In this interview, Odebode Ayomiposi Samuel “Psamuel” sheds light on his evolving strife and prevails as an upcoming artiste. Odebode Ayomiposi Samuel, popularly and artistically known as “Psamuel”, is an afrobeats artiste and undergraduate at the Department of Family Nutrition and Consumer Science, Obafemi Awolowo University.
Psamuel developed a flair for music at a very tender age. Benefiting from his musically inclined parents, he wrote his first couple of songs as early as his primary school days. He later transitioned to rapping and trapping during his secondary school years. Ever since, through continuous learning, exploration and experience, he has put conscious effort into getting better at his craft at every opportunity that comes his way.
Juggling school work and a music career has not been so easy, he sometimes finds it difficult to attend classes and meet up with the deadlines for assignments and projects. However, Psamuel adores his musical career and would rather prioritise it over anything else. ‘Music is the only thing I have a wild passion for. Doing music makes me feel alive, it makes me feel like I am doing the right thing. Every other thing is secondary,’ he says. In the same vein, he understands the demands of making music and bagging a degree at the same time.
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The struggles of an upcoming artist are unfeigned. Often frustrating and immensely discouraging, artistes tend to take a break from music or completely give up at times. Passion, determination, support, and the belief that their efforts will eventually pay off are the driving forces that inspire the resilient few to keep pushing.
Ranging from academic pressure and criticisms to financial constraints and other struggles, similar to every upcoming artist, Psamuel faces a few obstacles in his daunting endeavour to make a living from music:
What are some of the biggest struggles you face as an upcoming artist?
Visibility, connections, opportunities and money. These are some of my biggest challenges as an emerging artist, and I hope to overcome them soon.
Forget grace and talent; if you want to make it in this industry, you need strong connections and financial backing. These are the key factors that bring visibility and put you in front of the right people who can truly impact your career. Sometimes, leveling up simply requires the right opportunity, but for an upcoming artist like me, that can be tough to find. Without proof of success or at least you got bar, most people will not take you seriously.
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You mentioned gaining recognition as a challenge. To what extent have you navigated this issue?
As far as my school is concerned (OAU), I faced a couple of challenges when I started pushing my music. Examples are when I had to go the extra mile to perform at shows. Sometimes I begged, and some other times I didn’t even get to perform, but those things served as character development for me. I can proudly say I have, to an extent, overcome the challenge of recognition in my school. I can barely go out to get a drink outside my hostel without a random person telling me, “Hey, are you Psamuel? I’m a fan”.
Anytime I’m on campus, I take a few steps and someone stops me to tell me how much they love my songs, and it goes on and on. But that’s not the goal, is it? It’s a step out of a thousand steps I have yet to take. I am focused on breaking into the industry proper, and it isn’t child’s play. But I will, eventually; I am positive about that. It takes time, but not for long.
How do you deal with financial constraints, such as funding your art or projects?
I used to save up before, but it’s different these days. Things just work out somehow for the success of my projects and my life personally.
Fortunately for me, I have God, and I am surrounded by very good people. Their dreams align with mine, and they’re willing to go the extra mile to see me succeed. If you ask me how I handle it financially, I don’t think I’d be able to give you an answer you’ll be satisfied with because even I don’t know how I do it. It’s a miracle, thanks to the good people God blessed me with.
Have you ever experienced moments of self-doubt in your career?
In my early days of making music and putting it out there, I battled some serious self-doubt phases, but not anymore.
There were times I would question if I was good enough and if I could top what stars before me were doing. But later, I realized it is not about topping anyone; it is just about becoming one of the legends and growing into the person you have always dreamt of.
How do you handle criticism or rejection in your artistic journey?
I need criticism to grow. As a creative, if you do not get criticized for what you do, no matter how good you are, then you are doing something wrong. I need it, we all need it. For me, sometimes criticism serves as a source of inspiration. And as for rejection, rejection does not mean I am not enough. I see everything as a need for growth.
Do you face any skepticism or lack of support from people close to you?
No, I have never. My dad, mom and siblings hawk my music on their heads. The same goes for my friends, enemies and strangers.
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How do you manage your time between academic responsibilities and your creative pursuits?
There is no formula to it. I do music like I have always, and when a test or an exam is close, I binge read. It works every time; I highly recommend it.
Do you ever feel the need to compromise on your artistic vision due to external pressures?
In the past, yes. But not anymore.
What keeps you motivated despite the challenges you face?
My family, my people and everyone that has high hopes for me. I would not forgive myself if I did not live up to their expectations. They love me. I wanna prove them right, and I will.
What advice would you give to other young artists experiencing similar struggles?
Capitalize on your strengths and work on your weaknesses. And if you are sure you want to do this music of a thing, do it like your life depends on it.