Music is a global language and a community without borders. Afrobeats is already deep in the conversation of solid sounds that transcend all limits of the entertainment world.
The world is yet to see the best of Afrobeats and the Afrobeats movement is definitely on a roll. There is a plethora of emerging artists who are gunning for fame, fortune and glory. I was able to hit up with one of these acts lately.
Riviless is a singer, rapper and songwriter. We discussed at length his life, family and his journey so far. Please do enjoy our conversation below, thanks.
Q: So, may we meet you?
A: I’m Ayobami Kehinde Raphael, a native of Osun state. But I was born and raised in Lagos state. I’m a graduate of Yaba College of Technology, and I finished my NYSC in February 2022.
Q: Wow, I see. Fresh, young and ready to take on the world. Congratulations to you and welcome to the corporate world.
A: Thank you. 😊
Q: Alright. So, what inspired you to do music?
A: Well, I was first inspired by Dagrin in 2010. I was a very big fan, still a big fan though I still listen to his songs. But Olamide, in 2011, made me finally fall in love with music. And for the first time in 2012, I entered the studio to record a track.
Q: Amazing, so what was your first track all about?
A: My first track was titled “Nigboro” which means “on the street”. My main focus on the track was that “wherever you go to on the street, you would always find my song there.”
Q: Oh, I see. So, what was the response like to the track?
A: Lol, the funny thing is that it was only me and my friends that listened to the track that year because I didn’t know the ways I could use to promote it.
I’m planning to go back to the studio and redo the song. It’s the kind of music people are listening to nowadays.
Q: Okay. So, when did your career start professionally?
A: I started professionally in 2015. I released a series of freestyles on my Ig page and cover songs.
Q: Okay, so where did you have your first professional gig?
A: 2015, in my department back then in school. Although I wasn’t paid, it was a privilege for me to be on stage.
Q: Oh, interesting. What department were you in back in school?
A: I was a Mass Communication student.
Q: Wonderful, so were your departmental activities helpful to your career?
A: It did a bit. At least I was recognized by some of my colleagues in the department. I felt it was a step forward.
Q: I see. So, what kind of music do you do?
A: I started with Rap (Hip-hop) music. Purely rap. But now, due to the market in the industry I’ve discovered the commercial genre like Afro music in me. 😀
Q: So, what would you classify yourself as now?
A: On my bio, I described myself as a rapper, singer and songwriter.
Q: Alright. So, what is your journey so far in the industry?
A: Mehn it’s not easy o 😂. Music is all about money. If you don’t have money u can’t do music. All my salary na ontop music I dey put am. It’s not easy when you don’t have a sponsor. But I’m doing the best I can. To record is not small money not to talk of putting it out on platforms or to promote too.
Q: Wow. So, do you enjoy support from your family for your music?
A: Yes, I do. My friends and family all love my sound. That’s a whole ginger on its own.
Q: Alright. So, what are your musical influences?
A: Olamide influenced my type of music. But I do not sound like him. I just draw inspiration from him. Kizz Daniel songs are also an influence in some ways.
Q: Nice. So, what advice do you have for other upcoming acts?
A: My advice now to other upcoming artists like me is that we should just keep pushing. Those that are in the industry now don’t have 2 heads.
I’m releasing my Ep in a week’s time now, it’s a blood and sweat thing because financially it has not been easy. But to God be the glory I completed it.
Q: Kudos to you. So, let’s get personal, are you in a relationship?
A: No, I’m not.
Q: Alright cool. It was nice having you.
A: You are welcome. It’s my pleasure.
Q: Alright take care.
Thanks for reading.
Listen to Riviless Album below…
Rivi of life! you’re going places, brother. Korede is here for you.