A Journey Through Music and Passion
Music has always been a significant part of my life, and it all started during my secondary school days. I began recording music with a colleague at Ibadan Grammar School, forming a two-man band. However, when I got admitted to TASUED, I transitioned into a solo act, which marked the beginning of my real journey in the music industry. This was when I truly embraced the lifestyle — recording more, performing at shows, and immersing myself in the world of music.
Before university, I was still living with my parents, and they were not very supportive of my musical aspirations. They wouldn’t allow me to attend overnight shows or concerts, so I could count the places I performed in Ibadan on one hand. Despite this, we would sneak out to record because we were investing hard-earned money into studio sessions.
Family Support and Initial Reactions
The reaction from my family wasn’t entirely positive. When things started picking up for me in school, one of my dad’s friends’ sons informed him that I had become a big name in hip-hop on campus. My dad, his friend, and my brothers called me for a meeting and told me to stop music as if it were something I could just turn off. I promised them I would try, even though I knew deep down that music was a part of me. Not long after that, I got signed to a label while still in school.
The Art of Making Music
For me, making music is like solving a puzzle. It’s an ongoing process that I’ve been engaged in for over a decade. My favorite part is when I’m rehearsing the lyrics I’ve written before recording. Sometimes the pieces fit perfectly, and other times they don’t, but the imperfection is what makes the art beautiful.
Relaxation and Hobbies
When I’m not making music, I enjoy playing football video games, table tennis, and, of course, actual football. Football has always been a big part of my life, and I’ve been a fan since I was a kid. I even enrolled in a football academy during my JSS years, and it was a great experience. However, my parents didn’t see football as necessary for my future, so they restricted my participation.
Football Skills and Memories
I was pretty good at football back then, though not at the level of Messi or Ronaldo. I was definitely above average, and I was always in the first set during breaks and after school. We played on the “Green Field,” and the whole school would watch. My class won a few inter-class championships, and those were some of the best times of my life.
Current Passion for Football
Even now, I still enjoy football immensely. I support three teams: the Super Eagles, Chelsea, and Shooting Stars. I never miss their matches and go to the Adamasingba Stadium on weekends to watch Shooting Stars play. My favorite sportsman is Cristiano Ronaldo; he’s a winner who proved that hard work can take you to the top, even if you start at a disadvantage.
Super Eagles’ World Cup Chances
I believe the Super Eagles still have a good chance in the World Cup. Winning that first play-off game against Gabon lifted the mood, and there’s a lot of belief in the camp. With God, the players, coaches, and fans working together, I think we have a strong chance.
Favorite Sports Memory
Right now, my favorite sports memory is Chelsea winning the Club World Cup. It was a huge moment for me and the new generation of players. Everyone expected us to lose because PSG had eliminated almost everyone earlier that season, but my boy Palmer, Joao Pedro, and the whole squad shut everyone up. That victory completed the only title Chelsea were yet to win — the final piece of the puzzle.
The Hit Song ‘Coloured’
My hit song “Coloured” was later remixed with several features, including Terry Apala, Oladips, Wale Turner, and Mz Kiss. It was my first major collaboration and came at a golden time for everyone involved. The song and remix were produced by DJ Klem, and the original video was directed by Unlimited LA, while the remix was directed by WG Films for Clarence Peters. The original dropped in 2014, right after I got signed to Koga Entertainment for winning Koga Open House Season 2 in 2013. I released the remix in 2019.
Memorable Awards
One of the most memorable awards I received was being crowned Best Artist on Campus in front of the whole school. I wasn’t even trying to achieve that — I was just having fun making music for anyone who cared to listen. It meant a lot to me.
Music for Sports
Yes, I would definitely make a song for any sport. If Coca-Cola asked me to sing for badminton, I’d do it. But if I’m choosing personally, it will always be football. I love the game and would encourage my kids to go into sports, unlike my parents did.
Ultimate Goal in Music
My ultimate goal in music is for the whole world to hear and truly listen to my sound. I want people everywhere to feel the greatness of God in me through my talent and to know the name “Zayo” or “Zayoboy” worldwide. I recently changed my streaming name from Zayo to Zayoboy because many international artists also use “Zayo.” It’s still me, but the new name helps me stand out.
Favorite Collaborations
Fola has been my favorite artist to make music with. We go way back to the same hood in Ibadan, and we have two unreleased songs: Kilometres (just me and him) and Cole Palmer featuring Harteez. Big ups to Fola on his album doing numbers globally. The hood is proud.
GOATs in Music and Sports
For football, my GOATs are Ronaldo, Eden Hazard, and Didier Drogba. In music, it would be J. Cole, Olamide, Rihanna, Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy. Their contributions have inspired me greatly.
