Olugbade Okunade aka GP Saxy is the brain behind the famous Alárìíyá Band. In this interview with Michael Ojuroye, he speaks on his musical aspirations.
Tell us how you started the Alárìíyá band.
Alárìíyá Band was formed in Melbourne, Australia in June 2014, which makes it 3years now. I am the only Nigerian in the band with 6 great musicians from other parts of the world.
I came about the band’s name ‘Alárìíyá’ because I wanted something Nigerian, Yorùbá to be precise, also, I wanted a name that would be easy to pronounce.
Who and what inspired you into Music?
I got the inspiration to become a musician when I joined the Choir and Brigade(African Lads and Lasses) at an early age. Since then I have always been involved in music despite studying accounting at Lagos State Polytechnic.
What was your experience like working with Egypt 80, Fela Anikulapo Kuti's band?
My experience working with Egypt 80, Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s band was amazing, not a lot of young musicians in Nigeria have this opportunity. It was an eye opener performing along side great artist for 14years on world class festivals like Montreal Jazz Festival - Canada, Coachella - USA, Nice Jazz Festival - France, World Music and Dance (WOMAD) Festival in Spain, United Kingdom, Australia etc.
How many instruments do you play and how easy was it for you to tutor your band members?
My main instrument is Trumpet, I can fiddle with Saxophone, Percussions and Keyboard. Teaching my band members was not hard, as they are all professionals and very enthusiastic about the music.
Who are your music Icons generally?
Fela Kuti of course, Orlando Julius, Victor Olaiya, Majek Fashek, Aruna Ishola, Kayode Fashola, Sunny Ade, Herbert Ogunde, to mention a few.
What brand of music do you like?
I like all genre of music that is good and have positive message because with the state at which the world is at the moment we need more positive vibes.
What’s your assessment of the role the internet plays in the music business?
Internet in today’s music business has made Music operations more possible for independent artistes like myself and others. You can go global through internet from behind the desk in your house, which in the sense has given platforms for more artistes to be able to reach out there music to more people all around the world.
What are your future plans?
My future plan is to ensure I contribute positively to my community through my music, stay true to my craft and take Alárìíyá to the world.
How would you describe yourself in a sentence?
I am a proud music maker, who loves to inspire and bring joy to people wherever I go.
Your advice for the youths.
Respect others, be positive, humble yourself and trust in God because nothing is impossible with him.
The official site where people can get to watch and download your songs?
You can follow Alárìíyá on FACEBOOK
Instagram is @alariiya
You can buy or stream album HERE
or on all other digital shop e.g. Spotify, iTune and anymore.
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