Exposed Vocals Interviews AKINFELAY

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

AKINFELAY: Well ok uhm my Birth name is Opeyemi Emmanuel Akinfeleye. It’s long! I’m 19 and I grew up in two different countries, Nigeria (Lagos) and South Africa (Limpopo) but I was born in Lagos Nigeria. Becoming an artist wasn’t something I saw, we just played around with it and as time passed I realized it’s the best craft I’m great at.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

AKINFELAY: its really funny, while I schooled in S.a the teachers would call my surname as Akinfelay, it sounded cool to everyone so it just stock. Plus I love it. It reminds me of my family.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

AKINFELAY: I think it’s the fastest and easiest platforms for us artists. People get to listen, criticize and applaud you. Sometimes we get opportunities as well. I give my music for free as at now to gain exposure and fan base as I get bigger it’ll change hopefully.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

AKINFELAY: Make sure you’re proud of your work, acquire as much knowledge as you can, mix with your peers, make great friend. People who do the same thing as you do, that way you can plan together and work too. Finally pray always.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

AKINFELAY: Wow that’s a great question. I mean yes I do I’m not perfect sometimes the speakers from the show or mic could be bad and I’d be rapping slower or going off beat haha. I just try to relate with the fans the people who allow me there and not act like I made a big mistake. it’s annoying for me too but it’s my job.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about? 

AKINFELAY: I haven’t started going on tour yet I’m still working on making more music and releasing my Ep to the people, but i do perform at different shows in my city nearby to promote the brand. There’s this time performed at a club in my area id just dropped my first single Love & Barz. i was so surprised to see people come to me to collect the song and compliment me. Didn’t expect that from a club. I was so happy.

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?  

AKINFELAY: I get my inspiration from my mom, friends and the artists I listen to like j Cole and M.I Abaga. My song writing process changes from time to time there’s no specific process honestly..

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

AKINFELAY: Well Yes, you can check me out on soundcloud, search Akinfelay, Google me, I’m also @opeyemi_Ak on twitter and @akinfelay on Instagram. Facebook OPEYEMI EMMANUEL AKINFELEYE or click on this link.https://soundcloud.com/user-92958864/bless_akinfelay
my new single would also be out in stores on the 19^th of August so please buy that. Search BLESS_AKINFELAY on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and any other store. Support.

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

AKINFELAY: hahaha some weird Nigerian songs, they loud but great, they make me dance i dont wanna call names or cast my people haha.

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?  

AKINFELAY: wow, I think I’d establish myself educationally and musically. Also Give back to the less privileged, the needy build a house and still actually give back. It’s important.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?  

AKINFELAY: Of course more music and my EP. Also working with different producers and artists who are young and fresh from South Africa and Nigeria. @Sims_xaba29, Morrison Black Phoenix and Teddy G they Talented Also my bro @MR_LENZY acting comedy skits on Instagram I’m featured on one.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

AKINFELAY: Online websites/ social media my friends work best for me. Radio and also sharing my music with DJ’s to play around at the club or where ever. It helps this way.

 

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why? 

AKINFELAY: I’d Love to perform in the Nigerian HeadIES awards and MTV base Mamas too. Id lovee to perform with MI ABAGA , VECTOR, J COLE, HHP, CASSPER, LAURYN HILL AND AKA. i feel like i relate to them a lot.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

AKINFELAY: I’m working on an Ep right now called “Foreign Land” it’s a story about myself in full and the things I went through in a foreign land I also talk about deep things like friends, family, girls and life in general. Good music!
We’d release about two songs before the Ep drops hopefully.

 

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?  

AKINFELAY: I really don’t know that’s the only thing I see right now as a career for me.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?  

AKINFELAY: Yes I do. J COLE. I cried. Felt he was talking to me and I have to tell my story myself.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?  

AKINFELAY: its stressful, school and music but I try my best to balance them it’s not easy I must confess. When school is over with I’d be fully in my music

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?  

AKINFELAY:  look forward to my song coming out on the 19^th of August in stores! You can pre order on Amazon at the moment! ,Ep titled foreign land and performances by God’s grace. Bless!