I’m Not Competing With Tiwa, Simi – Doyinsola

Nigeria’s afro pop music star, Doyinsola showed the world a glimpse of what to expect from her in 2007, when she participated in a popular music talent show, Star Quest, and since then the graduate of Economics from the Bowen University has continued to work on her craft and put her music on the lips of many people. Doyinsola, who is also into fashion, speaks with Segun Adebayo about her music career and how she's not competing with Tiwa Savage and others.

When you joined the music industry some years back, you promised to redefine Afro Pop music. With the way things are going for you now, can you say you have done well for yourself?

I would say yes. I am not where I want to be, but I am not where I used to be. The reception from the industry is really amazing. Everybody I have met showed me respect. The love has been motivating me to keep going.


Since you released Bamidele in 2015, what has changed about your career and why does it seem you are still yet to convince your fans that you are here to stay?

My major challenge has been funds. Promoting one’s music can be very expensive but with the little we have and with the fan base, I have grown, I am sure they know I stand for refined music. Anytime people hear my song, especially a new convert, they always fall in love with the sound. It has not been easy, but I’m sure, with the support of the media, discovering and promoting my sound, all that would soon be history. Many people didn’t believe I would still be here, but I’m releasing my new single soon, I have some major collaborations in the works too.  New videos and many more to offer are in the pipeline.

How has music been for you since you started, and do you think your music career is taking shape?
I did not even believe I would be here by now. I walk the street with a tinted vehicle now, because of the fear of being harassed even on the road. My career is taking the shape God wants it to take and I believe this is my time of sowing; very soon, I will reap.

At some point, you were said to have switched to the fashion line when music was not paying, how has it been?

I did not switch. I have been sewing since I was 12. Fashion has always been part of me, and as an artiste, being fashionable is also part of the game. I style myself.  When people see me, they ask who sew my clothes. At a point, my friends started asking me to make samples for them also and they actually want to pay me. So, I reckoned why not. Now when I’m not in the studio, I’m in my workshop making beautiful pieces with my team. The fashion line is really helping as I make some cash there to sponsor the music. I am glad for the talents I have. I can smell my success already; it’s only a matter of time.

Would you drop fashion one day when music becomes bigger?

No! The dream is to make the fashion as big as the music. For me, both work for the growth of each other. The more my music grows, the bigger my fashion will also become. I even intend to add a restaurant to the list. If you follow me online, you will see I’m always cooking. DY Meal is coming soon.

With Tiwa, Simi, Chidinma, Yemi Alade, Niniola and others ruling the airwaves, how do you intend to break into the music industry?

I believe we are all unique in our own different ways. The people you mentioned are the shining stars that give people like me hope. I don’t see them as competition, I see them as friends and mentors, and I believe my talent and style will set me aside. I believe if we all stick together as a force, we can break the barrier. The ladies have to show more support to each other.

How would you describe your kind of music?

I don’t like to cage myself when it comes to this music. I cut across and can give different vibes and sounds as long as it’s music. I draw my inspiration from things and people around me.