Entertainment
I’m set for world —Sean Dampte
Sean Dampte is a fast rising artiste who says he is taking over with his music. He spoke to ROTIMI IGE about his plans for world domination.
Background
I am Oluyole Oluwaseun, formerly known as Dampte, but now Sean Dampte. Most people still call me Dampte. My secondary education was in Lagos. As God would have it, I have a master’s degree in Business Administration from a university in the United Kingdom and my Bachelors of Science degree from an American university. Like most people, my growing up was not all rosy. I can say that my parents tried to make sure we children never lacked.
You were in the Nigerian music industry and now you are an entertainer in the UK. In what ways are both similar and different?
Yes, you can say that definitely. There are glaring similarities and differences, but at the end of the day we all trying to bring out the best of Afrobeats. Production wise, the sounds around here are quite different but still borrow most of the African bass drums and melodies to make the something unique. So, for me, the similarities and differences are inter-woven along the line.
You recorded some success in Nigeria. Which song put the spotlight on you and how did you get inspiration for the song?
Yes. A couple of tracks in some months (like Alignment featuring Rayce and No) have brought attention. The inspiration normally builds from my environment. For the track ‘Alignment’, for instance, I draw comparisons between an exotic car and a beautiful lady.
How do you come up with your lyrics and beats?
It depends, really. Sometimes the beats or sound drives the track and other times it is the lyrics first. You try to get a melody that works and from there, you begin to build.
In Nigeria and abroad, who are those you have had to collaborate with?
I have worked with the likes of Goldhands in the US, Delirious and some many others in the UK. In Nigeria, I have had sounds from DXL, Fliptyce, Jomane and Joey Benks amongst others.
Your new single, ‘Million’, just dropped. Tell us about it.
Well, I hope people love it. That is all I expect, to be honest.
What happens if it doesn’t go the way you hope?
(Laughs) It will go the way I hope because my expectations are already in motion.
How was life for you in Lagos?
Lagos is and will always remain home. My family lives there, the same thing with friends and a lot of people who appreciate me as a person and the music I do. I come to Lagos at every opportunity.
Why did you leave Nigeria for England?
It was a difficult choice I had to make, but it was something that I felt strongly I had to do then and I did. It was not my first time living outside the country and so when I felt it was time to move again, I had to do it.
What do you think is responsible for the positive response that Nigerian music, especially Afrobeat, is garnering worldwide?
I believe our music expresses the mindset of the people. Nigerians are generally happy people and so our kind of music is that which brings you that happy feeling. Like Plato said, society changes when music changes. So I am guessing happy music, happy audience. Afrobeat to the world!
Do you really think Wizkid and others are truly making Afrobeat productions?
(Laughs) I believe Wizkid and the others are doing a great job at promoting our brand of music and culture.
Which musician(s) do you anticipate working with in Nigeria and beyond? And why these people?
In all honesty, there is no one artiste on my mind. I keep working as hard as I can and if the opportunity comes for more collaboration, then my team and I would have to consider.
Do you have plans to release an album anytime soon?
Who knows? Right now, I love the attention and the short span. Producing an album is something the team and I may have to consider.
What can bring you to Nigeria at this stage of your career?
Generally, I believe my sound is differently unique in the way I deliver my tracks and also the genuineness of which I am is what I try to put out there for everyone to see. So “If I say that I love you, no be joke.”
In a tragic turn of events, the iconic Nigerian comic actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has reportedly passed away.
A close source within the family confirmed the development, indicating that the beloved entertainer breathed his last on Saturday afternoon at Evercare Hospital, Lekki, where he had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Mr Ibu, celebrated for his exceptional comedic talent, had faced health challenges in the past year. In a noteworthy struggle, he underwent surgery to amputate one of his legs, a procedure necessitated by undisclosed health issues.
Throughout this period, the actor had openly sought support and prayers from his numerous fans and well-wishers.
The Nigerian entertainment industry mourns the loss of a true megastar, and fans worldwide express their condolences for the passing of a beloved figure who brought laughter and joy to countless lives through his memorable performances. The legacy of Mr Ibu, marked by his unique style and infectious humor, will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of fans and the annals of Nollywood history.
In a recent development surrounding the controversial death of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad, lawyers representing Mr. Joshua Aloba, the bereaved father, have taken a significant step. The legal team, led by Emmanuel Oroko, sent a letter dated Jan. 15th, 2024, to the Coroner overseeing the inquiry into the artist’s demise.
The letter urged the Coroner to summon Ayobami Fisayo (known as Spending), Boluwatife Adeyemo (Darosha), and Ibrahim Owodunni (Prime Boy) to provide testimonies and eyewitness accounts regarding the events leading to Mohbad’s death on Sept. 12, 2023.
The lawyers asserted that the insights from these three individuals would contribute essential factual evidence, shedding more light on the perceived unnatural and suspicious circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
“Our research for instance has shown that there were incidents on the 3rd Mainland Bridge at about 2.30 am (Sunday, September 10, 2023, that the appropriate witnesses did not mention and which no one has related at the Coroner Inquest and in our opinion would have given away the circumstantial event that led to the death of Ilerioluwa Aloba.
“In furtherance to the above, we believe that there were also events on 12 September 2023 at the deceased residential premises, which were not mentioned by the appropriate witnesses, and such information would have given a better insight into the real cause of the death of the deceased, as recent events have shown that some probable witnesses have been suborned.
“These key witnesses include the driver of the car that drove the deceased, his wife, his brother and the witnesses proposed to this honourable coroner Inquest court.
“Furthermore, we believe that the situation of the CCTV at the deceased residential premises not functional at the time the deceased and others came home may not be true”, the letter partly read.
The Afrobeats singer, based in Ikorodu, departed on Sept 12, 2023, at 27.
In a letter dated Sept 18th, 2023, addressed to Justice Mojisola Dada, Chief Coroner of the High Court of Lagos State, the legal firm Falana & Falana Chambers formally requested a coroner’s inquest into the artist’s passing.
Subsequent to the letter, preliminary inquiries into Mohbad’s demise commenced on Friday, Sept 29, 2023, at the Magistrate court in Ikorodu, Lagos.
Thus far, two police officers—ASP Oderinde-Gafar Ajibola and Muhammad Yusuf, both affiliated with the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba—have testified before the coroner, presenting the police’s findings on the matter.
Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi, the Coroner, has also heard the testimony of Mohbad’s Disc Jockey (DJ), Ajisegiri Ayobami, who asserted his presence with the artist on the day of his passing.
Renowned international disc jockey, DJ Power, is poised to set the stage ablaze at Good Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos, on the 29th of December 2023, signaling the commencement of his highly anticipated African tour.
DJ Power disclosed this during a press briefing held at Amber Residence, Ikeja, Lagos last Friday.
Baroque Works Studio, a leading entertainment powerhouse, also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DJ Power, taking on the role of chief promoter for the tour.
The Good Beach event is anticipated to be a standout moment, attracting music enthusiasts and fans from far and wide.
Showcasing his extraordinary talent, DJ Power’s African tour promises to be a musical journey traversing the continent. The event will pulsate with special energy and vibes, featuring DJ Power’s signature Afrobeat and Amapiano sounds, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience for attendees.
In an exclusive collaboration, CEOAFRICA has been named the official media partner for the event, ensuring comprehensive coverage across all its media channels. Fans can anticipate exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and live updates as the excitement builds.
The Good Beach event is expected to draw a diverse and lively crowd, bringing together music lovers of all ages to revel in the vibrant energy and creativity that DJ Power embodies.
Attendees can brace themselves for an electrifying live performance promising an experience that transcends musical boundaries.
As the countdown to the event begins, organisers are urging fans to secure their tickets early to avoid missing out on this unforgettable spectacle.
With the pledge of exceptional music, incredible performances, and an atmosphere to remember, DJ Power’s Good Beach performance is set to be a highlight of the year’s entertainment calendar.
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