It is cheaper to shoot videos abroad — Ay.Com

Ay.Com

Popular musician, Ayoola Johnson, also known as Ay.Com talks about his relationship with Terry G and love for music

How did you develop the passion for music?

I cannot really say what inspired me to do music; I just found myself doing it. When I was younger, I loved to listen to music and I also thought I would be an actor. I loved watching Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde in movies and I used to get jealous whenever she was kissed in movies. I wanted to be an actor so I could kiss her too, but I never knew I would become a musician.

Would you say you went into music for the money?

No, I did not. Music is my calling; I had to stay true to myself and do what I love. Music is not just about making money, but also about sharing love.

What challenges did you face as a starter?

It was not easy at the initial stage. I was a member of a six-man group called Little Superstar, and we were all talented. I was always ready to learn and I found out that the most helpful thing was to believe and trust in myself. That kept me going after the group broke up.

What success tips did you imbibe?

I had a vision of what I wanted; I set a goal on how to achieve it and I always believed in my dream.

People consider Terry G to be your competitor. How do you see him?

I am not competing with Terry G. I clarified where I stand on this issue before we sang Pass Me Your Love. Terry G is hyperactive and I am the quiet one. While we were shooting the video for No Mind Dem, some of our friends wanted me to act hyperactive, but I refused to. I am Terry G’s number one fan and he is extremely talented.

Was your recent song, No mind dem, inspired by resolution of the rift between you and Terry G?

Terry G and I have been good friends for a very long time; we started hustling together when we had nothing. We cried and laughed together. Many people did not believe we could still collaborate on a song following the misunderstanding that occurred after we released the single, Pass Me Your Love. We realised that doing a song together again would make everybody curious.

Are you threatened by other artistes in the industry?

Not at all. I appreciate and respect everybody; our hustles are different and I don’t feel threatened by anyone. The industry is quite big and I am happy for everybody. We all look out for and help each other.

There were rumours that you had gone broke…

I was never broke. In music, there are high and low periods for artistes, but I was not broke.

Is being in the spotlight rosy?

It’s not as rosy as people think; there is a lot of demand on artistes and most times, you feel like you are all alone no matter how many fans you have.

Are there times you felt like you have let people down?

Haven’t we all let people down at some point? I try to look at the positive sides of life; I love them all even if I am hated.

What genre of music do you do?

I do Afro-Pop music.

How do you relate with your female fans even as a married man?

I love them all; I get so much love from my female fans but I always try my best to draw the line between my marriage and my business.

How did you meet your wife and what was the attraction?

I attended the same secondary school with my wife. Beyond the beauty, I saw a friend in her too. She is indeed a mother and also prayerful.

What is your opinion about travelling abroad to shoot videos?

It is nice to shoot videos abroad because of the good locations, good cars and pretty models. Most times, it is cheaper to shoot videos abroad as opposed to doing same in Nigeria because of the availability of equipment for doing so.

What changes do you desire in the industry?

I desire an industry where talents are respected and appreciated. The government should also support the industry and more investors should invest in it. If we can get it right, artistes from all over the world will patronise us.

People believe male artistes are womanisers…

I love beautiful women and because I appreciate them, I am always eager to respond to their calls. Women are like eggs so I always treat them with care. It is fine if you call that womanising, but I am not a womaniser.

How would you describe your personality?

I am a friendly person; I always carry people along and I try my best to be the reason why someone out there is smiling.

What does a typical day in your life involve?

If am not attending a show or an interview, I like to listen to music or I go to record in my studio. Sometimes, I get distracted by my kids. Once they realise I am in the studio, they join me and I have to sing for them while they dance. At other times, I spend the day reading or I drive out.

Are you still in touch with your childhood friends?

Yes, I am. Ninety per cent of my childhood friends are music lovers, so we keep in touch through social media or by visiting one another.

What are your style preferences?

When I have an event to attend, I have a stylist who decides what I wear.