I only took a break from music – Tolu Maintain

Tolu Jeje Maintain: I have been up, down, around and about generally, doing this and that trying to survive and be a man. About the cold I did fall in and out of it, you know what I mean, abi? (Laughing) WM: Why did you leave the Maintain group, was there any misunderstanding? There was […]

Tolu Jeje Maintain: I have been up, down, around and about generally, doing this and that trying to survive and be a man. About the cold I did fall in and out of it, you know what I mean, abi? (Laughing)

WM: Why did you leave the Maintain group, was there any misunderstanding?

There was no misunderstanding within the Maintain group, there just comes a time in a man’s life when they think they are matured enough to be a little bit more independent. We are still all cool, myself, Olu Maintain and Bigbamo.  Spoke to Bamo on phone some days ago and Olu a month back though he seems to be very busy these days.

WM: Word has it that you opted for a job with the NNPC, was it because music was not giving you the kind of money you wanted?

I didn’t opt out of music, I just took a break. In fact, we (3 of us) all did and each of us returned when we felt it was best to. Yeah I secured a job with NNPC it had nothing to do with money, it was just about me wanting to experience another side of life….

WM: So why did it take you this long to get back?

It took me this long to come back into music because doing a 9-5 job takes a lot of time and there is more responsibility involved. I felt there was  still a lot in me that I  got to give to people out there musically, that is why am back on board.

WM: You cousin and partner in the Maintain group has paid his dues in the entertainment industry, do you think you can achieve this same fate?

No comments, as nothing pass God!

WM: Your debut album is on the way, do you think it will make the desired headway?

My album will bring back what I have put into it. Like people say ‘you reap what you sow’, am coming back to give people what I have in me and I believe it will be accepted.

WM: What are we to look forward to in this upcoming album of yours?

People should look forward to the same Maintain, laid back kind of  music feel, that makes you want to listen, laugh and dance all at once. It’s a good album with a little more modern touch.

WM: What is the relationship between yourself and Olu like, is it still ever green or rusty?

Olu is my first cousin, so our relationship is nothing but green forever. We talk on phone often, chat online and so on, though we have not seen in years, and I believe we are really happy for one another. We miss each other a lot for sure, I still get to see Bamo more often as Olu is frequently travelled these days but I do miss them both a lot. Thanks to the web and phones that keeps us close.

WM: Have you had any regrets dumping music?

I have no regrets because I didn’t dump music, I only took a break!

WM: Did your involvement in music face any criticism from parents or friends?

Yeah I faced some criticism when I laid back for a while. You know questions were asked and eyebrows were raised but with God and the strong support of my ever loving fans, I got well over it all and now am as cool as ever. Parents understood because I wasn’t laying back from music for a bad reason. It was to go and serve my country for a while.

WM: What about you leaving the group, it must have been a difficult decision, did you face any criticism?

 No comment, you no go put me for troubles!

WM: When is your debut album to be released?

By God’s grace my album should be due before the half-year because I want to leave no stone unturned.

WM: Don’t you think it will be difficult and challenging trying to make your mark in an area where you deserted. How do you intend to maneuver your way through these challenges ahead of you?

Being a known artiste from a former group wouldn’t make it as difficult for me to get back on my feet though there are a lot of good music and artistes out there. It might be a little challenging at first but God has gone before me to clear the path and put me back where He thinks I deserve to be.

WM: Your come back, does it mean we might be seeing the Maintain group emerge again?

There has been some talk about I and Olu doing stuff together which might just be true and you know, the Maintain group coming back thing will be answered in due course, let’s just keep our hands crossed and watch what the future has in stock for us!

WM: Now that you are back to the entertainment industry, are you sure this is what you really want as some people are skeptical of your return and intentions?

Am coming back into music because of my fans and for the fact that it’s one of the very few things I enjoy doing. Am not coming back for a competition or to prove a big fact, as I said earlier am coming back because I have a lot to offer.

WM: What are some of the challenges you have faced so far trying to find your footing again in the entertainment industry?

Well you know it’s difficult to walk into a radio or television house and mention the name Tolu Maintain without being given a big bill just to be welcomed back into the arms of old friends but God will sort it all out, so djs and presenters abeg ooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!

WM: How about a wifey, are you still looking for one?

Nope! I have found a wifey two years ago.

WM:  Any last words for your fans?    

I love all my fans, keep your fingers crossed and very soon you will all get what you’ve been missing. Stay true, protected and trust God!

WM: Lastly, why the name Tolu Jeje Maintain?

Tolu Jeje just depicts the fact that I am generally an easy going and simple person and that I still maintain!