How I moved from being a mechanic to a music star – singer Khaid

By Victoria Oluwayemi

Sulaimon Solomon, the rising star better known as Khaid, has opened up about his extraordinary journey from a grease-covered mechanic to a promising force in the music industry.

In an interview with PUNCH, Khaid reflected on his childhood, growing up in a family of eight children in the Ojo area of Lagos State.

His father, a tailor, and his mother, a teacher and hairstylist, played a significant role in shaping his early influences.

The family’s diverse musical tastes, ranging from fuji music to Michael Jackson, laid the foundation for Khaid’s  musical journey.

Khaid disclosed that his foray into music began during his secondary school years, sparked by his participation in an annual rap competition.

His exposure to foreign music, particularly through Michael Jackson, ignited a passion for trap music, eventually leading him to create trap songs of his own.

Despite his musical aspirations, Khaid initially ventured into various street hustles, including stints as a mechanic, painter, and barber.

He explained that the fear of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) initially deterred him from pursuing a university education after completing secondary school.

The turning point in Khaid‘s life came when Sydney Talker, now a close friend and family member, reached out to him on Instagram.

Initially skeptical, Khaid thought Sydney’s follow and likes were from a fake account. However, their connection grew, leading to a pivotal moment when Khaid, still working as a mechanic, visited Sydney Talker and presented six songs during a freestyle session.

Khaid also revealed his ongoing plans to pursue higher education, highlighting a desire to attend university in the future.