LADIPOE Talks Being ‘The Leader Of Revival’, His Upbringing & More!

Hailing from Nigeria, LADIPOE, has been paving a lane of his own with Nigerian Hip-Hop. Having signed to the iconic Mavin Records label, the rising sensation has already made quite the impression on the masses. With an impressive slew of singles and bodies of work behind him, including his 2018 album ‘Talk About Poe’ and more recently with his ‘Know You’ EP that LADIPOE kick started the year with, the Nigerian-native is proving himself as a force to be reckoned with!

More recently, he returned with his brand new single alongside Joeboy for “Yoruba Samurai”, so we caught up with the rising star and asked him the following questions…

Could you tell us a bit more about your upbringing and how you were introduced to music?

I’m Nigerian, music is everywhere you go. At home, on the streets, church, even school. Plus, my parents liked their 70’s soul music and High Life. My mum was crazy for Al Green’s music! 

You’ve previously mentioned that when you were growing up there was no indication that you would end up taking music as a career. What attracted you into wanting to sustain a career in something that isn’t always guaranteed?

I had a gift for it and making music was very fulfilling. I didn’t expect to feel that kind of exhilaration after completing a song!

You like to refer to yourself as the ‘Leader Of The Revival’ – could you tell us a bit more about the meaning behind this term?

Resurgence of faith in African rap music. Dismantling the notion that rap based music does not have a future in this landscape.

Describe your sound in 3 words…

It can only be described in one or in four: lifelines and no punchlines just lifelines.

Earlier this year you released your EP ‘Know You’ – You enlisted Simi for the title track! How did this collaboration come about? Did you ever anticipate that that single would do so well?!

I’d been wanting to work with her since I heard her voice. Luckily the feeling was mutual. When the opportunity came for a link up, we didn’t waste it. No, I didn’t. Glad it did though!

You recently released ‘Yoruba Samurai’ alongside Joeboy! Tell us a bit more behind the meaning of this single? I read that it’s an attempt to dismantle the ‘Yoruba demon’ stereotype on Yoruba men?

I wanted to write something moody; that felt like a promise two people had made to one another. Love in times of great distance. When I coined the term, I knew it could mean more. Meet the Yorùbá Samurai, the antithesis of the ‘Yoruba demon’, and will actually be there when needed. Also, I think either gender can be a Yoruba Samurai or a Yourba demon.

What made you pick Joeboy for the feature?

I liked his vocals. I knew it would keep the vibe going. 

Looking back to the start of your career up until now, what do you think you’ve learnt the most about being an artist and your personal growth?

Seek value instead of validation. One is fleeting the other is lasting success — and gets you paid. Talent is key, but it doesn’t always open doors. Vision and persistence do — plus some luck. 

The growth of the music industry alone is huge, many artists can push out multiple projects a year. I feel like you are a representative of quality over quantity – How important do you think it is to sustain that?

It is crucial!  However, there is relevance in consistency. Striking a balance is key and I continue to work on that.  

In what ways do you feel like Nigerian and British music scene differ?

The British scene has been around longer and appears to have more structure and systems in place.

Afrobeats is becoming a very prominent and mainstream sound within the UK soundscape. Are there any artists you listen to from the UK?

Yeah. I don’t draw the line at Afrobeats though! Knucks, Ms. Banks, Dave, Jaz Karis and Psycho YP!

What else can we expect to see from you this 2020?

Spreading the revival to more regions. More music and more collaborations. I owe my fanbase more than a single before the year is out!

Keep up to date with all things LADIPOE via his Instagram here.