Time-Out With Abel

The Nigerian music industry is fast becoming a force to reckon with, exporting our values, cultures and heritage to the outside world. Gone are those days when our television and radio stations only played foreign songs, these days our youths have taken up the whole armour of creativity to excel in the industry.
BackYardstudio met with Abel Ogunleye, a young up-and-coming artiste from the sunshine city of Akure in Ondo State. Simply called Abel, a graduate of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba, he is into gospel hip-hop. He invited us into his musical world. Excerpts:

BYS: How long have you been doing music?
Abel: I have been into music since my secondary school days in Osun State then with my church choir. They do call me AFIN the drummer. But I went fully into music when I was in Bauchi State serving as a youth corps member. It was then I started writing my songs via inspirations from God. I got the inspiration to write "e o le fiyajemi" some weeks to that gory incident that claimed the life of some youth corpers after the elections in 2011. Then, I never knew God was talking to me when I was writing down the song. God saved me. I narrowly escaped death. May the soul of those that lost their lives rest in peace.(Amen). Actually, I did that "modurole" track for all corpers who served during 2010\2011 batch.

BYS: What Record Label are you on?
Abel: Am still working on my own for now. No record label yet, although am still looking forward to such deal and unto God for the best.

BYS: Have you recorded any song with someone in the industry?
Abel: The most important person I have worked with for now happened to be my fiancee, Oyarebu Elizabeth. We met in Bauchi (smiles) and she has been there for me always.

BYS: When should we expect your album?
Abel: My album will be out before the end of September by God's grace
5- I av a lot tọ̥ deliever

BYS: If you had the opportunity, who do you wish to record a song with in the industry?
Abel: Now am planning to work with Femi Asana (Flames), Kore, Goke Bajowa the 'Arirarira' crooner and Chris Morgan. I love Chris so much.


BYS: How many songs should we expect on your debut album?
Abel: Yes...about 8 tracks now and some in the studio undergoing professional touches.

BYS: You know Lagos got big market for music, when do you intend to break
into the Lagos market?
Abel: I always commit my ways unto God. I know I will shake Lasgidi when my videos are out, my audio CD will be available there by early October and we shall pick things up from there.

BYS: So far, what’s the best advice that anyone has given you?
Abel: The best advice so far happened to be from my big sister on Raypower Fm Akure saying that "Abel don't give up" because I nearly let go the dream at a point in time, but the Lord's been faithful.

BYS: If not music, what would Abel be doing?
Abel: I like impacting, so I will love to maintain that line.

BYS: Do you have any talent that we don’t know about?
Abel: Am good on the drums and little Saxophone.

BYS: Name 3 Nigerian songs that we would expect to find on your iPod?
Abel: Songs from Chris Morgan, Kore and Dare Art Alade.

BYS: Do you write your own music?
Abel: Yes I do, I write all my songs myself with the help of God.

BYS: If you are caught on an Island, what are the things you would wish for?
Abel: Water, Bible and blanket.

BYS: Really? What about a music studio? *giggles* Alright thanks Abel for sharing this moment with us
Abel: Thanks a lot.