By Bamidele Kolawole

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“I have a passion to defend the defenseless and fight for my country. If I were not a musician, I would like to be a soldier.”
These were the words of a cultural singer, Mr Ayodeji Abiodun, popularly known as Oloko during an interview with Friday Extravaganza.
He hinted that he obtained the form to enter into the military academy thrice but was denied.
He narrated how he formed his Cultural Troupe after he left his boss’ group and some other issues concerning his music career.
In his words, “I started singing when I was young and formed my own band when I was old enough to handle band members whenever we go out every week to perform at parties either invited or not.
He noted that he formed his band Marathon Cultural Troupe which has participated in several cultural programmes across Nigeria, saying that he drums and sings while leading the group in a performance.
While commenting on how he gets his inspiration, he stated that “if I can lay my hands on drum, the songs will just be flowing and I can sing from morning till evening because it has been part of me”.
He noted that he started his music career about 15 years ago, saying that he was able to record many achievements.
Abiodun urged upcoming artistes to keep striving, get education, saying when education meets talents, it will open doors, advising them not to bury their talents.
He noted that his wife has been supportive and encourages him to move forward in the industry.
According to him, he wants to be great in life and make his name to be heard in every household.
Abiodun stated that apart from the gift God gave him, he learned the rudiments of singing from his boss, Mr Oyewole Olu, saying he is his mentor and he love to follow his directions.
He mentioned some of his challenges to include lack of finance which is a general problem with an average artiste in Nigeria.