April 11, (THEWILL) – Olamilekan Agbeleshe, also known as Laycon, became a household name after winning the Big Brother Naija RealityTV Show Season Five. His victory opened doors and launched him into the limelight. In this interview with SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN, he speaks on his music career, the reality show and sundry issues. Excerpts:
How has life been since you won the Big Brother Naija Reality TV Show in 2020?
Life has really changed. The platform gave me a chance to showcase myself and put me out there. I am reaping the benefits of that reality show now. I have been able to use that one chance to improve myself and chase my dreams. My fan base also grew because of the show, it was a life changing opportunity and I am very grateful for it.
Which was your most treasured moment at the BBN House?
My most treasured moments were the moments my songs were played at the house parties. You can imagine the whole of Nigeria and even part of Africa listening to what I had to offer. Those moments made me feel on top of the world.
Who were your favourite housemates?
I think every single person shared something with me, beautiful moments, insight, laughter, etc. All were impactful and led to great moments on the show. I actually cherish and admire every single one of them.
What are the lessons you learnt from the reality show?
Always be prepared to make the most of any situation you find yourself. Believe in yourself, regardless of what anyone says.
Apart from the cash prize you won and other items that came with it, in what other way has the show made you a better person?
The reality show gave me a platform to showcase my personality and my talent, which in turn opened a lot of doors and opportunities to improve myself.
You once stated that the purpose of going on the reality show was because of your music career. Looking at how much progress you have made in your career, can you say that the purpose has been achieved?
The purpose of going to the reality show was fully achieved. And I have been able to sell myself to millions of people around the world. My songs have made it to the top music charts in far flung countries of the world. I have travelled to several countries and have seen immense support and positive response to my music. It was really worth it. And I can also say it’s a dream come true for me.
Some other contestants at Big Brother Naija are musically inclined. Are you thinking of collaborating with any of them?
I collaborated with Victoria Adeyele, also known as Vee in the song, Enter my Head, which is a fantastic effort by the talented lady. Any time there is an opportunity to collaborate with musically inclined creatives, I will take it. So in the near future, I will definitely work with more ex-Big Brother Naija creative artists.
You have been receiving offers to act in movies, but you keep turning them down. Why?
Right now, I’m paying a lot of attention to my work as a recording and performing artist. There are many talented actors out there doing very well. I will need to learn from them, study the skills and methods required before I say I’m ready. At some point in time, maybe in the near future and maybe not, but right now, my attention is on my music career.
Your concert, Iconfest, was a huge success. How does it feel achieving such a great feat?
It really feels good. I believe it will continue till I stage another event that will surpass that record. The support from brand partners, fans, my iCONs and my team was huge. I feel that it came at the right time and it was a good reward for all the hard work that we put in. The crowd sang my songs word for word, even the mixtape songs. It was surreal. A lot of my fellow artistes also came to support me. It gave me a great sense of fulfillment.
Are you planning to make it an annual event?
I love the intimacy and the energy of live events. I always look forward to days like that. I will definitely look into making it a recurring event.
Your last released album Shall We Begin received massive airplay and topped the chart for a long time. Which of the songs in the album is your favorite and why?
Shall We Begin is the first body of work I released after I emerged winner of Big Brother Naija. It mirrored my mentality of ‘now that I have been introduced, it’s time to get into the main event’. It wouldn’t be good to disappoint fans who voted for me on Big Brother Naija. A lot of them were expecting the best from me. And I am grateful that my fans appreciated the effort. It was great working with all the collaborating artists and producers on that album. It felt really great. I don’t have a favourite record in the album, but my mom’s voice note at the beginning always brings a smile to my face anytime I play the album.
You chose rap music. Why?
My genre of music is Afro rap. It is a fusion of Hip hop with Afrobeats with elements of other genres. I don’t believe in limiting myself to one music genre. I have always been a rap artiste, but I also make other kinds of music as well. A good artist should be versatile.
What are some of the challenges of being a rap artiste in Nigeria?
Music from Nigeria has evolved and it is gaining more acceptance and worldwide recognition. There are challenges generally, but they are not specific to my genre alone. I think we need to start making music that can relate with the everyday man, we will surely make an impact, regardless of the genre it falls into.
What inspires your music?
My everyday life and experiences inspire my music. My relationships, what I go through and what my friends and family go through. Also, the conversations I have with my acquaintances inspire my music.
How did you conceive your stage name Laycon?
Laycon was derived from my first name ‘Lekan’.
How was growing up without your dad?
My dad passed away in 2017, which is not too long ago. It was devastating, but my mother did all she could to cushion the psychological and financial effects of the tragedy on us.
One of your plans was to lavish part of your cash prize on your mother. Were you able to achieve that goal?
I won’t go into detail, but, yes, I was able to do that and more. I have been able to earn more money through a few things I have done. So I will definitely do more for her than I initially planned. The most important part of getting money is financial intelligence and being able to manage the money and resources you have. Most people don’t think of that. I guess I was lucky to realise that early and I was able to put it into practice.
You hardly talk about your family except that your father is late and your mother took care of you in his absence. What about your siblings?
The rest of my family live a pretty private life. Just because I have become a public person, I don’t think it will be fair to push them out there. My brother Abayomi is always with me and he is seen in pictures with me. He is also a member of my team. He featured in my reality series on Showmax I am Laycon along with a brief appearance from my other brother, Tope. If there is any reason for them to be out there and if they want it, the world will learn more about them.
Are you in a relationship right now?
I am definitely not talking about relationships. I have a lot of friends, though.
