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‘My father is a pastor, he doesn’t care about the vulgar lyrics in my songs’ – Rapper, Lil Kesh reveals

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Keshinro Ololade, aka Lil Kesh, speaks about his career, relationship with Olamide and his new record label

Was it your childhood dream to become a music artiste?

I have pretty much been around music all my life, and the love for music has gotten me this far. My dad is a pastor and he owns a church. However, it’s not like I made a conscious decision to become an artiste; it grew on me untill I knew this was what I wanted to do.

What was your dad’s reaction to your decision to become an artiste?

My dad was cool with it. He lets you do whatever you want to do. He feels that whatever his life story is doesn’t have to affect the way his children live their lives. According to what he used to tell me, everybody must live his or her individual stories. He watched me grow from being part of the choir, learning to play drums, and attending music shows. Till now, he gives me all the necessary support and respects my decisions.

Considering that your dad is a pastor, isn’t he bothered by your vulgar lyrics?

Those vulgar songs are basically about me doing my job and he doesn’t interfere. Besides, not all my songs are vulgar. I have recorded songs like Ishe, Semilore and others. However, the ones that go viral are the ones with vulgar lyrics. I understand my markets, and I know the demography I’m directing my music to, which is the youth and adults. I’m a blunt entertainer, but I consider my fans, and always try to give them what they want. But this year, I decided that I’ll feed my fans with more meaningful songs that will inspire them.

What inspires you to write such vulgar songs?

Most of those songs were not written; we just go into the studio and ‘vibe.’ However, my environment inspires me and it’s not like I deliberately try to be vulgar.

Beyond the stage persona, who is Keshinro Ololade as a person?

I have a dual personality in the sense that I could go into the studio and come up with crazy songs that would entertain people. I could also be home alone relaxing, and listening to soft and mid-tempo songs. Listening to my songs, some people may think I’m a loud and local boy, but they’re usually surprised when they meet me and see that I’m calm and cool-headed. I’m not that outgoing, except if I have to attend events.

What’s your educational background?

I went to a number of primary schools, all in Lagos. I also attended secondary school in Lagos before proceeding to the University of Lagos to study Linguistics. However, I had to defer my admission because of my hectic schedule. Right now, I’ve enrolled at the National Open University, where I’m studying Mass Communication.

Some people believe you came out of nowhere to rise to the top in the music industry.  Can you share some of your struggles?

I have always been a hustler. I started my career by attending several talent hunt competitions, and I won some of them which made me quite popular in school. At a point, I was always hanging around studios because I had no money to record songs.

How did you meet Olamide?

I recorded a song titled Lyrical in late 2013, and Olamide heard it sometime in 2014. Apparently, he loved it, and he said he wanted to meet me. When I met Olamide, he had a contract ready for me, and that was how my career kick-started. I was blessed enough to record a hit song within months, and my career has been growing ever since. I have always seen Olamide as a king, and I even respect him more now.

How would you describe Olamide as a boss?

Despite the fame and fortune around him, Olamide is just like the guy next door. He is easy-going and down-to-earth. He is friendly with everyone and he could eat from the same plate with you without airs and graces.

Was it really your label mate, Viktoh, who introduced you to Olamide?

Yes. Viktoh is a friend to Olamide’s younger brother, DJ Enimoney, and he had known Olamide for about five years before I came into the picture. We used to meet at some talent hunt competitions, and he was the one that played my song, Lyrical, to Olamide. He actually signed both of us on the same day.

It was reported that there’s bad blood between you and Viktoh?

That’s just the figment of some people’s imaginations. VIktoh will always be my brother. We all have our different times to shine.

Let’s talk about Shoki…

I think Shoki is my biggest song to date. It became popular barely weeks after it was released. Initially, I was in denial because I didn’t know the song was that big. At some point, people like American singer, Missy Elliot, uploaded a video of herself dancing to Shoki. To be honest, it put pressure on me, because it was almost bigger than Lil Kesh, the brand.

Your style of music is similar to Olamide’s. Wasn’t he afraid of you overshadowing him?

No, there’s no competition between us. Olamide built the YBNL family in a way that we all love one another. Even if he is meant to release a song, and one of his artistes also wants to release a song, he would defer his to allow his artiste’s song to be put out. Besides, I won’t say I decided to do music like Olamide; it came naturally to me. We’re both from Bariga, and we have the same musical influences. YBNL has a sound of its own; it is not an Olamide sound, or a Lil Kesh sound.

Do you feel you know enough about the music industry to float your own record label?

Olamide brought us up to know every single detail about the music business. There weren’t many protocols, and he made me know all the industry contacts needed for distribution, promotion, PR and basically all parts of the business. He didn’t treat me like an artiste, but as a brother. Anyway, my label, YAGI is directly under YBNL. Olamide still handles the business for me. I’m just responsible for myself financially, but anytime I want to drop a new single or video, Olamide knows about it. YBNL is still Lil Kesh’s management, and the idea of floating a new label was a joint decision.

When will you be signing your own artistes?

It might not be anytime soon, but we’re definitely going to do that. When I feel mentally and financially ready, I will cross that bridge. Right now, there’s still a lot of work to be done on Lil Kesh.

Do you still visit Bariga where you grew up?

No, I don’t.

Why is it so?

It’s called the hood for a reason, and I have to consider a lot of things before going. I’m like a king in Bariga, and a lot of people love me there. If I’m to go there, it has to be a grand entry with security in place because a lot of people would definitely troop out to the streets. Besides, my family does not stay there anymore. I have relocated them to a better neighborhood.

You have found fame and fortune at an early age. How have you been able to manage it?

I always say I may be 22 years old biologically, but in my head, I’m older than that. Age is not maturity. It is your experience that makes you, and I have seen a lot. From being in the ghetto to living a better life; these things have built me.

Let’s talk a bit about the Headies. Did you feel robbed that you didn’t get the Next Rated Award?

I have put that behind me as it isn’t relevant to my career. As far as I’m concerned, my award is living a good life. Awards don’t determine which artiste is the best. So far you are nominated for an award, you are a winner already.

You have also been nominated for this year’s Headies. Will you be motivating your fans to vote for you?

It’s not just about me and how I feel about these things, it’s about my fans. They supported my music this year, and that’s why the album got nominated. I’m going to post about the award on social media, and appeal to my fans for support.

Can you recall the most awesome part of your career?

Anytime I step on stage and thousands of people are screaming my name.

What’s the craziest experience you have had with a fan?

There was a time I was on Lagos Island, and some street boys stopped all the cars on the road, saying nobody should move until they had all taken pictures with me. It was crazy on that day as their action caused massive traffic build-up.

Has any female fan ever asked you to sign on her boobs?

Those things happen and I don’t even consider them as crazy anymore; it’s a normal thing.

 

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NIHOTOUR Calls on Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Allied Sector Professionals for Mandated Registration

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NIHOTOUR Calls on Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Allied Sector Professionals for Mandated Registration

NIHOTOUR Calls on Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Allied Sector Professionals for Mandated Registration

 

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), the regulatory and standardization authority in the sector, has invited professionals in the hospitality, tourism,travel and allied sectors to register as mandated by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (Establishment) Act 2022.

A statement signed by Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, FIMC, Director-General/CEO
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism reads:

“Enjoy FREE registration from December 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025! This is your chance to register as a professional or practitioner at no cost.

“Don’t miss this opportunity to solidify your presence in Nigeria’s thriving tourism industry. Visit www.nihotour.gov.ng now!

“Hurry—free registration closes on January 15, 2025. Take the first step toward advancing your career in tourism today!”

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EGC Homes Unveils Goodness and Mercy Estate, Brand Ambassador

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EGC Homes Unveils Goodness and Mercy Estate, Brand Ambassador

 

EGC Homes, a notable player in the real estate and property development sector, has made waves in the Nigerian market with its recent announcement of the launch of Goodness and Mercy Estate in Ogun, alongside other strategic initiatives.

The company emphasized its commitment to collaborating with the government to alleviate the housing deficit in Nigeria while prioritizing the well-being of residents.

In an interview with THECONSCIENCE NG, Oladapo Jimoh, the Managing Director of EGC Homes and Properties, expressed the brand’s long-term vision to bridge the housing gap and simplify the journey to homeownership.

He stated, “Current data estimates Nigeria’s housing deficit to be around 28 million units by 2024. This figure is among the largest globally and poses significant challenges, contributing to homelessness and various social issues.”

“National statistics indicate that our country faces a pressing need for approximately 700,000 new homes each year to address this deficit. As urbanization continues, these challenges are particularly evident in major cities, where affordable housing becomes increasingly scarce, forcing many into slums and informal settlements.”

The World Bank projects that Nigeria’s urban population could exceed 200 million by 2050, highlighting a potential social crisis as the lack of affordable housing leads to the rise of slums, especially in urban areas.

“As a forward-thinking and solutions-oriented company, we are dedicated to addressing these critical housing issues in partnership with the government.”

Following its successful launch in Lagos, EGC Homes has rapidly expanded its operations, acquiring a significant land bank across the southwestern region of Nigeria and enhancing its marketing strategies to effectively connect with customers.

The firm is committed to providing Nigerians with exceptional value, peace of mind, and simplifying the processes of land acquisition and homeownership.

“Our mission is to make life easier for Nigerians while assisting the government in tackling the housing deficit.”

Recently, the company introduced its premier property, the Goodness and Mercy Estate, located in Arepo and Sagamu Interchange in Ogun State, with more projects on the horizon. Its flexible payment plans and affordable property prices aim to cater to a wide audience.

Additionally, EGC Homes has appointed Titilayo Adebayo-Omotosho as its social media brand ambassador to promote the unique offerings of EGC Homes and Properties Limited to Nigerians both at home and abroad.

In her remarks, she highlighted her commitment to the vision of EGC Homes, stating, “I believe every Nigerian deserves a decent roof over their head. This aligns perfectly with the mission of EGC Homes and Properties, which is why I chose to represent the brand, promoting its exceptional estates and home packages to Nigerians and those aspiring to own homes here.”

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Optiva Capital Partners and Loft & Keys LCC Forge Strategic Partnership to Drive $500m Investments in Nigeria

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L-R Dr. Jane Kimemia, CEO, Optiva Capital Partners and Chief Austin Ugochukwu Albert, Chairman, Loft & Keys LLC during the partnership agreement signing between Optiva Capital partners and Loft & keys LLC at Optiva's headquarters in Lagos

Optiva Capital Partners and Loft & Keys LCC Forge Strategic Partnership to Drive $500m Investments in Nigeria

 

Optiva Capital Partners, Africa’s leading wealth management and retention company, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Loft & Keys LLC, a renowned real estate and investment company with dominant presence in Nigeria and the Middle East.

 

The ceremony which took place over the weekend at Optiva Capital’s Corporate Headquarters, aims to boost investment in Nigeria’s hospitality and healthcare sectors on the one hand, as well as provide Nigerian investors with opportunities to invest in real estate in the UAE, particularly in Dubai.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Jane Kimemia, CEO, Optiva Capital Partners, emphasized the transformative potential of this partnership, “With Loft & Keys’ deep understanding of the Nigerian market and established networks in the Middle East, we are poised to bring $500 million in investments into Nigeria’s hospitality and healthcare industries. These funds will be strategically spread across Lagos, Abuja (FCT), Delta, and Enugu.”

 

The investment in hospitality will serve as a catalyst for economic growth in Nigeria. Beyond creating employment opportunities, it will spur infrastructure development, enhance regional tourism appeal, and foster business ecosystems in Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory, Enugu, and Delta. Similarly, the healthcare focus will address critical gaps in medical infrastructure, improve access to quality care, and promote health innovation—key pillars for national development.

 

The partnership According to Dr Kimemia also extends to Nigerian investors seeking opportunities in the UAE. With Loft & Keys’ expertise and extensive networks in Dubai and other Middle Eastern hubs, the collaboration will unlock access to one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets.
Speaking about the partnership, Chief Austin Ugochukwu Albert, Chairman, Loft & Keys LLC, said “Optiva Capital Partners stands as Africa’s leading wealth retention company, a position that is firmly established and without question. This partnership with Loft & Keys will further solidify their dominance and create even greater opportunities for growth. As Dr. Jane Kimemia has rightly emphasized, Loft & Keys, with our extensive expertise in the Middle East, is a trusted and experienced partner”. We have a strong presence in the UAE and are actively expanding into Saudi Arabia and Qatar in the near future. Together with Optiva Capital Partners, we are committed to capturing significant market opportunities in these regions. I am confident that this partnership will foster substantial growth that will be mutually rewarding for both parties.

 

Dubai, a city widely known for its opulence and rapid development, is reportedly operating at only 30% of its projected capacity, presenting a significant growth opportunity for investors. According to industry experts, this untapped potential creates a unique window for investors to capitalize on the city’s future expansion and development.
The partnership aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17 as two formidable brands, Optiva Capital Partners and Loft & Keys are committed to leveraging their collective strengths to drive impactful investments that benefit clients and communities alike.

 

L-R Dr. Jane Kimemia, CEO, Optiva Capital Partners and Chief Austin Ugochukwu Albert, Chairman, Loft & Keys LLC during the partnership agreement signing between Optiva Capital partners and Loft & keys LLC at Optiva's headquarters in Lagos
About Optiva Capital Partners
Optiva Capital Partners is a premier wealth management and retention firm offering bespoke solutions in four areas of specialization – investment immigration, investment advisory, insurance, and international real estate.
About Loft & Keys LLC
Loft & Keys is an internationally recognized real estate and investment company with a robust presence in Nigeria and the UAE. The firm is dedicated to connecting investors with high-value opportunities in dynamic markets.

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