6th July, 2023
Richhe Rocky is a Nigerian recording artiste and songwriter who hails from Badia Ijora, Apapa Lagos. Playful yet introspective, his desire for a unique music style reflects his love of Afrobeats, from African music traditions.
The musical genius whose real name is Adisa Ridwan Olamilekan writes songs and
records classical music with magical sounds. He dropped ‘Friends With Benefits’ featuring Otega, which gave him a breakthrough in the music industry in 2020.
Since then, he has continued to build his fan base with a creative process that is rooted in embracing uniqueness. In this interview with Taiwo Okanlawon, Richhe Rocky speaks about his career, humble beginning, and his upcoming projects.
Who is Richhe Rocky?
My name is Adisa Ridwan Olamilekan popularly known as Richhe Rocky, I am a Nigerian musical artiste, songwriter, and instrumentalist. I have a unique music style that reflects my love of Afrobeats, from African music traditions. In 2020, I releases FRIENDS WITH BENEFIT featuring Otega, which gave me a breakthrough in the music industry. FRIENDS WITH BENEFIT was tracklisted in my first body of work titled ICON EP, which was released on August 27th, 2020. I also dropped a couple of singles in 2021 which include ZERO BALANCE ft Oladips, LIFESTYLE, NCYL, and DIA.
I have also worked with some talents that I featured on their songs, including B.I.M.E by RAYMONEY, IYANU by SHADOWBOI, and UPDATE by S MUCH. I cherished my fans so much, and I call them RockyFamz because they are my family.
What was your growing up like?
I grew up on the street of Badia Ijora, Apapa in Lagos State, though it wasn’t easy but thanks to the almighty and my family.
Take us through your creative process.
I built my creativity on a foundation of difference! Because I believe that once you are different, you can never be replaced.
How did you get into the music business?
It’s a long story but I say a big shout-out to my brother Adisa Ibrahim Olanrewaju CEO of 100 Cartel Music Entertainment, he is gifted when it comes to talent. He made me discover most of my potential and he supports my brand a lot. I love him.
How long have you been in the music business?
Three years professionally.
How would you describe your struggle over the years to find your feet in the industry?
It’s been rough and tough but I am thankful to Almighty Allah for his blessings.
What are the challenges you’ve faced as a talent?
Critics, anxiety, insufficient promotional finance, and lack of support because, I only have my brother, my day one and my family believed.
Since when have you been into music and how is the business going with your brother?
I started music when I was 13 years old and my brother’s belief in my talent and his desire for talent management made me who I am today ever since he decided to push my music himself, he created the record label 100 Cartel Music and we got support from family and friends.
Who are the artists you have worked with and can share your experience working with these people?
Otega featured on my hit single titled ‘Friends with Benefits’ and it was a life-changing move for me, the experience was great. Shout out to my man Otega. Oladips also gave me a free verse for my jam ‘Zero Balance’, may God bless Omo Iya Aje for me, I love him so much. In the Diaspora, I featured AnitaWill (Phresh Kidd Ice) on my global record titled ‘Keep It Real’. More features to unfold soon.
How can Songwriters, and producers be getting enough credits?
I believe that if digital stores can add songwriters and producers’ names to every song topping music charts, that way they can get enough credits.
Who influences you in the music industry both in Nigeria and Diaspora?
Olamide, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Ed Sheeran, and Drake among others.
What do you think the future holds for the Afrobeats in the Western world?
Afrobeats is here to stay and grow bigger and better! Afrobeats will have the highest number of subgenres in the history of this planet, let the world wait and see.
Tell us about 100 Cartel music.
That’s my family name Cartel Group of Company ( CAR GOC) owned by Alhaji Adisa Saheed Ajibola.
What project are you currently working on now?
I am currently working on my debut album which drops this year. It is titled “Love and Humanity”.