Exclusive Interview with Sheay AKINS

Having been a long time coming, Nigerian artist Sheay Akins’ debut EP is proudly marked with a strong sense of victory, triumph and of course, versatility. He makes it clear that despite having released many demos and singles in the past, ‘Versatility (Vol.1)‘ signals a new dawn for the musician, fusing his production skills with cheerful and hopeful songs, some of which have been in the making for almost a decade. Check out the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

Sheay AKINS: Yes, thanks. I am originally from Nigeria. Born and bred in an ancient city called Ibadan, South-Western Nigeria, however, I was schooled in other cities like Oyo, Oshogbo, and Ogbomosho. I was in Lagos briefly before I relocated to South Africa. Been living in South Africa for more than a decade now. I started writing songs for our church choir repertoire. That’s where I discovered my song-writing talent. I’ve been singing in the kids choir since I was 7 years old, and in around 2003/2004, and I started taking music very seriously. Since then, I have grown in many areas of artistry, production, and performance. I have led people to worship at the University (Ladoke Akintoa University), and ministered in front of several hundreds of thousands, at the Reinhard Bonke crusade back in Nigeria. My songwriting made me learn to play the Guitar, the rudiments of music, sight singing. My love for music would make me learn to play the Violin and a few other instruments as well.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

Sheay AKINS: I did have formal training at Robez Music School (2006) for the Guitar (main instrument), rudiments of music, and a bit of Piano. Brastwrig Music School (2010) was where I learned to play the Violin. I started being an apprentice at Dewtom Studios (Ogbomosho) for studio production, which I later furthered and formalized when I obtained a certificate in Advance Studio/Sound Engineering from Emendy Multimedia Institute (Pretoria, South Africa) in 2013. My knowledge of sounds, vibrations and acoustics would really help me. I am a graduate of Pure & Applied Physics (2011). Furthermore, there are a few “informal” education I got from being trained by videos and books. I did get some vocal training while studying at the University. I was under the wings of Rev. Oyeniyi of the Nigerian Theological Seminary (Music Department), who taught me some more about music theory and much more.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘Sheay AKINS’?

Sheay AKINS: Oh yeah! I discovered my first few songs were more “reggae-like”, and around 2006, I got an album of Bob Marley, and Lucky Dube to play along to the songs. I think these legends influence my early formative years of songwriting. Later on, I heard songs from Asa (A well renowned Nigerian Artist) and I was like “This person sounds like me”. Furthermore, she played instruments. That was it! Done! She was one of my strongest influences, later when I heard Adelle’s Album, I couldn’t resist. It immediately glued me, and I couldn’t let go. R.kelly is another. I have something in common with him when it comes to RnB. Growing up, Michael Jackson was an ‘idol’ to me. So, I do think some of my ‘Pop-py’ modes of songwriting can be attributed to that man! Overall, I have been influenced in many ways, but these few ones would be my strongest influences. The name Sheay was the way my Facilitator at Emendy Multimedia Technologies (South Africa) called me. My full first name is Oluwaseyifunmi. But many times, we only do call the ‘Seyi’ part, which sounds more like “Sheyi”. When Renier (Henning) would call me, he said “Sheay”. I like the ring. I exchanged it for my pseudonym which was formerly “Setolayi”. Akins is a shortened form of my name “Akintola”. There you have it –“Sheay Akins”.

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

Sheay AKINS: I am a variety of Rnb, Pop, Jazz, Contemporary, Afro-Pop, Gospel fused into one person. It is very difficult for me to sound like one genre. I have all these strings within me and my Voice Warmth, Depth in Lyrics, and touching hearts would be the highlights of my artistry.

5. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?

Sheay AKINS: I believe criticism, especially constructive criticism gives room for growth. Over the years, criticism from fans, friends and people who have consumed my music, gave me ideas on what to do better. It’s made me better. On the other hand, destructive criticism from some could be dangerous. I tend to turn a deaf ear (ignore) to critics who want to “bring you down”, either out of jealously or wanting you to conform to their rules of life. I am not a fan of cancel culture. Lol.

6. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

Sheay AKINS:

I’ve been consistent even when things were not working and were difficult. You have to attend to responsibilities, and you have to keep the passion burning, else, you lose your entity in the process. Having the mental strength to maintain & articulate my passion and convictions in the face of lack, opposition and life challenges is difficult. It has also built me.

7. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

Sheay AKINS:

When I got recognized for a publishing contract by Sheer Music, I felt like I belong here (in the industry). Ultimately, when people chant/sing my songs, and get touched by what I have put out, it’s always been proud moments for me. When I also think of how far I have come, making a mark, it’s all satisfying that I never gave up!

8. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as POP?

Sheay AKINS: Definitely! From our children choir at Church, we learned songs and timing with snaps and claps. It always felt great when I was at the choir rehearsals! This would have helped me in many ways. Well, as I discovered my passion for music, more at a later stage, I sang along to a few of R.Kelly’s songs in his album “I believe I can fly”. I resonated with Michael Jackson’s songs, and though I didn’t sing along most times, I would watch and learn a lot. Listening to Bob Marley did much for me. I would listen to his songs, match the time of his songs with my newly written songs, and adjust the time and learn some of the guitar chords – lol. Learning the rudiments of music, melody, harmony, rhythm, dynamics, pitch, volume, etc. and music theory really helped me. I must say, knowing how to play instruments is a big plus! As a music maker, I had always used the cassette recorder at church to record demos. I have always been a fan of recording music and arranging them. I downloaded music production softwares. I remember when a friend later introduced to producing using Fl studio 6, I was elated. The rest is history.

9. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

Sheay AKINS: Very interesting question! My love for touching people is insatiable. I use my music and artistry to do this. Besides, I do believe music is powerful enough to influence political, cultural, and spiritual awareness. I do mostly use my music to touch people, depending on the style/genre of writing. At times, people need a ‘feel-good’ song to get them out of depression, sometimes, they need to be reminded how great they could be, sometimes, I use music to call people’s attention to what many are trying to shy away from (especially creating awareness), and I definitely use my music to try and connect people to their spirituality, especially people who resonate with my spiritual beliefs. I believe music is part of our being, fabric, and entirety. Entertainment and artistry are some of the beautiful ways of getting the tunes, lyrics, and harmonies through. My ultimate love is touching people’s emotions.

10. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

Sheay AKINS: Presently, not there yet. I would love to perform more, go on tours across the world, and showcase my creativity and artistry while expressing my passion with music. I am pleased to know I do music, which is something I am very passionate about. Being a music businessman, I would also like to get more instruments, gadgets, collaborations that would present my music in more distinct and unique ways to the world. I have tons of music I have written which are still needing to be put out there. I also need to earn more from it. Sacrificed so much already, and I know it’s a seed, just as with any other entity that grows. I know I’ll surely get there.

11. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

Sheay AKINS: Comes in different ways. Sometimes, the tune/melody comes first, and then I flesh it up with lyrics, harmonies, etc. Sometimes I write the lyrics and find some rhythm, chords, and progression to it. Once the musical idea/harmonies/melody/lyrics is in my head, I cannot get it out until I have represented it in a structural/arranged form on my computer or accompanied it with an instrument and saved it away, on my phone/PC, to peruse later on.

12. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?

Sheay AKINS: Depending on what I’d be doing. When I’m “cooking” songs in the studio, I enjoy it so much, and I love to be in front of audiences. I come alive. I do think both excite me, depending on what I’d be doing. If I had my way though, I would spend more time in front of the audience. I think I have spent more years in the studio than in front of a live audience. It’s time to delegate the studio work more and face the performance side of music.

13. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?

Sheay AKINS: People interact with songs in different ways. I would like to give them the story that drives each song I make, perhaps some people would resonate with it and “key” into such aura when listening. I think everyone interprets songs in diverse ways. That’s one of the beauties we see in music. Music, like art is expressive, in dimensions beyond one. It is part of why music is at the core of our everyday lives. We find interpretation, definition, context, embrace, resolution, elevation and solace from the same piece of music. Music is magical!