My emotions help my creativity –Distinct

Multi-talented singer/fashion designer, Adetoye Adeniran, popularly known as Distinct, is a native of Ogbomoso, Oyo State, he was born and raised in the northern part of the country, Kaduna, to be precise. His mother is a northerner. In an interview with Quadri Akanbi, Distinct reveals what he does apart from being an artist.

Kindly introduce yourself to your fans out there.
My name is Adetoye Adeniran, but I’m popularly Distinct. I’m a fashion creative, a singer, and event producer. I was born in Kaduna, but spent most part of my childhood in Ondo State. I’m originally from Oyo State, Ogbomoso precisely, while my mother is Hausa. So, when people ask me to tell them about myself, I just say the basics and let them find out the rest, because I know I’m an open book. So, let me stop here.

What inspired your stage name?
The name Distinct? It was inspired by a friend who saw through me at a point in my life when I didn’t have a clue about myself, or how much of greatness I could muster.
We went to a youth camp, and we were just having a conversation, and she was like “Toye, you are Distinct”. She said it, and I felt something honestly. I had to go check the meaning asap; then I feel this word best describes me, or how I want to be seen.

Who inspired you to make music?
God o…. I just saw myself singing from childhood and that’s it. It never dies.

When did you start music as a career?
I would say since I was 10 years…I can remember very well, from the children’s choir, they had to port me to the adult choir because I wasn’t singing like a child amateur, really.

What genre of music do you do?
RnB…. Let me call it what we call it now, alternative music. I sing anything motivating and inspiring. I currently sing in church. I’m a volunteer worship leader at my church, Daystar Christian Centre, Lagos, Nigeria.

Since you’ve been in the industry, how many songs have you produced so far?
Just one actually, but I’ve done a load of background vocals for known and unknown artists. People need to know it is not just about producing songs or releasing a song. It is more about doing it when you are ready, so you can utilise and even shine more for the world to see.

Of the lot, which is your favourite, and why?
I’m proud of the one I did.

What is your creative process like?
To be alone without distractions. Quite an environment, and it is just flowing and sometimes, my emotions at a point help to be more creative as well.

Which artist would you most like to collaborate with?
Waje, all the way!!!

Have you been nominated for any awards locally and internationally?
Haba!!! Calm down now. No, actually, and that is because I’ve focused so much on my fashion brand and event.

What’s the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?

Be you, don’t try to sound like anybody. And it has helped me so far to be myself.

Which qualities do you think make a great musician?
Very good question. Discipline and consistency. Be humble to learn and also respect people.

What’s your day like as an artist?
Ok, because I’m also into other businesses, I have a way to set things up without having to affect them. If I have a music gig and I need to get ready for it, I have to relax my voice, rehearse multiple times, and try to sleep enough to smooth my vocals.