Being humble, best for any artiste -Tankolowiska

Ishola Olayinka, better known as Tankolowiska, is a talented artiste from the ancient city of Ibadan, Oyo State. He spent his primary and secondary school years in Ibadan and attended Lead City University before he finally moved abroad to study Business Administration. 
He forayed into the world of music in 2011 with his hit track Ibadie Nsoro. Undaunted by the competitive nature of the music industry, Tankolowiska continued to pursue his passion. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, Tankolowiska takes us into his sojourn into music and projects amongst others. Enjoy…

 

For someone who started as a drummer boy in the church and a member of your church choir, why not gospel music?

Honestly, it wasn’t in my mind to do music but while going around, you get to see few things. I had the passion from childhood already, so getting into music was not a mistake again. In the cause of my growing up and being an active member of the church, I learnt a lot about music and that made by doing music much easier.

 

How then will you describe your kind of music?

Basically, I would describe my kind of music as Afro-Pop sound since I am not doing gospel. My kind of music and sound is that special one that inspires people a lot. As long as you listen it, you will surely pick one lesson or the other from it.

 

What inspires your kind of songs?

A lot of things inspires my kind of music; from been gone a while and back fully in the industry, happenings in the society and all that. My kind of music inspires a lot like I said earlier and also speaks about love, life challenges, and happy people with the intention of passing across a key message.

 

Were your parents in support of your musical career?

Every parents’ dream is to see their children succeed at whatever they do; mine was not exceptional because I got their total support and prayers over everything I did. They gave me that support because they know whatever I do is legit. My mother has always and will continue to support me because she wants the best for me.

 

You spoke a lot about your mother’s support towards your career; was your father against your choice of career?

Yes, I spoke a lot about my mother because she is the only I have got now since the demise of my father when I finished my secondary school and ever since I got closer more to her since she is the only one left now alongside my siblings. She is always there for me, so I need to show appreciation for her love to me in mediums like this.

 

You are a producer, singer; how easy or tough is it managing being both?

Sincerely being both at the same time is not easy but for the grace of God, things have been fine and going so favourably. I started doing my music after graduating right in my own self-owned studio where I produce most of my songs. I equally own my record label ‘Frizzle Entertainment’. In all, it’s been God’s grace and perseverance.

 

How challenging is it, doing most of your music all alone?

It has really been challenging considering that I handle most of my music work alone aside from collaborations. It’s not been easy but at the same time, they are stepping stone to success for me; it might take a longer period but it’s a gradual process.

 

With few of your works rocking airwave now, when should we be expecting an album?

The album work is in the pipeline. I am working on it and at the same time, there are some of my works out there, so I am currently evaluating the response from fans and music lovers.

 

Any supposed title for the coming album?

Well, I might likely call the album name ‘Believe’.

 

Why believe as the name?

Because it’s been a very long journey coming now and I think if you don’t believe in it, you can never achieve it.

 

For someone who loves doing music, why then did you study Business Administration?

You know sometimes your parents want you to do something like this then on the long run, you develop feelings for something else. And as time goes on, you passion talks a lot about your life, so I think I’m into music more than business administration.

 

Does that mean you do not regret dropping that course for music?

I didn’t drop it, I still have my certificate. If things don’t go on well, my certificate is very much useful to me. I’m still going for another course on production and video production. I still have more dreams and aspiration and for that I still have plans of going for more advanced course like directing.

Let’s talk about your song ‘Bolaji’?

Yes!! That’s my new work currently making waves now and receiving positive response from people who have listened to it. For the song, I got the beat from gospel on the beat and on hearing the beat alone, I could relate to it and with that I made perfect lyrics that went with the beat.

 

Let’s talk about humility. What’s your philosophy?

Being humble is very important. It is the best for every artistes. You never know who is sitting next to you. Just be yourself.

 

If peradventure you weren’t into music and not putting in practice your study, what would you have done?

I have a lot of talents you know. I’m a graphic designer, I take my time a lot to learn what I don’t know. I face a lot of challenges because I’m always trying to do so many something. So if I was not doing music, I will likely be a business man or a motivational speaker.

 

I understand you have a collaboration with Olamide; how was it working with him?

It’s great. The guy is good. The song is good as well. He is creative. We just sat like 30 minutes in the studio and he dropped like sixteen (16) bars you know. He is just so fast.

 

In life, what has been your most trying moment?

When I lost my father and when I lost my sister. It’s a sad moment. I don’t like to talk about it.

 

We have great talents in the industry and you coming in, don’t you feel intimidated?

No because it’s a hungry game. You have to be hungry for it. We can’t be the same. All fingers are not equal. You can sing yours, I can sing mine, we can do a collabo, you know?