Akinborewa Gbenga Fameland of Ekimogunmirror in an Exclusive Interview with one of the Best Lead Guitarist in Nigeria popularly known as David Rhino. In this interview with the Ondo born artist, he discussed how he started his music career, challenges and his plans in the year 2017. Excerpts below:
Can you tell us your name? You seem to have many ( Smiles)
My name is Akinnola Olutola David. My close friends call me Oluty. And my stage name is David Rhino.
Can you give us a little background about how you started music?
I started music at a very young age of 5. I started singing actually in the children’s choir, then from there I learnt how to play the Lead guitar on my own before going to study Music at OAU. Then in 2012 I entered for Star Quest Reality Music TV show,and my band was the 1st runner up.
Interesting Bro! How did you feel coming through as the 1st runner up at the Star Quest Show in 2012. What has the platform done for you?
I felt bad at first. I thought we were the better band and we deserved to win but things still worked out fine for me. The platform brought me into limelight and gave me opportunity to expand my circle of influence. It exposed me to bigger opportunities that made me whom I am today. I will forever be grateful to God.
As a professional guitarist in Nigeria what are the challenges you face most times?
Basically the first challenge is value for what I do. For a while now the guitar has been a major instrument in many mainstream songs in Nigeria. People need to know that intellectual knowledge is very valuable. Guitarist like Fiokee who is a good friend of mine is also someone who always keeps the flag flying high and I respect him for that.
Who are the people that inspire you as a Musician?
Hmmmm! First is Jimi Hendrix. He is everything to me. Even before I heard him play I already had a connection with him, Slash of Guns and Roses, Carlos Santana, Van Halen, Daughtry, John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, Paul Jackson Jr, Nirvana, Goo Goo Dolls, Foo fighters… I can keep going on and on but these few are really dear to my heart.
Do you think Rock music is well accepted in Nigeria? How have you been able to promote your own style?
Well a few artistes have tried to delve into it in time past. Sound Sultan did a song titled RAINY days. It had this alternative rock sound but I don’t know what happened (smiles) It got few air play. In recent times we’ve been able to make more impact with artistes like Clay, Xt Samurai, Phrance,Nathmac, Johnny Drille, 1LA, Komos and my own band Quantum. You can check out all their music online.
I remembered you started as a guitarist at RCCG World Changers Sanctuary, Ondo. How do you see the church since you left for Lagos
Wow wow,good times bro, good times. I see World Changers as a family. From the very early days of trying to find the right people to work with and having to meet amazing people, It has been awesome. Sumbo, Caleb, Dtune, your very handsome self Fameland(laughs), Ay, Peter, I know Chief Drummer(laughs). So many people to call. That experience taught me to deal with people in different stages. It’s been a long while I’ve been back there but I still keep in touch with some key people. I’ll always love World Changers. Love you all.
Do you have a woman in your life now because we are expecting the wedding bell to ring soon
(Laugh) Fameland I know you are an MC extraordinare, are you trying to be my MC? I have two lovely ladies in my life right now that’s Amy and Amber. Amy is my electric guitar and Amber is my Taylor Acoustic guitar (Smiles).
Which artistes have you worked with?
I’ve worked with Florocka,Wole Oni,Xt samurai, Clay,Phrance,yetunde omo ibadan,Ruby Gyang,Dr Sam,masquerade beats,dtune,BIM,Johnny Ena,Anticankarworm,Sam clef,Ozichi,soundsmith, magicfingers. Just no name a few.
What do you do on your leisure period?
Ok I’m a Model, so when I’m not in the recording studio I am at the photo studio. I also write short poems and stories, I am a Manchester United fan (don’t say anything), I love traveling the world, and I’m a foodie.
What should fans expect from you in the year 2017?
They should expect truth, love and Life experiences through my music and I am going to share every bit of them with my fans. I really love all the support over the years and I won’t disappoint you. You can follow me on Instagram and Twitter @blaczeus . Thank you
