In a week, it will be one year since Dagrin died. Oluwaseyi Ademoye, a.k.a Sheyman, talks to TADE MAKINDE on his efforts at getting his colleagues to feature in the Tribute song for the late rapper.
Which do you think is more profitable, being a producer or an artiste?
LET me clarify this issue, I never started as producer, but as an artiste. Both are okay for me though. Being an artiste has made me more money than being a producer. Although the production area of it has brought me fame as most of the songs that I have produced are doing fine, the artiste part of it is not bad as well.
If you are to make a change in the country’s music industry, what would that be and why?
It would be in the fight against piracy because they are really causing a lot of harm to our music and our musicians. They don’t even allow original owners of these songs to have a share from our sweat. If am given the opportunity to effect any change in Nigeria’s music industry, it would be in handing down a severe punishment for any pirates, besides the usual jail term. Another thing is that our musicians should take time to scrutinize the lyrics before they go on air.
What is your view about the present day entertainment industry?
Seriously, we are getting there, but we will not progress if we don’t stop this issue of belonging to a clique or caucus. For me, I don’t believe in all that because I have got a lot that I am thinking about. What I believe is that whoever I work with must progress in the industry. What also baffles me is that some of us that have recorded hit songs already don’t want to give others the chance to get a break in the industry, which is selfishness. We should give others the opportunity of breaking out so that many can achieve their dreams.
As a producer, what are the things you consider before producing a song for an artiste?
When a song is brought to me for production, I listen to the song so I can determine the beat that can complement it. These days, however, musicians don’t even consider the content of their of song because all they want is a beat that will sell the song. So, before I sign a production deal with an artiste, I check the song and then decide the beat that would go with it.
For a while now you have been doing your thing alone. Is it true that you have a problem with Dr. Pat?
That I am currently doing my songs alone does not mean that I have a problem with Dr. Pat. We were never a group from inception, all we did was to see if our kind of music would be suitable for the Nigerian market. The result was Hotta Dan Fire. I have no rift with Dr. Pat. We are still friends.
In your own way, how would you contribute to the growth of other up-coming artistes?
Basically, contributing to the growth of other artistes, especially the up-coming ones, is not a problem but there is always the problem of financing. When I conclude that an artiste is good, the next thing is that I take him or her to the studio for recording. I don’t care about what the person gives me in return, all I care about is the artiste’s standing. That will be a plus to my life.
What has fame done for you?
Frankly speaking, I try not to get carried away by my success. Before me, many people had walked this path and I always ask myself where they are today. Even as I speak, many are coming. When I allow that to happen to me, I believe the next thing would be that I start to misbehave, and that, I don’t want to happen to me.
What has been your achievement so far in the industry?
It is only God that crowns our efforts, but then, my participation as one of the judges in the first edition of Centage Superstar talent hunt, along side Dj Jimmy Jatt, OJB and KSB, has been an achievement for me. Also, I have produced various jingles for several brands and the group called Emerald, winner of the Nescafe African Revelation talent hunt, last year is another.
You have been criticized for including the all-star tribute to Dagrin in your latest album, how do you respond to that?
It should not be a material to start debating because I was the brain behind the song and as such I have the right to include it in my album, which I have already done. Another thing is that whoever is interested in putting the song on his or her album must seek my approval before doing so. We only did the song in remembrance of a beloved brother. I expect people to appreciate that and not crucify the motive.
So, you will solely benefit from the proceeds of the album?
Nope, we plan to hand over all the earnings of the tribute song to the family of the deceased.
What was the response of others when you decided to dedicate song to him?
My intention was to record a track for Dagrin, but before I went to the studio to record the song, I got a call from Ruggedman during which I informed him that I was doing a song for the late artiste. He said he would want me to give him 16 bars from the whole thing, but he ended up getting six bars and it went on like that. The painful thing, which saddened my heart, was that some notable artistes I called wouldn’t want anything to do with the project. They said they were too busy to do that. But at the end, even without their support, the song was recorded and it is doing so well for its purpose. I know and believe that the late artiste will be happy somewhere in Heaven.
