Fast-rising musician, Adegeye Emperor Ademola, popularly known as Emperor Ade, is one of Nigerian veteran jùjú singer, Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye (Sunny Ade)’s sons who has established a successful career in the music industry, just like his father. In this interview with Quadri Akanbi, Emperor Ade reveals why he uses only ladies as all his instrumentalists. Excerpt:

How was your childhood growing up as the son of King Sunny Ade?

I have known, from a toddler, that my father is a legendary musician. I was opportune to be on stage with KSA a few times. I remember then in those days at NTA Ibadan where he used to play on December 26 yearly. I used to sing and dance as a very young boy. But I never let it get into my head. I always see myself as what best can I do with myself, like everyone else?

What is your educational background?

I am a certified farmer; a graduate of the Institute of Agric Research and Training (IAR&T) Ibadan. Crop production, to be specific. I am also done with my NYSC, and I did some skills acquisition.

When did you start music as a career?

Lalong vows to complete all ongoing projects before leaving office

Officially, 2018

What is the concept behind your name, Emperor?
Emperor is my birth name… That’s the name my dad calls me till forever.. I just added Ade for my musical career.

How many songs or albums have you produced so far?

I have not yet put any song out there officially due to the fact that whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.

You are a juju singer, why do you decide to use women as your instrumentalists?

First, I am a musician, not only a juju singer. I got the vision from GOD. Then He helped me perform with all the ladies’ bands. Besides, I also like to break records and the norm. I know it has not been done before, and I did it.

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

You can be better at yourself, always.

Which qualities do you think makes a great musician?

Always pray, listen to your critics, and work more on yourself, especially on your character. Anyone can sing, but not everyone can be a great musician.

What’s your day like as an artiste?

Busy…I know this, so I plan ahead. Put it down in writing, and make sure I do 10 out of 10.

Which instrument is your favourite to play and why?

I have a few instruments that are my favourite due to their sound.

1. Guitar 2. Omele bata oloju meta (percussion drums) 3. Hawaii pedal steel guitar. 4. xylophone 5. mouth organ

What is the most embarrassing experience you have had?

Vol. 3 Edition 35

Dancing till my shoes broke apart. Lol

I continued dancing anyways till another one was brought for me.

What is your memorable experience as an artist?

The day I played for King Sunny Ade on stage with my band at Akure in a concert and he raised my hand to give me his blessings.

I knew the music in me got my dad’s heart. I also recall the first time I ever got paid as a musician and live band for an event.

God Never fails hmm…

Any new projects From Emperor?

I have a compilation of my songs, but I will be putting it out officially one after the other.