Rising pop sensation, Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe a.k.a Kiss Daniel, has had his own fair share of fruitful moments in the Nigerian music industry. The Woju star who lost in the controversial next-rated category at The Headies, recently, announced that his album, New Era, will be released in May 2016. In this interview, the Water Engineering graduate, speaks on his voyage into the music industry, the low moments of being an entertainer and other issues.

Is Woju inspired by a personal experience?

What I spoke about in Woju is what people experience from time to time. It’s a personal thing in everyone’s life. There is always that person you love even if you don’t walk up to her to tell her. Would you say you haven’t seen any woman that catches your fancy?

Your songs Woju and Laye have women as their major focus. Is that intentional?

It just happened that Laye’s message is in sync with Woju. It’s just like going to a mall with the intention of getting a bottle of perfume but because you are being offered two bottles of perfume at a reduced price, you decided to buy the two bottles of perfume. That was what happened for Laye and Woju.

Can you tell us about your forthcoming album?

The album is titled New Era. Nigeria is currently in a new era and I want to pass that same message to my fans. There are no collabos in the 17-track album .The collaborations I had is with my label mate, Sugarboy. I featured him on three tracks .The album is a story and the best person that can interpret the story is Sugarboy. He knew me when I was hustling and suffered with me. I can’t feature someone in an album that they won’t understand what I am trying to achieve with the songs.

Was there a time you wanted to give up?

There were times when I wanted to give up but if I give up, I will be losing sight of my purpose. My purpose is to use my music to correct some societal ills.

What is that one thing you would love to change about the music industry in Nigeria?

I want to correct this perception that good music doesn’t sell. I want to correct that impression. I was told this when I came into the industry. Good music can stand a chance. I was in a club when Woju was being played. People screamed when they heard it. I released Woju in 2014 and people still dance to it in the club whenever it is being played. It’s a good song and it cuts across all age groups. My songs have that kind of appeal. Woju talks about a flirty kind of person, Laye talks about a person who would go every length to give you what you want. Then we released Raba and Good time. It doesn’t have to be a fast paced song for people to love it.

Was your dad supportive of your music career?

My dad was a great person. He had always been supportive of my dreams. Even when I wanted to do music while in school, he encouraged me to complete my education.

What would you regard as the greatest price you had to pay for your music career?

I studied Water Engineering for five years. I had to dump that to pursue my music career. That is the greatest sacrifice I have ever made. I graduated with a 4.32. I wanted to practice engineering but I sacrificed my 5 years in school for music.

Do you sometimes feel bad that you are not practicing water engineering?

I feel bad almost every time because my mates are earning a lot of money. One of them called me and said he has a house in Houston. Do you know how much a house in Houston costs? I want to do that to myself, but then I just love music more. I have never been a fan of a 9-5 kind of job.

Are you satisfied with your achievements?

I am not where I want to be yet. I still have a lot to achieve. I am still working.

 What is that one thing people don’t know about you?

When I was in school, I used to be a fashion designer. My creative ability is a trait I picked from my dad. He was an artist. I think I got that from him. I don’t like being idle. When I was in school, I sold a lot of stuffs. I went from one door to another selling things to make extra money.

Can you share a lesson your late dad instilled into you?

My dad taught me to be patient while doing the right thing. A lot of artistes are impatient when it comes to releasing songs. I dropped Woju in September 2014 and was patient till it became a hit song. They release a song and before that song becomes a hit, they release another one. That act won’t make the songs go far. Most people say I take my time before I release my songs. You don’t have to have plenty songs to be able to entertain your fans. I was in Uganda recently for a show. The event was a sold out show. I only performed my four songs.

Has there been a particular social media comment that made you sad?

Yes. It happened when I just lost my dad. Someone said on Twitter that my dead father would be disappointed in me if he listens to my song. I was sad. I had to Munch that tweet. He mentioned me in that tweet. It got me crying for three days. I just lost my dad at that time and it was still very fresh. When things get better, I pray the person lives long to that time so I can tweet at that person and say:” Thank you for uttering that statement years back. You motivated me to become great.

What is that thing you do before your performance?

I pray before my performance and commit it into God’s hands.

By Kehinde Ajose