Just like every other campus, OAU is filled with various talents. As a hub of artistic diversity and the citadel of learning, OAU artists have broken into the mainstream musical industry, making spaces for themselves in various genres.
Blaqbonez, Asake, Fireboy DML, and Chinko Ekun among others started on campus. Their consistency, hard work, and the inclusive environment the campus offers to artists are factors that contributed significantly to their successes.
In present-day OAU, the list of talents is inexhaustible. This attempt to select a few musical prodigies out of the multiple talents is curated without using a defined standard:
Odebode Ayomiposi Samuel (Psamuel)
From the Department of Family Nutrition and Consumer Science, Psamuel is a versatile artist who started music officially in 2021. Before this period, he created melodies as a child and wrote numerous songs.
As a budding singer with a keen curiosity, he gets inspiration and learns from many established artists spanning different genres. Some of these artists are Burna Boy, Juice Wrld, Wizkid, Seyi Vibez and Rema. This way, his music undergoes refinement and keeps evolving. Psamuel’s 4-track EP, released in December 2024, lends credence to his versatility. ‘As I Dey’ is a mid-tempo track emphasising a burning need for solitude. In ‘Thoughts By 12 am’, the steady rhythm of an ensemble of instrumentals drives home the message of an unwavering hope in God’s mercy. Employing his signature style in ‘Jaye’, Psamuel intones a declaration for unlimited pleasure. ‘Aje Madness’ is a feel-good bop suitable for a party.
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Although he feels it is significant for listeners to relate to his emotional state in the process of writing his songs, he admits that it is also pertinent for them to ‘interpret the lyrics to suit their realities.’ Psamuel has featured on tracks like ‘Once Upon A Time’ by Jaybhee, ‘Don’t Call’ by Cimtheartiste, ‘Cross’ by Perrywtv, and a host of other tracks.
Popoola Boluwatife (Bpop)
Bpop got a big break when Tunde Ednut, Broda Shaggi and some other media personality reposted his freestyle video in 2020. Starting his career in church at a young age, his passion for music kept flaring which made him release ‘Monalisa’ in March 2024. Produced by Thasoundz, ‘Monalisa’ is a confession and a plea to the artist’s love interest. The track is an emotionally charged, heart-wrenching, lyrical composition that declares love. Bpop writes based on fictional experiences rather than personal encounters. For him, his inspiration to write lyrics and record spurs from the ambience that surrounds him at the moment.
In 2022, Bpop performed at the HipTV Headies Mic Check, marking a momentous milestone in his creative journey.
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Adeyemo Gad Ifeoluwa (Maka)
For Maka, his initiation into the sonic realm started as early as when he was a young boy of 7. His father’s love for gospel music inspired him to begin writing his gospel songs at the age of 9 before he transitioned to secular music in later years. One of the artists who catalysed this phase is Naira Marley. Maka’s music centres around his present experiences and how they shape him in the trajectory of life and music. His songs are extensions of his thought process. His lyrics also incorporate the theme of resilience, especially in ‘Where I Come From’ where he conveys the story of his struggles.
His new singles, which were released on January 11, 2025, ‘Rush’ and ‘Sing’, explore the human desire to gain wealth and the good things in life. In ‘Sing’, Maka croons about his resilience and hard work and how he handles backlash by carving out an impressive musical career for himself.
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‘And while I started the song by letting you know my love for money and my desire to have it in abundance, I had to let my listeners know that I’m not into illegal activities. All I have is a result of the gift God gave me — music,’ he remarked about ‘Rush.’
To wrap up, these artists represent the vibrant music scene within OAU. They embody the creativity and determination that have propelled many OAU artists into the limelight. With their unique style and approach to music, they continue to grow and enhance their craft. Undoubtedly, they are talents to watch out for.