Jaywon: On Music &Fatherhood

Next World Music act and CEO, Oluwajuwonlo James Iledara, fondly known as Jaywon, gained limelight courtesy of his new single, Filebe, which became national anthem and ever since, he has proved that he understood the music game properly dishing out mind-blowing songs and breathe-taking videos, and shows no sign of quitting music anytime soon. The Kogi State-born super star recently released yet another album titled ‘Oba Orin’ which is doing quite well in the music market. Jaywon has all the reasons to be happy as he has scaled through past struggle days to a well-bred artiste. Cornered during the shoot of yet another video off his new album, Juwonlo spoke with MUTIAT ALLI about the journey so far, fatherhood amongst others.

How do you feel being a father now?

Words cannot express how I feel  since the moment I became a father, so many good things have equally be coming my way since the arrival of little Jaywon like I call him even before his birth. I feel so proud of myself right now knowing that I have a child of my own from the woman I so much cherish

What do you think being a father now can change about me?

Sincerely, a lot has to change about me, from my reasoning to the way I relate with people right now; you know there is sweetness attitude when you become a father. With the arrival of my bundle of joy that means every decision I take; I have to put him first and the mother because responsibility has kicked off. I equally have to cut down on my expenses.

You kept your relationship out of the media and colleagues and the news of the baby was a shocker; was that on purpose?

Not really on purpose, I just felt that I don’t want my relationship out there in the public; it’s my private life and I just want to keep it private. Like my mum usually say, what is best kept last longer.

Your album ‘‘Oba Orin’ is still doing well in the market, what has been the feedback?

We thank God, the feedback has been very positive as words of encouragement also follow suit. I am not relenting anytime soon as all hands are on deck towards the coming project. In fairness, we received good comments and for other comments, we will surely work on them as stepping stones. We recently wrapped off the video shoot of a new video from the album titled ‘Gbadun’ featuring Mavin record act, Reakado Banks as directed by my brother, Unlimited LA. Determined as I am, the first two weeks sales of the album was taken to a motherless baby home in Abuja as plans are still in the pipelines for more of such.

What informed your decision to take part of the proceeds from the album to charity?

The truth is I have always wanted to do that for so long but when your actions and plans are restricted by record label, you don’t just have a choice than to follow their rules but now that I am my own boss, I can take decisions on my own. I said to myself when the album was released that the first income that comes in must go to charity and I thank the almighty for making it possible for me and with the support of Mr. Churchill (Tonto Dike’s husband), I was able to put smiles on their faces in my own little way.

With your charity move, do we get to see you float your foundation soon?

I don’t think I will want to own a foundation to my name for now because there are so many things attached it. A lot of celebrities own foundations and at the end of the day, there is nothing to show for it. For anytime I am in a good mood, I visit a home to reach out to them in my own small way because it’s always good to give as the heart of giving can never be quantified.

Back to your album, why the name, Oba Orin?

Oba Orin is a name I got from one of my fans shortly after I released ‘This Year’ which is one of the greatest songs ever out of Nigeria and still remains ever green. I equally come to term that whenever I perform ‘This Year’ at shows, the response I get is usually Jaywon Oba Orin; so when I was thinking of the title for the album, Oba Orin was the first that came to mind.

Will you say this is the best album so far from Jaywon’s brand?

Remember I cannot be the judge here neither will I say this is my best album judging from my previous work but I leave members of the public to give their verdict on that. When I was preparing to drop this album, I had two albums ready but decided to push this out first and the response I have been receiving is good as people even adjudged it best album in 2016 and album of the year. It’s left for the people to decide if the album is good enough; I sing for people to enjoy my brand the more.

Take the music away from Jaywon, define your personality?

Oluwajuwonlo is an easy going personality, friendly and very accommodating; I see myself as the boy next door as music is my life. I am the every other guy on the street but the only difference now is that I am popular because of my chosen career. I am also that person that when angry and you think I will be muddy, with music, I am back to life and won’t remember anything that happened between us. In essence, music gives me life and that’s why it’s hard for me to quit.

Being the CEO of your label, how do you juggle all the responsibilities of family and tight schedules?

It’s not been easy I must say; it’s been tough but I am enjoying it. I’m enjoying the fact that I’m paying people salary. Of course I run a company and I always tell them if I don’t make money, there’s no way I’ll pay, so you need to work so you can make money you know, so I’m enjoying the fact that I run a company, I’m the boss and I’m still going to get partners as time goes on. It’s been stressful; you can imagine I’ve been in Abuja for how many days, I came into Lagos from Abuja recently and I’m in the state shooting a video already; I have other things to attend to within the period I’m in Lagos, so it’s a lot of  work for me. I’m enjoying the fact that the money is coming in and at the same time, I schedule my plans properly.

What do you want to be remembered for as a musician?

I don’t just want to come to the industry and go. I want to be remembered for good, to be one of the greatest Nigerian artistes, greatest ever out of Africa, so it’s more than an award to me, it’s like a mark. Just like one of my uncles use to say; wither you are good or bad, you will be remembered. What you will be remembered for, that’s what is most important. I want to be remembered as one of the artistes who ever came out of Nigeria or Africa and he’s doing great.