Just Believe You Can Do It - TobianoAce
Smiles worthy of appreciable notice were posted on his lips at regular intervals as we talked about his personal and academic life, as well as his musical career. He shared with me generously. Read the handsome young man whose stage name rings a bell in the Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife, Nigeria. He is TobianoAce.
Everyone wants to know who TobianoAce is.
I am Morakinyo OluwaTobiloba. TobianoAce is
my stage name. My hometown is Oke Imesi in Ekiti state. I was born in Ibadan,
Oyo State. I had my primary and secondary education at Shama Nursery and
Primary School, and Baptist Grammar School Idi-Ishin, Ibadan. Presently, I am a
Part Two student of the Department of English Language, Obafemi Awolowo University,
where I am studying Literature-in-English.
How did you feel when you realised that you had been
granted admission to study Literature-In-English in Obafemi Awolowo University?
Wow! I was very happy because it is not
easy to gain admission to Obafemi Awolowo University. I had to study extra hard
to meet up with the institution's standard educational requirements. It is a
great privilege for me to be identified with OAU's Department of English where I am being polished to be a perfect user of the English language
in speech and in writing, to be a great mind and go on doing great with all.
So, how have you been able to manage study with an
active involvement in music concurrently?
My drives have been my mindset and
determination. People wonder how I manage both simultaneously so well that I
did not have a carryover in Part one. My belief is that if one is determined to
make meaning out of one's life with one's talent(s), one would dedicate every
needed time and attention to it. I am doing music, what I like to do and it is
helping me to develop. It is going well for me.
Which career interested you and prompted you to apply
to study Literature-in-English?
I have been associated with the arts since
my secondary school years. Music has always been my choice career. As I said
earlier, I am in OAU to be shaped into a great user of the English language
even as a music artist.
How far has music taken you? What have you achieved
with it?
I say glory be to God for everything so
far. Music has earned me fans, popularity and awards. I was honoured with the
Most Talented Male Award in the Department of English, OAU, for the 2015/2016
Academic session. I was in Part one then. It was an awesome experience. Being
OAU Next Rated Artist for the 2016/2017 Academic Session gives me a greater
joy. I have the support, the vote of my fans always for doing good music.
How many albums have you released?
None yet but I have some singles to my
credit that can make two compilation albums. I am taking my steps as graced. I
am delighted that my singles have been enjoying acceptance of people. My fans
want me to release more and I promise to release an album as soon as possible.
The news is everywhere on campus that you intend to
release a new single soon. What's about it?
Yes. The title of the new single is FAKOSI.
I did it for MTN and KINGS OF SOUNDS. Currently, the song is under streaming.
It is worth six million naira plus a record deal and MTN will shoot the song's
video for free which is a wondrous achievement for me. The streaming ends this
month after which I will release the single, FAKOSI. My fans should be getting
ready to receive FAKOSI by TobianoAce.
Beyond the deal, what are your future plans for music?
I am going into music fully. It is what I
am born to do. It is what I find easy to do. Music is natural. I sing anytime I
have the honour of doing it. Seriously speaking, I want to be like Wizkid.
What are your hobbies apart from singing?
I play football and I love to spend my
spare time with friends.
When was the most embarrassing moment in your life?
It was a day I attended a Musical Concert
at Club B3, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye all the way from
Ile-ife. On getting there, the organisers of the concert told me I would not be
able to perform even though I was invited as a guest artist. I was highly
embarrassed because I was not given the much desired and deserved explanation
for the denial.
What are your dislikes?
I hate fake lovers and fake friends. They
are hurtful and harmful.
What is your best food?
I do not have special preference for any
food. I take any food that tastes yummy.
Which of your parents are you fonder of?
My Mum, MAMA Oluwatobiloba of course.
Are you Single?
Practically YES, and Practically NO...
(Laughs) please don't ask me why ooo...
What message do you have for your fans, Tobi?
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