A post shed light on a fascinating piece of history involving Nigerian music mogul Dayo Ayoade and the early days of Mr Eazi’s career. The post, which includes a video clip, reveals that Dayo Ayoade initially did not believe in Mr Eazi’s potential as a musician. This revelation provides a unique glimpse into the challenges and perceptions surrounding Mr Eazi’s rise in the Nigerian music industry.
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The video, features Dayo Ayoade reflecting on the time when Mr Eazi, whose real name is Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, first started singing. According to the subtitles, Dayo Ayoade admits, “When EZ started singing, I did not believe in the music at all.” This statement highlights the skepticism that Mr Eazi faced early in his career, despite his eventual success as a pioneer of Banku music, a fusion of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian chord progressions. Dayo Ayoade’s doubts were not unfounded, given the competitive nature of the Nigerian music industry.
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At the time, Mr Eazi was still establishing himself, and many, including Dayo, viewed his venture into music as risky. The video also mentions that Dayo was involved in multiple businesses, including working for Comic Con 440, which further contextualizes his initial focus on more tangible financial opportunities rather than investing in a burgeoning music career.
Mr Eazi’s journey began in Kumasi, Ghana, where he enrolled at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). It was during this period that he started booking artists for college parties and eventually recorded his debut mixtape, About to Blow, in 2013. Despite these early efforts, gaining traction in the music industry was challenging, especially without immediate belief from key figures like Dayo Ayoade.
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However, Mr Eazi’s perseverance paid off. His unique sound and strategic collaborations, such as the hit single “Dance for Me” with Eugy in 2016, began to gain international recognition. The Guardian even listed “Dance for Me” among the 10 biggest African tracks of 2016, marking a turning point in his career. This success story contrasts sharply with Dayo Ayoade’s initial skepticism.
The story of Dayo Ayoade’s initial skepticism about Mr Eazi’s music career is more than just a personal anecdote; it’s a reflection of the challenges many artists face in gaining recognition and support. It also highlights the importance of perseverance and the potential for change in perception over time. For aspiring musicians and industry insiders, this narrative serves as a reminder that initial doubts do not define the outcome.
