‘Omoge’ is My Favourite Track Because I Poured My Heart Out In The Song, -Ekiti Born Afrobeats Star, Oshak Declares
WHAT’S YOUR NAME?
Busayo Oshakuade. But most people call me Oshak
FROM WHERE?
From Afao-Ekiti in Ekiti State, Nigeria
BACKGROUND?
Grew up in a family of 4. I’m the 2nd child. I have a brother and 2 sisters.
Oshak
ACADEMICS?
I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Ado Ekiti and later did my Post Graduate degree in Renewable Energy from the University of Reading, UK.
WHEN AND HOW DID YOU BEGIN MUSIC?
I have been singing all my life (laugh) but I took it up as a career about 4 years ago .
Financial incapability and inability to secure a record deal caused the delay in going into full time Music career.
WHAT KIND OF MUSIC ARE YOU INTO?
Afrobeats.
WHAT PROMPTED YOU CHOOSE YOUR KIND OF MUSIC?
Listening to dancehall as a kid (Shakademus & Pliers, Shaba Ranks, Buju Banton among others was inspiring to me.Then in Nigeria, the likes of 2face & Remedies hit the stage, hence, the Nigerian version of dancehall gave birth to the current afrobeats. So basically afrobeats became my l favorite type of music.
IS MUSIC HEREDITARY IN YOUR LINEAGE OR OUT OF PASSION?
Well basically, it’s out of passion. I never really had any musician in my direct family.
TELL US MORE ABOUT WHAT INFORMED YOUR NICKNAME
It’s just a short form of my last name. So technically, it’s not a nickname, but a shorter version of my surname name.
WHO WERE YOUR IDOLS WHILE GROWING UP?
My dad whom i took after obviously by studying mechanical engineering cos he was a mechanical engineer too.
Music-wise, Michael Jackson, The Lighthouse Family, Seal and a few others.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST REAL BREAKTHROUGH AS AN UPCOMING MUSICIAN?
My very first track. It was with Reminisce. I was lucky to get a link through someone that linked me up with him and it gave me the confidence to progress with my music career.
LIKE HOW MANY ALBUMS OR SONGS ARE YOU HAVING TO YOUR CREDIT AND THEIR TITLES?
I released my first album in November 2018 titled “Because I can”. It has 12 tracks. I have since released 7 other singles.
WHICH OF THEM IS YOUR FAVOURITE AND WHY?
Hmm…Tough one. I think “Omoge” is my favourite track because I think I poured my heart out in the song. The song is so part of me.
WHO ARE SOME OF THE STAR ARTISTES THAT HAD FEATURED IN SOME OF YOUR SONGS?
Reminisce, Miss Kiss & Koker.
WHAT IMPACT IS YOUR KIND OF MUSIC AND ITS LYRICS HAVING ON THE SOCIETY AND THE YOUNGER GENERATION?
It varies really. I have some love songs, which will inspire the younger generations and their love life. I also have songs that can inspire confidence & “never give up” attitude. Like my song titled “God Forbid”
Oshak
WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEARTH OF INSPIRING SONGS TRENDING GLOBALLY ESPECIALLY IN AFRICA IN RECENT YEARS AND WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?
I think afrobeat is taking over the world at the moment & its here to stay. However, I’m not happy with the attitude of most upcoming artistes I have met. They refuse to see the benefit of working together. They will rather do it all alone because of pride & ego and they end up losing out.
DO YOUR UPBRINGING OR CURRENT ENVIRONMENT HAVE ANY EFFECT ON YOUR STYLE OF MUSIC AND CONTENT?
Yes. I grew up listening to Plantashun bois, Remedies and others. It kinda shaped the music I put out nowadays.
WHAT’S YOUR NEXT LINE OF ACTION AND VISION AS A MUSIC ARTISTE?
I have some big collaborations coming up with 2 A-Listers in Nigeria in November and December this year. So watch out!
YOUR ADVICE FOR UP AND COMING NIGERIAN ARTISTES AND THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT AS REGARDS MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY?
Nigerian government should find a platform to bring out more artist especially upcoming artists. Music is fast becoming one of our best exports & with the online streaming avenue, Nigerians can actually earn money in dollars & export their music. For upcoming artistes, work together more to save cost! Stop feeling big for one another!!
WHAT ASPECT OF THE INDUSTRY ARE YOU NOT PLEASED WITH?
I’m not pleased with a lot of artists not honouring their contracts with record labels. The judicial system is also making things easier for breaching of contracts as it takes an awful long time to treat such cases.
WHAT ELSE DO YOU DO APART FROM MUSIC
Well, I’m a man of many talents (laugh). I’m a licensed English FA football coach & I’m also a serving military man.
