I’ve Been Taking My Time

Kolade Ibrahim Onanuga a.k.a. KLB 1, a university graduate who is a Fuji musician, spoke with P.M.Entertainment about Fuji music, his relationship with King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, K1 De Ultimate and his debut album

Kolade, what has been happening to you?

Lots of good things have been happening to me, morally, musically and generally.

People are of the opinion that you stay more outside the country than you stay in Nigeria?

That is not true because I stay more at home than abroad and anytime I have engagement outside the country, I do it and then return home.

Why haven’t you released any album despite your popularity?

Well, I have been taking my time to study the situation of things — like marketing among others.

People believe that your inability to come out with an album is due to the fact that you sing like K1, De Ultimate and that could affect the sale of your album?

That is not true. Playing K1’s brand of music is not a deterrent to my ability to come out with an album but is because I am new in the industry. I started singing after my first degree in the university. So, I have to study the industry well and get my own bearing right before releasing an album.

So what kind of music do you play?

I play classical and contemporary Fuiji music just like the master’s kind of music.

Are you working on an album now?

Yes. I am working on an album. In fact, I am in the studio working on my debut album.

What is the title?

I won’t disclose that for now. But for sure I’m still working in the studio.

Playing Fuji music as a graduate, I mean a university graduate. How do you feel?

Life itself is challenging but being educated has really taken me to places. In fact, my education has really helped me. So, I will say that education has helped me as a fuji musician.

What has been the advantage?

Well, let the public judge.

What of the negative aspect of it?

There is nothing negative about it. It is just that it is challenging. I won’t use the word, negative. Even life itself is challenging.

You have problems with your immediate family over your career?

Yes. They raised an eyebrow but they decided to let me be. As I told you in an earlier interview, when you are well read, you can delve into any profession inasmuch as you have your first degree.

Have you played for any of your immediate family?

I have played for them about three times. I even played on my dad’s 80th birthday recently, but it was a brief performance.

Was that the first time your dad watched you perform?

No. He met me at a party. In fact, he did not know that I was the one singing. He thought it was K1 until he got closer. He was told that I was the one singing and he appreciated me and pasted some naira notes on my forehead.

Was that the first time he gave you his blessings?

No. He has given his blessings ever since I started. He has been a wonderful father and blesses me everyday.

Was he surprised seeing you on stage?

He was not because he knew that was what I was doing but his only comment was “I never knew you sing so well.”

How did you feel that day?

I was happy that my father attended my show.

As a graduate, were you scared of any hindrance when you started singing?

No. I have loved Fuji music right from the time I was hanging out with K1 De Ultimate. He made me to love Fuji music, So I have always believed it is the music for the elite.

Did you tell K1 that you wanted to sing Fuji music?

Yes, I did. I went to his house in 2004 and he gave me his blessing.

What has been the relationship between you and K1 since then?

He has been a wonderful father, wonderful uncle, a great mentor.

It was rumoured that you had a rift with him recently. How true is that?

Eem, there was but thank God it is over.

What was the cause?

I wouldn’t want to speak about that. He is my father and that has passed and it is gone with the past.

Why do you play Fuji and not hip hop?

I always loved Fuji music and it is a unique music and being educated has helped me to achieve a lot of things within a short period I came into music. Education matters a lot in whatever you do in life.

Will you encourage any of your children to sing Fuji music?

Why not. But the child must be educated first.

You mean education has brought you wealth and achievement over the period?

My achievement is by the grace of God and my best is yet to come.

Some people are of the opinion that your are arrogant?

That is not me. Those who know me can attest to this, that I’m just a normal person. They take my being shy to be arrogance. You can also attest to it that I’m not arrogant.

How do you relate with your female fans?

I love my fans because they make things happen for me.

It is widely believed that musicians love women. Do you love women?

Yes. I love women and every man does. I love my mum, my sisters, I love everybody as long as you are human, I love you.

What about side kicks, you know what I mean?

I am not a saint to the best of my knowledge. But then, I will want to say that I’m a God fearing person.

Tell me which of these ‘Ws’ you do. I mean wine, weed and women?

I love everything about myself, though I am not a saint. Like I told you earlier, one weakness that I have is that I am an automobile freak.

So you will launch the album with a new car?

No. I am commemorating my birthday in April with the album launch. That is the only thing I can tell you.

What is the album title?

I am keeping that to my heart but one thing is sure, it will be out in April.