Obibini: Here comes the game changer!

Obibini is just fantastic on a track. He has a flawless delivery and punchlines to last him for days. When he features on your song, chances are he will probably steal the show. His fans are eagerly anticipating his debut album and are thrilled by Obibini’s energy and fire whenever he performs. Could 2016 be the year that he blows up and takes his career to the next level? I caught up with him to find out more.

How did you begin your career in music?

Obibini: Music was always my major love when I was growing up. My days in Adisadel College helped in nurturing my skills as a lyricist/rapper. I found myself in a 4-member rap group (Ill Deadly Ministaz) and I’d say we lived the music life, until we graduated and went our separate ways. Thanks to God’s guidance and my consistency in doing music, I’ve been able to gain recognition and respect, and now a lot of people are proud to be a part of the OBIBINI movement.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your career?

Obibini: The music industry is very expensive to indulge in. If you don’t meet the right investors on time, it will feel like you’re throwing the active years of your life away. There are a lot of empty-stomach days during this time. I’ve had a fair share of this experience.

Sometimes, you find yourself as the only person who believes in you. A lot of my colleagues have fallen off, but me, I keep my eyes on the prize. Last but not least, the media seems to concentrate on the same artistes everyday and fail to give some attention to the upcoming acts. It’s an age-old problem, one that will not go away anytime soon. I am well aware of this and I know it’s all part of the package so I face and conquer every challenge that comes my way.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Obibini: The world I live in is what inspires me. The love, the hate, poor people, rich people, politics, religion and even science. I apply everything I’ve ever learnt as a human being, to my music. Whatever the soul reveals to me, I put it in my songs, provocative or not. I don’t want to have any barriers as far my creativity is concerned.

What are you working on presently?

Obibini: Currently working on releasing my 2nd mixtape album which is going to be hosted by DJ Black again. My 1st official album launch follows in line. With the help of my team, Toontoom/S&L, I’m shooting a lot of videos in between time and putting in work to make sure the brand is on point and then we ‘take over’. It’s going to be a great year, and I plan to make the most of it.

. What do you normally talk about in your music?

Obibini: Normally, my music is hope-restoring. I want my music to be uplifting. I want my music to be there for those who feel lost and left out. As a result, I focus mainly on social issues. I’ve addressed marriage issues, tolerance for each other, bleaching, child deliquency, politics and religion. There are party songs along the line though, and of course, songs to depict my lyrical prowess.

What do you hope to achieve through your career?

Obibini: I want to be known as a musician who was not only successful, but contributed immensely to the betterment of humanity. I admire a Grammy, but I cherish a Nobel Prize more.

With so much competition out there, where would you say your brand fits in?

Obibini: I believe my style of rap represents a new dawn in the music industry. I’ve listened to the cats out there and I can tell there’s a big difference. Honestly, I’m not looking to capture everybody in my net. I only want my own. I say this because people stoop low, or switch styles because they want to be accepted into the mainstream; so bad. That greatly reduces your shelf-life as an artiste. All I know is I’m dope and ever ready to prove myself worthy. My team will take care of the business part.

What advice would you give to upcoming artists reading this?

Obibini: Never give up on your dreams, even if you’re the only one who believes in them. People will always be people, and talk stuff. It’s up to you to prove the unbelievers wrong. And God is everything. Stay focused on your goals and push for the stars. You also need to be original. Don’t copy blindly. It’s important for an artist to be a leader and not a follower. That’s how superstars are made.

What does 2016 hold for you?

Obibini: 2016 is the year I become a household name, not only in Africa, but the rest of the world. My fans would be the happiest, because they’d know they haven’t supported in vain. I’ll honour them with plaques, Insha Allah (laughs). I also look forward to collaborating with the artistes that I respect and letting them have a taste of my venomous ‘spit’. It’s all love. Like Jesus, I came to fulfil and not subtract.

A message to your fans?

Obibini: I know I have core fans and not lukewarm ones. I cherish and respect them a lot because my music isn’t necessarily mainstream yet they love it. I thank them for having the patience to listen to me, and loving me as the end result. I promise nothing but the best. EBINOM KLICK is going to be the envy of mankind. The rap game will never be the same.