Songster, Segun Adekunle, popularly known as Labule recently spoke to ADEOLA OGUNLADE on his journey to stardom and his interest in promoting his root and other social issues through his songs.
Can you share with us your background?
My name is Segun Adekunle, am a Nigerian from Kogi State. I graduated from University of Lagos, I studied Civil Engineering, then I did my Masters in UK, University of Brighton to be precise, then I studied Construction Management.
Was Labule crafted to reflect Yoruba traditional culture?
Labule was crafted to reflect the African tradition, African culture in which Yoruba is also part of, is very rich in tradition and original and been a labulite mean originality, we don’t fake it.
How much should an artiste promote traditional culture in a time when our culture is been threatened by westernisation?
Traditional culture is our culture, our identity, I don’t really know why we should leave our culture and be promoting other people’s culture. For me, we need to strike a balance with some of the western culture that has positive influence on us, then add our own. Our culture is our identity and our root.
Why are you using your songs to address social issues?
I use my songs to address social issues because am very much into things around me, am influenced by happenings in my environment and surroundings, they are relatable.
What do you want to be remembered for?
True African who believes in being original and a realist
Can you tell us about your new album?
We have Smartie and Gbegbese out there enjoying airplay. We don’t have album yet, we have two singles and we have recorded the third one which will be out soon. Our Album should be out next year by God’s grace.
What social issues is your new song addressing?
Smartie talks about technological advancement in relation to the women folks. Technology has made a lot of things easy for our ladies. Technology had impacted positively and negatively on them. Gbegbese talks about taking a step. Stagnancy and procrastination are barriers we need to crush to move to the next level .Taking a step is not easy as it comes with its consequences but the aftermath result is always good.
How are you battling with piracy?
The same way every artists battles it but I know one day Government will be purposeful in fighting it.
ls the use of online digital tools to market one’s song sustainable for artistes?
I think so, you get a wider reach when you promote your songs online but it is not easy like that, you will still need to give money to some influencers and all but it is a cool way of promoting one’s songs.
What are the opportunities and challenges of using online or social media platforms to market one’s song?
Loads of opportunities and like I said earlier, it breed wider audience, smooth and easy interactions with your followers and fans. Creativity is key when promoting online, you just have to be very creative and have a team on ground to push the content to the world.