Nigerians are everywhere doing good; one of such is Olaniran
Abiodun Olalekan, a Nigerian based in Pretoria, South Africa, with the stage
name 'Hareesto'. He was raised in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria till 2008 when he
migrated to South Africa. Herein is the exert of out chat with Hareesto:
How long
have you been in the music industry?
I have been
in the music industry for 12 years, I started by learning how to play guitar to
complement.
How did
you start music?
I started
music early in life because I discovered my talent for music when I was 5 years
old. However, the drive of my parents to ensure that I am learned made me start
practicing music late. With all sense of appreciation, I also consider their
desire as one of the best for me because my education is an advantage to my
music career.
Who are
your mentors?
I have a
number of mentors and they impacted on my style of music also, despite not
having physical touch with some of them. People like Bob Marley, Tracy Chapman,
Phil Collins, Louka Kanza are the music dons that I really adore.
How many
singles do you have?
At the
moment, I have 2 singles and 1 album. I also have collaborated with K zinger,
Leigh Harmony; they are Nigerian musicians also based in South Africa. I am
also working on these projects and I am hopeful that all these will see the
light of the day very soon.
Have
Nigerians in South Africa accepted your music?
Like
everybody knows Nigerians are everywhere doing good in all the industries that
they have found themselves. In South Africa, Nigerians especially those of
Yoruba descent have embraced my music very well. I really appreciate their
support because if you are not accepted by your people in a foreign land; who
will celebrate your efforts?
What are the similarities and
differences between the South African Music Industry and the Nigerian Music
Industry?
Nigerian
music is going international as fast as it can and South African music is also
doing the same. However, I love South African music a lot because most of their
music are based on African roots beats.
Have you
won awards?
Yes, My
Single; I’ll wait, won Pretoria music award in 2012. The award spurred me to
continue making good music and I am all out to delight my teeming fans with
quality tracks and videos
What do you miss more about home?
Home will
always be home. I have missed a lot of things about home. I grew up in a family
of seven boys and seven girls. I miss the companionship and the relationship
between my brothers & I. I am sure this will make you laugh; I also missed
the Special Egusi soup that my Mom cooks every weekend. In all, the dream to
always make them proud of my attainment at home is what I strive for daily.
If you
were not a musician, what would you be doing?
Like I
mentioned earlier, it is obvious that Bob Marley, one of my mentors was an
Activist. I would have taken that same path if I was not a musician.
If you
are not in the studio or in rehearsals, what other things do you do?
I am a very
homely person, once I am not engaged in this creative enterprise; I would be in
the kitchen cooking some healthy delicacies as medical experts currently
advocate.
What do you
want to improve in the Nigerian music industry?
Nigerian
music is so much growing fast but I will like to introduce the Motherland
soulfull Art into the Nigerian music industry.
Which Nigerian artiste do you want
to collaborate with?
The
delectable Asa has always been my favorite musician to colaborate with and I
look forward to doing a duet with her either on her project or on my personal
project.
The
challenge for the music industry is piracy, what do you think can be done to
stop it?
Piracy is
an age-long challenge for the creative industry; every musical album that
succeeds falls a victim. Unfortunately, the pirates feed well on the sweat of
others. However, we would keep appealing to the lovers of good music to support
us (the musicians) by purchasing the original disks. I believe that is the only
thing way to stop piracy in Nigeria
Which do you prefer to do, sing with a life band or to be
cued with a DJ?
The test of
a musician is his ability to play with a live band. A live band needs a lot of
rehearsals so that it can also synchronize. That’s the hallmark of a
professional.
What
next from Haresto?
Yes,
Hareesto has been in the music industry for a while and he intends to go into
the movie industry too. These are both creative crafts and they work hand in
hand and that is the beauty of the creative industry.
What do
you have to tell your fans?
Shout out
to all my fan, I will want to appreciate you for the support that I have
received till date. All the efforts that have been invested in my career would
have been a waste without your support. Please keep on supporting me and I
won't let them down.
Any
advice for upcoming artiste?
I am giving
this advice which is a simple phrase, “Thou shall not give up!”