From theatre to rap

Despite training as a neurologist at the
Middlesex University, London, Taiwo
Oladokun, still could not suppress his love
for music. Going down memory lane, the
practising neurologist at the National Health
Service, in Cambridge, in the UK, says it was
a tough call, trying to win the blessings of
his parents.
"They were shocked when I started
showing an interest in music, while I was
still in school. Their fear was that I would
jettison my studies as a neurologist and they
made it known to me without mincing
words that they would not support the idea.
But my passion for music is greater than my
parents' aspiration for me. I however
assured them that I would not give room for
my music career to affect my education, and
they eventually gave in, albeit, reluctantly," he
says.
Upon graduation, Oladokun pitched his tent
with NHS, but constantly fought hard to
suppress the urge to do music. He soon
gave in and launched a career as a song
writer, singer and producer. Fame came
calling when he became a regular feature on
radio and television stations, in the UK. Yet,
Oladokun maintains it does not affect his
day job as a neurologist.
Drawing inspiration from the likes of Chief
Ebenezer Obey and King Sunny Ade, the
artiste, whose hit songs titled Angel and If I
Catch You, are said to be making waves on
UK charts, says, "The younger generation of
Nigerian artistes have a lot of things to learn
from the Nigerian music legends. What I
have on airplay is not hip hop that is
influenced by the western culture, but music
that gives the listeners an idea of my roots.
That is the attraction and I believe the UK
audience appreciate this lot."
He says he intends to produce collaborative
songs with P Square, Wizkid, Flavour and
2Face Idibia. "These artistes have made an
impact through their uniqueness, and I
believe in being very unique. My new album
project will feature them and my
management team is putting the logistics in
place to actualize this. I believe I can make a
positive impact in people's lives through my
music. I also want to influence my
generation and the younger generations by
teaching them that they can achieve their
dreams by working hard and not relenting
on their efforts to succeed in life", he
explains.