Multi-talented aptly describes fast rising act, Equation a.k.a. EQ who has a couple of singles currently trending. As a young boy growing up, in order to fully hone his skills, he had joined a theatre group called Stage Coach because he had a knack for drama. However he also had a passion for football and music and took part in school plays and music events including Bugsy Malone and Oliver Twist. In this chat with The Sun Newspapers, EQ who jetted into the country last year from his UK base opens up on the journey so far and how he survived a racially motivated attack!
How did you come into music?
My love for music started with UK rap and listening to artistes such as Skepta and Stormzy as well as Kano. When I got older I became aware of and fell in love with Afrobeat! Wizkid, Burna Boy and Davido all inspired me as well as DJ Spinall. Thanks to the love and support of my parents, it has been an exciting journey.
We understand you are a talented football player as well. Tell us about it?
I started playing football since I could walk. I was kicking the ball around the garden with my dad and friends before moving on to play for various local sides in Kent and London. I played for the U-10s of my local team, Woodpeckers FC as well as for the U-15s of Chatham FC. I was a left wing back. In 2015 I attended the Liverpool Young Academy and trained there for two weeks. The training was really intense and was awarded a certificate of merit which sits proudly among my other award.
I was able to meet popular players such as Steven Gerrard and the legendry Kenny Dalgleish and Ian Rush. A few of my friends are now in the Liverpool U 18s and keep regular contact. Although I loved playing football, my passion for music took over.
Yeah… tell us about your music?
At the age of 14 I released my first video entitled, Panda. You can find this on YouTube. I came to Lagos a few years ago and met great producers and music video directors and released several singles. Before then, in 2019 I was invited to Atlanta where I was able to meet with A-list artists. I was also able to produce some collaboration which will be shared with fans this year.
Tell us about your first single ever?
That was Faaji which means to party. It was inspired by the hustling and bustling atmosphere I saw in Lagos. I had to learn Yoruba and pidgin pretty quick and it was so much fun. No matter what, everyone seemed so happy and in a party mood and that inspired me. However, I have other singles including Nowadays featuring Teni Entertainer. I brought a lot of rap vibe to that song and it was well received in UK and Africa and is streaming fast on all platforms. I also have Swing My Way which was recorded in the UK. I wanted my fans both in UK and Africa to listen to a blend of Afrobeats and UK vibe. This song is currently getting excellent streaming and is one to watch out for. There is Jeje which I composed at a time I was learning to speak Yoruba. Other songs are Pay 4 It and Rising Star. Once again they both have a blend of UK rap and African vibe which I call AfroBrit!
Quite impressive! Have you shot any videos?
Wow! I have. I have shot across different countries including Nigeria and the UK. I had to adapt to all the COVID restrictions hence I faced some limitations. I am currently working on a lot of new stuff.
How would you describe your sound?
My kind of music is a mix of UK and African vibe hence we have Afrobrit. I get very creative especially at night when I write most of my lyrics. My music is very spiritual and I am willing to experiment with different genres and would like to experiment with jazz, reggae and other genres. Music has no limits and I want to be part of this exciting journey.
What has been your most challenging experience?
Hmmm… while it has been an exciting journey, tragedy struck in May 2018 when I was attacked in a racially motivated way in the UK. This was a dark period for me and one which I would rather not talk much about. That incident was one that has lived with me ever since. However, it has made me a stronger person and made me reflect on life and who my friends really are. God and my family were my rock at the time.
This is a new year, what should fans expect from you?
Wow! They should get ready to get blown away by Afrobrit, my sound. I am promising my fans an exciting 2021 to lift up their spirits after a terrible 2020; no thanks to the corona virus which has destroyed economies, killed thousands and deprived more of their livelihood. 2020 has been the most difficult year ever with the virus worldwide along with issues that have recently affected the life of Nigerians. I aim to do my bit in 2021 by singing uplifting songs that will get people of all works of life happy and on their feet. My fans can also expect
