“I relocated here fully in 2020 and it feels good to represent Africa on the global platform.“
Akaycentric on his contributions to the Afrobeats movement.
Afrobeats has definitely cracked the global pop framework and earned access into global markets, hence the Afrobeats to the world movement. It is important to note that as much as we give credits to local artists who helped move Afrobeats beyond the borders of the continents with crossover hits, we must also appreciate the artists in the diaspora who worked to even give Afrobeats a standing feet in those markets.
One of the artists who has consistently contributed to the Afrobeats movement in the diaspora is Akaycentric. In recent times, having to make Afrobeats music from the diaspora is something not many have been able to score correctly and consistently. Even at such a far distance, he still connects well with his local audience, and never strayed away from the basics of his “Afrocentric” style of music.
In the aftermath of the release of his latest single “Imanse“, we were able to catch up with Akaycentric and discuss about a handful of interesting topics.
A-T: Take us on quick roll through your childhood days.
AKAY: I grew up in a music family as my grandfather used to play the orchestra in church. My dad also coped with that as he became a music lover which in turn also influenced us. My dad used to play a lot of music on Saturdays while we did the house chores. He often played Micheal Jackson, Lionel Richie. So I grew up listening to a lot of those artistes including Diana Ross. I believe my love for music started growing stronger during these period. Growing up was fun, my dad was in the Nigerian army and he retired as a colonel. I had the opportunity to see many states in Nigeria because we travelled around often.
A-T: Why did you choose music?
AKAY: In my secondary school, I had joined the music choir and later went on to join the church choir. I went on to build myself through this medium. Then I went on to various music auditions from Idols West Africa, Project Fame and more. I emerged the winner in two competitions, Face Music Competition and Vybes Plus Music Competition organized by Lagos Weekend Television (LTV 8). It was then I realized that I had a calling in music. I’ve been following it ever since.
A-T: What did you do after you won those competitions?
AKAY: Before then, I had made a song and featured Ice Prince in 2010. After the competitions, I went on to record more songs and later got signed to Monkey Media records, though I’m independent now.
A-T: Disect your stage name “Akaycentric” with us.
AKAY: My real names are Akinola Oshodi. My stage name was crafted from Akinola, Ak for short, but spelt Akay. I later added centric to make AkayCentric because of the type of music that I do is Afrocentric.
A-T: The resemblance between your name and sound is canny. Describe “Afrocentric”?
AKAY: I like to mix a bit of the western style with the African elements to give me that unique sound.
A-T: Your discography is well stacked, its been a long time since you started. How will you say the journey has been?
AKAY: I had my first studio experience in 2007. I recorded several gospel tracks which was paid for by my mum. My parents were very supportive and are still supportive now. The journey has been really good but sometimes you get discouraged especially at the stage when no one believes in you or sees your vision like you do. It’s going good so far, people are living with the song and I see a lot of people streaming too. I am also writing some new songs, so it is definitely good times.
[LISTEN]: Imanse by Akaycentric.
A-T: How does it feel being one of the artists moving Afrobeats forward in the diaspora, especially in the United States?
AKAY: I have been coming here since 2017. It has been back and forth since then. I come to shoot my music videos and went back to Nigeria to promote. However, I relocated here fully in 2020 and it feels good to represent Africa on the global platform.
A-T: Your new single “Imanse” is out. Tell us about what went on behind the scenes while it was created.
AKAY: My new single ‘Imanse’ is the name of a lady. The song talks about how I met a lady that fell in love with me and Lemar talks about the length he will go to make her happy on the second verse. I have a producer from France who sent me the beat, his name is Bastano and it was co-produced by Cabzprod, both in France. I loved it immediately and fortunately I had just set up my small home studio here in my room in California. I reached out to a friend JayB who has co-written a few songs for me in the past and we came up with the idea. I had always loved Lemar while growing up and I did his songs at every music competition I auditioned for. I had been communicating with him on Instagram for a while so I pitched the song and he loved it immediately. He agreed instantly to jump on the second verse.
A-T: Is this pretty much how most of your recordings are made?
AKAY: Oh, no. This is the second song I have recorded in my room. I like to head to the studio for all my recordings, interact with all the producers. Although, there is nothing wrong with recording in your home or room studio, a lot of people do it.
[LISTEN]: Imanse by Akaycentric.
A-T: Which artists do you admire in the music scene currently?
AKAY: I love and have always loved Asa. Best believe she stayed just on the other street where I lived in Shagari estate in Ipaja. I never got to meet her personally before she became very famous but was friends with her brother, Gbenga. I also love Tiwa savage, Burna Boy, Ayrra star, Ric Hassani and Davido. I admire them for their hard work and resilience.
A-T: If you had the opportunity to work with some artists, who are you picking?
AKAY: I will mention Asa here again. I think she’s a veteran in her field as she truly understands music and what it takes to do to thrive in music. Her first album is one I still listen to till date. I would also love to work with Davido or Burna Boy.
A-T: So, what’s the update on your project?
AKAY: I am afraid no album in the works for now but that can change the next minute. I will be releasing singles though, so I’ll say get prepared.
A-T: What message will you like to leave for your fans?
AKAY: To keep being dedicated to achieving what ever dreams they have. Never give up on it and keep pushing.
[LISTEN]: Imanse by Akaycentric.
