Sunkanmi Akeredolu, also known as Mel Du is a Nigerian music Producer and Hip-hop Artiste.
In this interview with Roving Reporters,Mel Du speaks on his new musical album and other issues around his career.
Excerpts ;
Which state are you from?
I’m from Ondo State. I’m from Akure.
How long have you been into music and the experience so far ?
I have been active for the past five years. I produced an Album last December. The title of the album is Bigger Boss. After the album, I did a track called Mentor. After that, I just released this new album now, called Basis. The new Album has Ten tracks.
What inspired you on this album?
What I know is that everything is by God, is by grace. Because I can’t say much about it. Because anything about music is by grace, not by power. My inspiration comes from God. He gave me the strength to do the job.
What are the things that people should expect from your album?
Like I said, the title of the album is Basis. And the number one track is Shake Up. we have Kalaja. And we have Thanksgiving. And there is a track there, named Ondo State among others.
What is the message in the Ondo State track?
The message is that I want the people all over the world to know that we have many great talents singing in Ondo State that people should encourage.
I hyped Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and other eminent personalities in Ondo State.
Where do you see yourself in the next five to 10 years?
Even the next 5-10 years is too long. My dream is that…because what I ask God to do for me in this music industry, I want people, I want the world to know who I am in this music industry. I want people to hear what God sent me to do.
Are there any of your songs that speak about praising God ?
No, I am not singing gospel music. But what I am singing, there are messages there. That is why I name one of the tracks Thanksgiving. If they listen to it, they will know that there is God.
Do you address social issues in your album ?
Yeah, yeah. The one titled Shake Off. The message is that it encourages people. Everybody knows what the town is saying now and what Nigerians are facing economically. We need to shake it off and encourage ourselves for better future. Things will not continue to be like this.
Who is your role model among the Hip-hop Artistes ?
I love foreign artists, I love them. I love them because I use Akon as my mentor. I also love Debanj, I love the way he sings.
Who among the Hip-hop Artistes do you wish to sing with?
I am ready to work with anybody. Even the upcoming artistes like me, I can feature them. But I specifically wish to sing with Akon. Anytime I listen to his songs, I always learn from him.
What are the challenges you are facing in the industry?
In this industry, everything about music is money. The most challenges is money. After money is money. Because singing is not a problem for me. To sing is not a problem. But to achieve your aim, in this music industry, you will experience one or two challenges. And the challenge at the moment to pursue my dream is money.
Because if you don’t have money to produce your job, and if you don’t have money to do one or two things on your job, nobody will hear you. They can’t recognize you. But if there is money, everything will go well as planned.
What are the messages you have for your fans?
What I want to tell all my fans is that I wish all my fans to keep following me. Because I know everything will still be alright.
After this album, is there any other plan?
Yes, yes, yes, yes. I have already shot a video. One of my tracks and I have plans of producing more videos.
Where can they watch the video?
The video is on my Social media pages. My YouTube is @ mel du.com Instagram, Facebook @ Mel Du109
