“I can boldly say Laolu Gbenjo is a man of vision” – Meet HessKing; One of my Success Stories: Read is Full Interview with Tribune Ng
Akanji Abiodun Samuel better known as Hess King was one of the most popular talents during the African Magic/Indomie Noddles ‘Owambe’ Saturday that held during the lockdown and returns for a second time later this month. One of the vocalists from Laolu Gbenjo’s band, he thrilled Africa with his unique singing and artistry. Kindly tell us a bit about yourself and early memories of family life… I was born on the 12th of December, 1982 at the Mosafejo area of Ajegunle, Lagos. I am easy-going and love to get involved in anything that has to do with creativity. I am a singer, writer, actor, composer and a producer. I am second in the family of eight children. How did you discover your love for music? I grew up to know my father was a great Fuji musician in the 80s (Bashir Alamu and his consusility Fuji sound). My father bought two Sakara drums one day in our leisure, he gave me the small one and taught me to create rhythm for his pleasure because he played the big one. That was how I started. You are a part of one of the most popular bands in Nigeria. How did you achieve that? You mean Laolu Gbenjo’s band. I got there simply because of the song writing skills God has endowed me with. And thanks to Laolu Gbenjo because he doesn’t shadow me or any of us in the band. He unleashes us and lets us roam free in the field of play. I have written songs for many artistes and I am happy how far this has brought me. Ibitayo Jeje, Bolaji Sax, Kenny Kore, Laolu Gbenjo and still counting. Laolu Gbenjo is a lover of creativity, he doesn’t tolerate dormant characters and he helps fuel our talents tremendously. I can simply say my creativity, tenacity and humility gave me a chance in the band. Your band was the toast of Nigeria during the Owambe Saturdays on Africa Magic. Each member seems to have a specific function. Is this your band leader’s (Laolu Gbenjo) vision or a collective agreement? It was his vision, supported by all of us. There is power in vision and I can boldly say Laolu Gbenjo is a man of vision. He is the chief creative officer here. He knows what to suggest to each department to bring out the best of our production at every point in time. His things are done in a unique way and manner, you don’t see him drop guard and he delivers top notch productions at all times. He will never give room for mediocrity. Do you have your own private band/set-up? Yes indeed. Mine is Hess king, ‘The major7th band’. What specific genre of music will you say is your favourite? My favorite genre is the type of Fuji music created by the late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister out of the Muslim morning cry to wake people for breakfast during fasting. Are you/do you have any plans to become a recording artiste? I am already one. My album is ready, tittled R.O.A.R (Ring Out All Realms). What challenges have you faced growing as a performing artiste? Basically, finance encompasses all the challenges we face. Do you have any issues with artistes over copyright? None that i can remember. What could you have been if not an entertainer? Business tycoon. I am actually one alongside my music. I own Autohess exotic cars. Where do you see yourself in five years? Being sought after around the world. What do you have to say about recording artistes who cannot perform to live bands? What is a musician without his band? It’s shocking to know such exists at all. Your top five Nigerian artistes? Fela anikulapo, Ayinde Barrister, Lagbaja, Asa, Johnny Drill If you have the power, what would you change about the Nigerian music industry ? Every musician must be qualified and verified and must be ready to be mentored – Once Again i thank God for being able to be part of one of the biggest Band from Africa #TeamLG for Live
True Life Story about Laolu Gbenjo – How it all Started
FROM OGBOMOSHO BOY TO LAOLU GBENJO Laolu Gbenjo is a vibrant and talented gospel artist, he started his Musical career professionally in 2008, with his first album titled Next Level and the second; Take Over which was launched in 2014 and pulled over 3000 worshippers at KICC Maryland Nigeria and his recent Album title Expressions, which was launched in Laolu Gbenjo and Friends concert .2016. Born into the family of 5 and he is the 2nd in the family. Coming down to Lagos was never in my plans at all, not because i doesn’t like the good life in Lagos, but i couldn’t blend in Lagos, i just couldn’t roll with my age mates and peers because all i could speak then was this CONC Yoruba language from Ogbomosho… and if you understand how a conc Yoruba sounds, you might just want to think about “Sanyeri” – that funny Yoruba actor. All the same, i arrived Lagos for holidays to join the rest of my family members – the reason i was the only one in Ogbomosho, I just don’t know! Holidays are over; it’s now time to return to my precious Ogbomosho villa, no Money! i hustled hard and I did all sort of menial jobs, selling sachet water and all that just to raise t-fare back to his favorite town, but the more he tried to raise money, the more the money was been spent on the family, because things were so hard then. It got dawn on me! How will i cope with my strong Yoruba accent, making me look so gentle daily because when my brothers and friends were speaking, i just stare and they be like.. o boy talk now! But guess what, this God is too good ooo.. this Ogbomosho local boy got a Lagos girlfriend still, even with my predicament. Having tried all possible means to get back to my villa with no avail, I just made up my mind to start catching up, thanks to my girlfriend who started teaching me on how to communicate in English little by little.i started all over to enroll in another local school here in Lagos and as God will have it, i started blending bit by bit. i started moving alongside my brothers who were into music then, learning and trying to be like them, singing and all that; then the D-Day came, i was going to perform in public. You know how it is now, when you’ve been given the opportunity to perform on a big platform; you just gotta rehearse in the mirror and most time ‘cram’ your speech, just what this Ogbomosho dude did. i had memorized my intro and everything, only for me to get on the stage on the performance day and said, “THE TOPIC OF MY SONG IS…” Whaaat!!!!! Who does that!!! Lmaoo But you know what… that Ogbomosho boy today has become LAOLU GBENJO! Sometime you might be going through unpleasant situations and you kinda feel like you’re not progressing, don’t give up, it is a Divine setup to take you to a major Step-up. If I had gotten t-fare back to Ogbomosho that period, I probably wouldn’t have been here today, but Glory be to God.. The journey from Ogbomosho to Lagos turned out to be my major breakthrough in disguise! Keep working on your dreams as a music minister or whatever thing you’re into, don’t give up. That situation right now might just be a Divine setup for you and trust me, YOU SHALL GET THERE! I QUIT! Yes, I Quit; was exactly what I said some years back after my 1st Album launch in 2008. You see, after the album launch I had HIGH expectations for invitations to minister in various programmes and events but guess what – NONE! No invitation showed up, then the few we hustled to get was a “God bless you” ministration – if you understand what I mean. Aside from little or no honorarium from these invitations, my Album CDs recorded Zero sales! Then it dawned on me, and like Mensah Otabil will say, “Reality Hits Me on my face, and I was like; “Is this what I will feed my family with?” This is actually my TESTIMONY, to encourage someone out there. You might have been degenerated in whatever you do be it a music minister, you run a business or just anything… Guess what? Let’s continue.. I made a decision to Quit singing or ministering in songs after those ugly experiences and went into business, yea I went into Sound Business under the business name, Pleasant Sound Entertainment (I still do that too tho). 5 years down the line after quitting singing, I went for a friend’s concert and was given the platform to take worship song – even though that has been like years ago, I did anyways, and after the ministration, someone walked up to me, and that was how the story CHANGED! No, he didn’t give me some huge or sum of money; you’re probably thinking that right? Lol. He walked up to me and said to me; “Laolu, You Have Missed Your Purpose”. My eyes were dazed! I was surprised in shock. I haven’t heard such before but you know what, I felt it within me instantly that this person was saying something reasonable, he was saying the Truth! You know that feelings when you’re convinced about something – all thanks to the Holy Spirit I prayed for forgiveness and asked God for direction and in November that same year, 2013, I re-organised my band members, motivated them and let them know that we might have to run couple of free shows on our journey to stardom #smile (we still do till now, but don’t call me for free show ooo lol) The journey started.. In 2014, I wrote “So Beautiful and Baba n faye mi dabira”, which happened to be a testimony of my experiences above even though I was still expecting
Alaseyori, Senator D’Comedian, Laolu Gbenjo, others light up Glitz Praise Party
This year’s edition of Glitz Praise Party had attendances lift their voices in praises, hearts united in worship as they worshiped God in spirit and in truth. Organized by Glitz Event Centre at 5 and Glitz Garages at 4, Glitz Praise Party saw notable gospel artists, music enthusiasts, worship leaders, church leaders, families and friends praising God in accord. Gospel acts Mairo Ese, Adeyinka Alaseyori, Dare Justified and Laolu Gbenjo performed at the praise party, setting the atmosphere for total worship unto God. Comedians that performed at the event were Senator the Comedian, Ajebo, Odogwu, MoP and Laff Doctor. Speaking during the event, founder and CEO, Glitz Group, Adetola Akinola said that the praise party was put together to appreciate God’s faithfulness on the Glitz Group. “We are celebrating God’s goodness and faithfulness for all He has been and that He has done for us at Glitz Event Centre in the last five years and Glitz Garages in the last four years” She pointed out that the last year particularly wasn’t easy on the business but they are still standing. According to her, the industry is one of the most hit industries bu the COVID pandemic and it is appropriate for Glitz Group to appreciate God for the grace that the companies have enjoyed. “We are full of thanks, we do not deny the fact that the challenges are there, but we also recognize that God’s hands have been on the businesses and we are always sustained by the same God; we are therefore back to give thanks to the same God that has sustained us over the years.” Commenting about the state of the Nation, Adetola remains optimistic about Nigeria and believes that there are brilliant minds who also believe in Nigeria’s dream. She urged Nigerians to get involved in driving positive change in the country. “I am extremely positive about Nigeria; I believe in Nigeria’s dream and there are still lot of brilliant minds in Nigeria. “What we haven’t gotten right in the country is leadership. We all therefore must start to get involved in driving the positive change that we want to see in the country. We must be the change that we want to see; Change starts with each of us.” Popular gospel artist, Dare Justified lauded Glitz professionalism and excellence in the industry. “Glitz is 5! 5years of grace and excellence; this is where we had my wedding. They are the best in Lagos and am happy to be associated with them. I say well done to the founder and her team and that they should keep moving and expanding. We want Glitz in Abuja, London, South Africa and other parts of the world,’’ he said. The praise party gathered notable guests from all works of life that include National President, JCI Nigeria, Abiola Olorunnisola; Inspirational speaker, Nation Builder, Leadership and Executive Coach, Fela Durotoye; Deputy Managing Director, FedEx Red Star Express Plc, Charles Ekanem and General Manager, Public & Government Affairs for Exxon Mobil, Nigel Cookey-Gam; Others guests at the party were Vicar, All Souls Anglican Church, Lekki, Venerable Oreoluwa Agbelusi; Regional Head for Brand & Reputation for Africa for Google, Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde; CEO, Royal Oaks Events Limited, Augusta Enaholo; Head-Services at Union Bank Plc, Modupe Ogunbiyi amongst others The event was held at the Glitz Event Centre and managed by Mahogany
Laolu Gbenjo to Release New Album, Turn Around
Talented gospel artiste and contemporary highlife maestro, Laolu Gbenjo is set to release a new album titled, Turn Around. This follows the successful release of the songs ‘Shyne,’ featuring Henrisoul, So Beautiful. Turn Around features Freke Umoh. Laolu’s forthcoming album promises to be a fusion of several beats and melodies ranging from Afrobeat to Makossa/Soukous, to a fine blend of highlife and pop for an addictive contemporary-African praise jam that will get you dancing in no time. He is renowned for his energy which he serves in excess on stage to the delight of his fans and guests who without hesitation tune into his vibe and get synced. “Every song in the album would be of praise to God acknowledging His great and mighty works,” he said. And production genius from Tyanx, Wilz and more would be made evident in the album set to be released in a few weeks.