Oluwajuwonlo James Iledara known as Jaywon shot to prominence courtesy of his new single Filebe which is still getting appreciable airplay. The Kogi state born artistes who has every reason to be happy elucidates to MUTIAT ALLI, about the hurdles he had to pass through in his sojourn into the world of music and his initial encounter with the duo of Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye of Kennis Music.
How have you been coping with music since you are new on the scene?
Sincerely, I have been trying my possible best and with God by my side, I have been able to look up straight in my musical career. It was initially rough and tough for me. But with God on my side I am coping.
What was the reaction of your parent’s when you veered into music?
The fact still remains that my family is not the type that will encourage you to go into music. So, I was actually discouraged by my parents. Immediately they heard that I was thinking of becoming a musician, the entire family didn’t give me any support. They warned me and told me to stop music. They said I have to face my studies.
What actually inspired you into music?
Ever since I was a kid, I had always wanted to become a popular musician in life. Way back, I listened to the songs of great legends in the music industry such as King Sunny Ade, Ayinla Omowura, and Late Sonny Okosun amongst others and was touched and inspired with the way they delivered their songs. I later set my mind to the fact that I would like to work hard to get to the top.
Can you tell us more about yourself?
My name is Oluwajuwonlo James Iledara from Kogi. I don’t consider myself as an arrogant person rather I am the jovial and friendly type but can be naughty sometime depending on the mood I find myself. I am not that learned but can still be boastful to a certain length. I was opportune to get basic education from primary to secondary level and later I got admitted in Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger state where I had a diploma in Accounting.
So, why music instead of accounting?
My sister, this particular question has been asked by several media men, but my answer still remains that Accountancy is my profession but Music is what I have got passion for. I strongly believe in the notion that ‘it is not what you read in school that you become but you believe in me’. You never can tell, if I have gone to work in a Bank, I may not have been this popular.
Are you saying that you wouldn’t have gotten this much hype if you were an accountant?
Not really, because all my life I have always had a passion for music and I have equally been working towards it. I believe as an accountant, the only thing I get to do is majorly calculations, balancing of account and other account related jobs but as a musician; I have been exposed to several things, the ability to mingle with my fellow artistes and going places. Although there is huge amount of money in the accounting sector as compared to music, but I am more comfortable doing what I know best.
What is your relationship like with other artistes?
It has been pure and neutral, but it was difficult when I started as I usually considered myself as being new with a whole lot of hurdles to cross. But thanks to my record label, Kennis Music for giving me that opportunity to meet others.
What would you say is the greatest challenge you have faced in the cause of your musical career?
The greatest challenge I faced was when I had to leave my parents and siblings to pursue my musical career since I had no support from my family members. I just had to leave Abuja for Lagos, where things are happening as far as music is concerned. Unfortunately for me, things were not as easy as I thought. I have done all kinds of stuffs to survive. I was once a bus conductor, bricklayer and I even hawked on the streets because of music. I have done other jobs to survive. I do remember my mothers word that “if you have not gotten to where you are going don’t stop’’. So, I never stopped and even now am not stopping.
I could still remember how I hustled in Lagos for Six years trying to record a track, but at the end of the ‘Baba Keke’ came into the picture and rescued my talent.
Were you ever warned about signing for your record label?
If I should tell you that I was not warned then I am not faithful to my self, but I believe in one thing, it is when you don’t know a person that you have a negative thought towards the person. I must confess to you that I was among those set of people that said negative stuff about them but sincerely, these people are nice and generous as they don’t even know me Adam and they rendered me assistance. It’s all about business and it depends on the arrangement you have with them.
How do you feel being so readily accepted with the release of your hit song Filebe?
I give all glory to God Almighty as I believe without him, I am nothing. After the release of my track, I was even doubting it if it was going to be acceptable in the music market, but thanks to my management team who helped me to get that fame. The only thing I know is that the audio was not really good compared to when I shot the video. I believe this is just the beginning for me as I have a lot to offer the industry.
What differentiates you from other artistes?
I don’t believe in copying other people’s songs but I stand on the songs that I write. There should always be a way for an artiste to be unique, you get to see the likes of D’Banj, Banky W and host of others do their thing in their own way. Originality is the key and delivering in my mother tongue is the best.
When actually did you start music?
Although a lot people did not really feel my impact when I started doing music, I usual hang out in Festac with the likes of Black face and Sound Sultan. I started music way back in my secondary school and I have been doing quite fine and I am enjoying what I know how to do best.
What is the experience like working on a track with Terry-G?
It’s a wonder experience producing a track with him entitled Gbon Gbon, I think every artistes in Nigeria wants to record a track with him as he is one of the craziest talents we have in the industry.
What has the response been so far from your fans?
I thank God for Kennis Music because before now it had been hard for me but now I am proud to represent Nigeria. My fans should just keep their fingers crossed as my best is yet to come.
Who are the artistes you featured in your album?
I have Terry G, Timaya, Sheyman, A.Y.Com, and African China on the album which has been so far interesting.
Any words for your fans
I thanks God, I thank everybody my friends on face book, I love you all.
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