Recently, Juju high-life singer, Aderemi Isayode popularly known as ‘Remi Glamour’ stormed the corporate office of Parrot Xtra Media Network. He was engaged by FAITH DAISI on many issue affecting the music industry in Nigeria. The musician spoke on diverse issues relating to the music industry among others. Excerpts:
Can we formally meet you?
My name is Aderemi Isayode, popularly known as ‘Remi glamour’. I am a musician.
What type of music do you play?
I am into high-life, juju and gospel music.
When did you start music?
Well, I started music about 36 years ago, around 1984. I started with a group called All for Christ Gospel Singers, with the likes of Rotimi Oyekanmi now based in America, Dayo Ojo now in United Kingdom, Yinka Adeniyi nicknamed ‘Melody’ among others.
When did you form your own group?
I decided to form my own group in February 1999 at the popular Challenge Cafe, in Ibadan, where we played to entertain lovers then with the likes of Yinka Adonai.
Have you ever released any album?
To the glory of God, I released my first album in the year 2002 titled ‘Glamour Dance’. The album was a success then because it used to rule the airwaves and it became the toast of party lovers. I have done a lot of singles and also featured in a lot of albums.
How has survival in the industry been?
It has been good, bad, rough and tough but these are expected…part of the things one will encounter in life. That is my belief because whatever happens in life, you just have to keep moving.
The album you dedicated to Sunny Ade when he clocked 70, how did you feel as a musician?
You know, there were lots of people who released their album for the celebration of the musical legend, King Sunny Ade when he celebrated his 70th birthday, but what makes me happy was that after listening to my song on that day at the Ooni of Ife’s palace, King Sunny Ade said “where have you been, this is music” and to my surprise, he gave me some money. You see, and I produced the music for him because he is a worthy leader in the industry. He is a veritable source of inspiration apart from God.
How do you think the government can support the music industry?
The problem of piracy and social media has created many problems for us in the music industry. If you are not creative, you cannot survive in the industry. Then there is the issue of high cost of sound and recording equipment. The government can only be of support when they make the economy to be in perfect order so sounds and studios equipment can be cheaper.
Are you planning to release any album soon?
By the grace of God, I am going to release an album this year and it is going to be a huge project. I have started it but before the end of the year it is going to be released.
What should your fans be expecting from you?
My fans should be expecting good music from me soonest. A reasonable one with heavy rhythm.
What motivated you in the first place to become a musician?
My motivation came from listening to music from veterans such as Baba Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade and I used to love hi-life music then, it was something I could do easily.
Any advice for upcoming musicians?
You know people of this generation want only money but my advice to upcoming artistes is that they should be passionate about whatever they are doing.
