WHY I AM CALLED THE NEW WAVE AFROBEAT SENSATION - SPECKO
*Samson Temitope Adekoya* is probably Nigeria's fastest growing Afrobeat musician. Popularly known as *Specko,* he is generally referred to as the *New Wave Afrobeat Sensation*. In this interview with our reporter, he speaks about his foray into Afrobeat and why he is called the New Wave Afrobeat Sensation.
*Q1) Specko, can you tell us a bit about yourself?*
(Ans1) My name is Samson Temitope Adekoya. I was born into a Christian family. My parents were ministers, so I grew up in a church setting. I used to play drum set and percussion but later in secondary school I began using my desk to create beats and form songs that people vibe to. Even teachers will call me to the staff room and ask that I perform my songs as a form of punishment.
*Q2) How and when did you get into music?*
(Ans2) I began writing songs formally in 2004 and started recording in 2008 at Auckland Studios. I recorded five tracks in one single day the songs are: Jensaye, Skibo, Omolere, Party Time and Pretty Girl. The producer of the songs was the former producer of Terry G - QD.
*Q3) Who were your role models/inspirations when you where getting into it?*
(Ans3) Idris Abdulkareem was my role model at that time. I so much loved his popular hit song (with The Remedies) at the time - Mi o sako mo and of course, there was 2Pac the reigning international hip hop artist at that time. Listening to these artistes gave me a direction. Also, my church background made me able to compose Juju gospel which with time changed to Afro Pop.
*(Q4) How exactly would you describe your music?*
(Ans4) My music tends toward the root or base of Afrobeat itself, since Afrobeat is used to send messages to the people about the situation around them and so much more. So my New Wave Afrobeat style is the reawakening of street credibility - relating with the people on the streets.
*(Q5) Why choose Afrobeat in the first place?*
(Ans5) At first it wasn’t Afrobeat, it was just vibes but with time I needed to send a message to Nigerians that no matter the situation of the country and what we are passing through we can still dance all our troubles away. That was why I changed to Afrobeat.
*(Q6) You are widely referred to as the New Wave Afrobeat Sensation, what's the reason for this?*
(Ans6) Because I am known for my raw authenticity and street rooted appeal. My songs/sound blends emotional honesty, rhythm driven story telling and contemporary Afrobeats sensibilities. So it’s either you understand the message I am passing or you are gyrating to the beats. In every way, my songs bring sweet sensations.
*(Q7) Are you close to any of Nigeria's big Afrobeat stars (Olamide, Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy etc)?*(Ans7) Not exactly, but am looking forward to meeting and also working with them, and indeed with other top Nigerian talents. They have done a lot in terms of putting Afrobeat on the world stage - I mean to win a Grammy is not a day's job. It requires serious effort, so kudos to them.
*(Q8) Have you worked with any of them?*
(Ans8) Although I haven’t worked with any of these big talents, I play their songs a lot because I am always curious about the mind of the song writer, the mind of the singer and the mind of the producer of each song.
*(Q9) If you are given the opportunity to work with any of them, who will you choose?*
(Ans9) I would like to work with any of these two great artistes - Olamide or Burna Boy but am also willing to collaborate with any of the other big wigs like Wizkid, Davido, Asake, Tiwa Savage, Rema, Ayra Starr, Adekunle Gold, Simi etc.
*(Q10) Which Nigerian Music Industry Icon do you know or relate with?*(Ans10) Over the years I have enjoyed a good relationship with Baba Keke (Kenny Ogungbe), founder of Kennis Music and Kennis FM. He told me a lot about the Nigerian Music Industry and advised me to work on myself and build my social media personality and followers. I also know Ruggedy Baba (Rugged Man) and he has also influenced my singing pattern as you can see in Demure and Better Days.
*(Q11) As an upcoming artiste, how would you describe your experience so far? Has it been pleasant or unpleasant?*
(Ans11) It has been mixed so far. Everything is so expensive - from recording in the studio, shooting of video and trying to get your songs heard and recognized through radio platforms and social media handles is capital intensive. I just keep pushing and hoping for better days since I have the passion for it and love what I do. I believe I am climbing up and will reach the top like 2face but if I tell you sey e easy na set up o.
*(Q12) So how would you rate Nigerian Music in general?*
(Ans12) Bro, Nigerian music is the bomb o, our songs are recognized worldwide. It’s not easy to be called upon to perform at world class events like the World Cup which Davido was called upon to perform. Our great talents like Asake, Wizkid and Burna Boy have all shut down the 02 arena. I am always happy to see white men singing Nigerian songs like Wo ju o by Kiss Daniel, how many can we count now. Omo naija music na top level.
*(Q13) You have some songs out now which are doing very well. Can you tell us about them?*
(Ans13) Yes Demure, Better Days and Hallelujah are all out, and people are loving the songs. They are also beginning to enjoy constant airplay on radio stations.
People should please follow me on my social media handles: iamspecko on Facebook, iamspecko on TikTok, iamspecko on Instagram and iamspecko on X(Twitter). They should also search for IamSpecko on Spotify, Boomplay and Audiomack and download and stream my songs.
*(Q14) When are you releasing the full album?*
(Ans14) Well for now let me push the first 3 songs, in due time the album launch will be announced. I have over hundred songs I have written but make we gain ground first before any other thing.
*(Q15) Specko, what do you really want to achieve with your music?*
(Ans15) To achieve greatness, to be remembered as one of the best that ever did Afrobeat. I want to work on/develop my own type of Afrobeat (the New Wave Afrobeat) fully and make it well recognized and accepted all over the world. That's really what I want to achieve and by God's grace, I will.
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