An Afrobeat musician, Afolabi Sunday Ibikunle (a.k.a AKIS), has disclosed that his love, passion and desire to make a more positive impact personally and in the society motivated him to drop football and embrace music.
He made the disclosure while speaking at the launch of his second album, AJÉ, at the popular Top One Event Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday, September 27, 2024.
The 37-year-old musician, who was based in Dallas, United States of America, disclosed that his interest and passion for music dated back to his secondary school days, but said he started off as a footballer.
AKIS has two previous works to his credit, including one single, “Jẹ Kán Mọ̀n”, which was released in 2019; and one full album, “Kí Ìjọba Rẹ Dé”, which was released in 2020.
AKIS, apart from being a musician, is also an entrepreneur who is into fashion – Victoria Kofoworola Brand – a combination of his parents’ name. In addition, he is into farming and also runs a restaurant.
Speaking on his dream, AKIS said: “Actually my interest and passion for music dated back to my secondary days. But then, I was playing music, not for money, but for the fun and love I have for it.
“I initially had a passion for football. I thought I will be living on the round leather game as a professional footballer.
“However, the much-expected opportunities did not turn up. There was no form of support to help me to build a career as a footballer. We all know and understand the politics surrounding the round leather game.
“The frustrations I encountered in football made me to turn to music. I had my first effort, a single, titled “Je Kán Mọ̀n”, in 2019. My first album, “Kí Ìjọba Rẹ Dé”, was released in 2020. My second album, “AJÉ”, is what we are launching today.”
AKIS said he decided to return from his US base, where he was working as a security officer, to Nigeria to fully go into music because “I believe that must surely begin from home.”
“Nothing stops me from staying back in the US and becoming a successful Afrobeat musician. However, I am encouraged to return to Nigeria, seeing the feats being recorded back home by the likes of D’Banj, Davido, Tiwa Savage and Don Jazzy, among several others,” he stated.
His type of Afrobeat music was laced with prayers and this made many people to think that he would have made a good gospel act.
AKIS said: “Yes, my type of Afrobeat music is laced with prayers but with an infusion of traditions and folklores. I believe that one needs the support of God Almighty to succeed in all areas of human endeavours.
“Also, I decided to go for Afrobeat genre because it has a larger audience and it cuts across all ages and it is without any religion biases, irrespective of our socio-economic status.”
AKIS, a US citizen by naturalisation, also disclosed that the famous Afrojuju musician, Sir Shina Peters, is his musical idol, having been a trailblazer with his infusion of hip-hop into Juju music.
“I know fully well that we have great music talents in abundance here in Nigeria, but I nurse no fear or threat. Ojú ọ̀run to ẹyẹ fò láì fi apá kan ara wọn (The sky is wide enough for birds to fly without clipping one another’s wings). With God on my side, hardwork and talent will speak for me.
“With all sense of modesty, I am sure that I will be a great force to reckon with in Nigeria’s music industry within the next five years. I have the passion, the interest, the love and, above all, I am strongly committed to my desire to make a meaningful positive impact on the society through the message of music.”
