afro Pop. I can do Hip Pop music, I can sing Afro Music, but I am specialized in Afro Hip-Hop. When you check on the meaning of Afro Hip-Hop music, you will realize it is the combination of Hip Hop and Afro Music.
Why did you venture into music and from where did you inherit it?
My journey into music I can say was as a result of the love I have for it. And also I want to say I did not inherit music from any of my family members, because no member of my family is into music. What I say about my journey into music is that, it was destined. This is because if you look into the Arabic meaning of my name (Hassan) you will understand what I am saying. The meaning of Hassan itself is music. So, if you ask me why I am into music, then, I will say I was born into music.
Who are the people in the music industry that you are looking up to as sources of inspiration?
Well, everybody has one or two people he is looking up to as role models or as mentors, so in my own case, I can say I am looking up to Wizkid in Nigeria. On the international scene, the artist I am looking up to is Tory Lanes; this is because I love his style of music and lyrics.
How many tracks you have produced and which one are you working on?
I have not released any track, but presently, I am working on two promo tracks, which are titled ‘Juru’ and ‘Pretty Love’. The first one will soon hit the town for fans out there to have full time enjoyment.
How do you intend to manage your education with your music career?
I started my music career in the year 2015 and I have been able to manage it with my education. With the help of God Almighty and assistance from my manager, I am trying to maintain balance between my education and musical career.
What are your sources of inspiration?
See my people, the whole inspiration is from God Almighty, but I will say that I make use of things going on around me for inspiration. Once I hear the beat, the inspiration will surely come. I don’t smoke and as well don’t drink. It is God that always ‘gingers my swagger’ any time I am on stage. I am a kind of artist that always focuses on what I do in order to surpass those that I am looking up to.
Can you share your dream with us?Â
My dream is to be known throughout Nigeria and beyond. I want to become a super star and become a successful person in life.
Will you dump music if you are offered a multi-million naira job by Dangote or any multinational company in Nigeria after graduation?
Yeah, well, you know what, before I complete my education at Bowen University I am very sure that I am going to make my money, so, I won’t be attracted by anybody’s offer outside music and entertainment.
Do you think Nigerian music industry is improving?
Yes, very well, the Nigerian music industry is the best in Africa, because if you look at how artistes like Wizkid, Olamide, Davido, and many other artistes are doing and the way they are being recognized in the country and beyond you will see that our industry is improving. Fans outside the country also are looking up to them, they believe in them and prefer them to come on stage to perform for them any time.
What do think will make your style of music different from those of other artistes?
I think my style will be different from others because I am a type of artist who combines rap with good lyrics. I don’t just sing, most of the artistes can’t rap and those that can rap cannot make good lyrics, but I am an artist who can rap very well, if I’m given a rap beat and I make good lyrics, –  these I think will make me different from others. God has given me the talent to do many things as far as music is concerned.
Who do you want to make a shout out to?
I want to thank my parents for their support because without them, I will not be able to do anything in music; they gave me enough chance to display the talent given to me by God Almighty. I want to thank my manager also, he has been there for me, my friends at Bowen University and also to my fans, you are all great.
