‘I’d probably be a star in the sky if I didn’t do music’

Singer, songwriter and guitarist, Aduke Aladekemo, simply known as Aduke, is hitting the limelight with her cool afro and soul-inspired music and great voice. The last of two children who hails from Ekiti State spoke to Daily Trust about her music. As another promising voice out of Nigeria, how would you describe your music? My […]

Singer, songwriter and guitarist, Aduke Aladekemo, simply known as Aduke, is hitting the limelight with her cool afro and soul-inspired music and great voice. The last of two children who hails from Ekiti State spoke to Daily Trust about her music.

As another promising voice out of Nigeria, how would you describe your music?
My music is cultural, afro and soul-inspired. I love to respond to my environment.
What influenced your style of music?
It is the need to be a mirror of my society and the desire to effect positive change.
When did your passion for music first manifest and realised you wanted to be a musician?
I’d say about 13 years ago.
You are quite competent with the guitar. Are there any other instruments you play?
I play the piano, percussion, some African instruments and I’m in the learning process with others.
Many people who weren’t familiar with your music and watched your performance at the Francophonie Festival in Abuja were surprised by how good you are. Is this a common reaction you get from people?
Yes. It is.
How important would you say music is to you?
 It’s everything.  It gives me essence.
Lagos has inspired a lot of arts and inspired your song “Made in Lagos”. To what extent would you say Lagos has inspired you?
I find Lagos very interesting, for someone who was born and spent her formative years in Osogbo, Osun State, Lagos is filled with so much story. Pick anyone and there’s a beautiful art to create.
When you were setting out as a budding singer, what were the challenges you faced before you made a break-through?
I faced financial challenges. They are still present. In a country without proper structures, things are difficult than usual.
Did your parents ask you to be an engineer or medical doctor or were they satisfied with you doing music?
My mother wanted me to be a lawyer. But she has come to accept that won’t happen. And I must say she’s really proud of me.
I understand you have a new singles dropping soon. Do you want to tell us more about it?
Let’s build suspense, please.  But I can tell you that there are lots of works coming. You would love them.
What are the chief concerns of your songs? What are the things that mattered to you the most that you have to express in your songs?
Life, reality, humanity, social reformation.
Listening to your music, one is reminded of other Nigerian greats like Asa and Nneka.
We are not too far apart. These are great women indeed. I love them both.
Who are the artistes who have inspired you the most?
Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley, Fela, Peter Tosh, Angelique, Nneka, Asa, Lucky Dube, India Arie. The list is endless.
When is your next album dropping because many of your fans are itching for it?
There are short projects to be out before the end of the year.
What has been your most fulfilling moment in music so far?
I am not sure that has come yet.
If you are not into music, what would you be doing?
I don’t think I would be on earth existing as a human, I would probably be a star in the sky.