Jinmi Abduls born Folarin Oluwafeyijinmi Abdulsalami in Lagos in 1997, is a recording and performing singer-songwriter. He’s also an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, producer, and sound engineer who is sometimes seen as the undisputed leader of the romantic music industry. At 24, Abduls has a long list of hits under his belt, including Doremi and Greed. eelive.ng got a glimpse into the thoughts of this incredible young artiste for your delight. Here are excerpts from the conversation with Eelive.ng
In one sentence, explain the type of music you create.
I make good music. my music speaks for itself
How Did You Get Interested In Music At Such An Early Age?
I started playing music when I was approximately 10 or 11 years old. I had won a competition and was given radio phone, and I had just been exposed to a lot of music from all around the world. I used to listen to Olu Maintain, Faze, 9ice, and Eldee the Don. I used to listen to Yinka Ayefele on my way to school every morning, this inspired me.
Who Is Iyawo Jinmi?
I am single. I didn’t write the song about a romantic interest of mine. My parents’ love inspired the song. I, like everyone else, am searching for Iyawo Jinmi.
How Did You Discover Your Musical Niche?
Aside from being an artiste, I am also a producer, songwriter, and sound engineer. Within the music space, all of these things operate independently of one another. I am proficient in all of these areas, which allows me to combine sounds to create magic. I could blend a local beat with a foreign sound and my song writing is still prevalent in popular culture. This is what distinguishes my music.
What Is Your Least Favourite Aspect Of Being A Musician?
If you are a future musician reading this, do not, under any circumstances, search your name on Twitter. You’d see some great things here and there, but you’d also have to deal with a lot of unpleasant things.
What Do You Say To Fans Who Believe You Should Be Charting Higher?
Everyone has the right to an opinion. As an artiste, I market myself as a brand. The brand accounts for half of Jinmi Abuduls, while the music accounts for the other half. As an artiste, I knew I’d get a lot of bad feedback, so I understood what I was getting myself into.
Do You Believe These Negative Remarks Create Anxiety When It Comes To Releasing Music?
It causes a certain amount of depression. People have expectations of how you should conduct your life; as a result, you become accountable to everyone. Imagine being stuck somewhere and the only way out is by getting a bike, and the prospect of a fan noticing you on a bike prevents you from pursuing that choice because you are afraid of what would be said.
How Would You Describe A Typical Day In Your Life?
I get up, get high, turn on my computer, and listen to all of the songs I worked on the previous day. I work on 8-10 songs every day. I come up with new ideas on how to make them better while having breakfast.
What Were Your Feelings Like The First Time You Performed In Front Of A Crowd?
I’ve been in the industry at various levels over the years. My first time performing in front of a live audience was in high school. What you’d notice is that Jinmi Abduls is not an overnight success; my musical career has progressed through many periods. Many people mistake the fact that I was not an instant success as implying that I was not successful at all. My music has progressed through many stages, and I feel that in the next ten years, I will be much greater than I am now.
What Do You Think Your Music Will Be Like In The Next Ten Years?
I’ve progressed from a little artiste to a larger artiste over the last ten years, and I’ve done it all without the help of a record company or other outside sources. Consider where someone like me, with the experiences I’ve amassed, will be in the next ten years. Doing things on my own has taught me to be more innovative and to substitute money with intellectual power. To simply express, I believe I will be one of the best African artistes of the coming decade. By 2031, I hope to be a global artiste.
Do You Have An Industry Mentor?
I have a lot of respect for all of my industry big brothers. There are so many wonderful individuals I know I can depend on for various situations and they will be there for me. Bizzle Osikoya and Asa Asika have the closest relationship to a mentoring that I have experienced. They contacted me in 2019 and have been a blessing ever since. Despite the fact that they are not musicians, they are in the industry and have watched out for me.
In my personal life, I have an uncle, Uncle B, who is my mentor. Before making any major decisions, I consult with him. I lost my father when I was 17, and I believe it is critical for a young guy to have a father figure at that age. Uncle B has been that person for me. He provides excellent business advise.
What Is The Most Important Lesson You’ve Learned In The Industry?
My worst blunder was cramming too many good songs onto my debut EP, which generated confusion.Everyone had a favourite song, yet there were no major hits. I now understand that when you start a project, you don’t put all of your finest work into it.
How Do You Deal With Female Fans’ Attention?
My female fans are very important to me. Whenever they reach out me, I always respond.
Have You Ever Dated A Fan?
I have, in fact. They cease being your fan once they become your girlfriend. In the end, your music becomes their adversary. They are no longer enamoured with the music. Instead of a girlfriend, I’d rather have a fan.
Which Of Your Collaborations Is Your Favourite?
My best collaboration is on a forthcoming project with my artiste. It’s known as Soke.