Wisdom Onodiana Roland, with the stage name, WD is an upcoming artist that loves to sing Afrocentric, Reggae /Dancehall songs. He had a tough childhood and but didn’t let that stop him from pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming a musician. He shares with VANESSA OKWARA his growing up years and how he is forging ahead in his music career.
Give a brief background of yourself and education background.
I was born into a family of six- three boys and three girls. I was born and raised in Benin City Edo State and my position in the family is the 5th. I stopped at SS3 because there wasn’t enough money to further my education.
What was growing up like?
As a child, growing up was a little bit tough. I lost my mother in the year 2000 when I was still young. It wasn’t easy for me and my siblings. Although my Dad tried a lot for us still it seems there was something missing. He was able to sponsor our education to the secondary school level. My elder ones were able to push to the higher institution. I started singing in the year 2001 when I was still in secondary school.
When did you start your music career?
I started my musical career in Benin City. At first, I started as a rapper. Then I use to go to different birthday parties to perform live with instrumentals. I love doing freestyle a lot then. Each time I go to parties, I always ask the DJ’s to play me good rap instrumental.
What kind of music are you into?
Formally I use to do Rap which is known as hip-hop before I found love in Reggae music and Afro music too. After being in the game for some few decades, I was able to discover myself, my own style of music which I crafted as Afrocentric Reggae /Dancehall. This style from R&B, Reggae, Dancehall, Afrobeat, Highlife, Pop, Afro Juju, Afropop and Blues.
As an upcoming artiste, how often do you get shows and engagements?
Being an upcoming artist in Nigeria is a great challenge. Getting shows is not easy because you get to meet a lot of discouragement on the way. Most times I go to a lot of uninvited shows. I get to face a lot of insults and underrating comments and sometimes even get robbed by hoodlums. It wasn’t easy going for free shows. You still won’t get a token of appreciation; not even a ‘thank you for coming’ will go back home with you. And the worst part of it is that after using your last pocket money to get to the event sometimes, you can’t even boast of a hundred naira for public transport. That’s what you get to face in the name of an upcoming act mostly when you come from a poor background.
What else do you do aside from music?
Aside from music, I do a few kinds of Sports. I am an Aerobic fitness Coach /Trainer. Apart from that, I can draw as well. Drawing is another part of me which have been doing right from childhood too and I’m also a dancer.
Have you always wanted to sing?
Yes, music has always been my hidden strength. I am so passionate when it comes to music. In fact, music has been my second love from day one.
Who are your role models?
The life of Shaggi, Sean Paul, Buster Rhymes, Wande Cole, Timaya, Patoranking, Wizkid, 2Baba, Brymo, Olamide, Runtown, 2pac Shakur, Biggie Small, and few more.
How have you been coping in this lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
It hasn’t been easy due to the lowdown but I believe everything is for our own good; prevention is better than cure.
What do you think the government should do for the citizens during this lockdown?
I think the best way to keep people indoors is to provide food, electricity and healthcare; that’s the only way because a lot of people are hungry in the street.
Remember, it is not everyone that can provide food for themselves and also some of these people feed on daily income such as the hawkers, homeless kids, orphans, etc.
Did your family support your going into music?
In the beginning, my father was not in support of my music career because I am the second son in the family. He wants me to focus more on education and do something different. Years past and he saw the passion in me and he realized that I gave up everything for music. He had no choice than to give his support. As for my brothers and sisters, they were fully in support from the start
What are you currently working on?
I am working on a new song which is titled ‘Vibe’ produced by MagiQ. Set to release after this whole virus issue.
Have you gotten any major break in your music career so far?
No, I have not gotten any major break in the music industry yet.
What do you consider as the greatest asset in your career as a singer?
My greatest asset in music as a singer is my voice.
Describe your fashion style?
My fashion style/dress code is sometimes crazy! I like doing something off the box. I am a creative-minded person. I dress by imagination most times.
What are the kinds of clothes you cannot be caught wearing?
This is a tough one I must say. I can’t tell because I can style into any clothes but in my own kind of way. Like I use to say, a crazy head is a creative-minded person.
How do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from my environment to start with and things happening around me, not being able to afford something you like and things happening in the country / the world.
Are you in a relationship?
No, I am not in a relationship for now.
