Emmanuel Daraloye, arguably the most prolific freelance music critic in Nigeria, is currently working on an anthology of reviews. In this long conversation with Sola Agunbiade, he talks about the state of music criticism in Nigeria, why he started music review and more.
When exactly did you start writing reviews?
Answer:I started writing music review in 2020, long before this time, I have always been the music industry, from 2015 to 2019, I hosted entertainment related programs in three radio stations;Arbico FM, EKI 100.9 FM, Ondo Town, Music and Culture Radio, Ondo town. I once managed artistes, I co-organized shows while on campus, my brother, I have always been in the entertainment industry. I just took a bold step by strictly sticking to music reviews in 2020.
What inspired you into music reviews?
I wanted to document Afrobeats. I felt the industry need to document the work and I felt I needed to do my part, I believed I have done my part and I hope others who are coming would do that same
I noticed you rarely interview artistes?
I am not a fan of interviewing artistes however I have spoken with artistes like Ajebutter 22, Beautiful Nubia, DJ Enimoney, Pheelz and others. I believe we have enough interviewers in the music industry, I just stick to what I feel is important.
How can people contact you?
They can reach me via my email. I get advance copies from artistes almost everyday. If I show you my mail, there are hundreds of songs. Beyond that, I randomly check DSP, listen to EP, Albums and Single and just write reviews. I rarely know these artistes.
How independent are your reviews?
They are very independent. I write how I feel about the music. I do my part and keep it moving. Like I said, I don’t even know them, however I like reviewing projects that I like.
With the advent of influencers, how important are music critics?
Music critics are still important. The conscious listeners still check out what music critics have to offer.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on my book, I have been working on the book for the past two years, my editor just sent me the final copy, I am a perfectionist,so, hopefully I get it sorted this year and move on to the next, believe me, there are a lot I want to do.
How has growing up in Akure and spending over a decade in Ondo town influenced your craft?
Akure and Ondo town are two places I hold dear to my heart. I spent ten years in Ipele, I spent ten years in Akure and another ten in Ondo town. These three towns or communities have a part of them in me. Take for instance, while growing up in Akure, I listened to Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, 2pac, Biggie and more. By the time I moved to Akure in 2003, I got introduced to Reggae music; Bob Marley, Majek Fashek and others. Between 2003 to 2012, I listened to artiste like 2face, 9ice, Dagrin, I was listening to their albums. By the time I resumed to Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo as a fresher in 2014, I was already building my sonic palette, I listened to a whole lot of music and remember I worked in radio station too. Everything took a serious route when I got to Ondo town.
Will you ever stop music review?
I won’t. I listen to music everyday, I write everyday. Currently I have been writing a review for the last 40 days. A lot of them are yet to be known artistes. My music review might take a different shape as things go.
How have you contributed to your society as a music critic?
I have organized a mentorship program with students of University of Ibadan. I mentored about ten people, a lot of them are currently working in the industry, it was free of charge. Beyond that, I have put people through music reviewing,guiding them till they got better. I have delivered lectures at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, University of Ibadan, spoken with students in Universities in Kenya, Uganda, United State of American, India and more.
What are you currently listening to and what are you currently reading?
I have been reading a lot of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s and Prof Wole Soyinka’s books. In total, I have read about 30 books. I have been listening to albums from Ayra Starr, Victony and the likes, a bit of Saint Janet, Yusuf Olatunji and more. My brother, I listened to everything.
Who are your favorite artistes right now?
It changes , right now, I like Damian Marley, Show Dem Camp, Brymo and others.
You recently went back to school for your second degree, how important was this to your craft?
I studied English Language Education at Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo for my first degree. I have always been a journalist, I knew I wanted to be a journalist since 2009, so, for professional sake and career wise, I had to go back to Lead City University, Ibadan to read Mass Communication and Media Technology, I graduated last month. In the course of my studies, I even learned about range in music reviewing, it was an eye opener for me.
With the limited number of music critics in Nigeria, are you doing anything to put an end to this situation?
I have been doing my part through mentorship, I guide serious and interested individuals.
