Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Akin James is confident that his music will ride the current wave of Nigerian and African songs taking over the airwaves globally. The performer whose genre of music can be described as soft rock mixed with African influenced sounds, also promises to keep delivering songs with meaningful lyrical content.
Akin who has a B.Sc. in Personnel Managementstarted singing in church as early as age 6. Many years later, he was part of the ‘Peak: It’s In You’ singing competition and came in third place. He recently got signed up with fast rising record label Outofline Entertainment which has affiliations in the US & UK to help him with his global aspirations.
He boasts of hit single tracks such as Iwo Nikan, Let Me Know and Abeg.
Akin reveals more in this interview;
Who is Akin James?
Akin James is from Osun State but has lived in Lagos all his life. I studied Personnel Management in LASU but now, music is my bread and butter.
I am a singer, songwriter and guitarist. My genre of music can be classified as contemporary rock, soul and afro-pop music. Even though I am relatively new in the music scene, I’ve been nurturing my type of music for years now and I feel I am evolving a type of music that is unique. I really hope that the people love my type of music. My team and I are trying really hardto give our best to all our fans in Nigeria, Africa and the world.
Wow! Lots of graduate professionals are opting for music these days. But for Akin James, when and how did music come into the picture?
Well, I’ve been singing since I was a kid. As a matter of fact, I feel privileged to have graduated from school because at a point, I was contemplating on leaving school for music.
As I said earlier, music has always been my first love. I was in the church choir as young as age six and that was when I started singing. And I soon discovered that I have an ability to write songs so, along the way, I also learnt to play many musical instruments. I play the guitar and the keyboard very well. Music has always been there through my life.
Age six? How easy was that? I mean playing many musical instruments, learning to sing and write songs too.
Well, for me it all came naturally. It was as if I was made for music and music for me. It was all self-taught for me. For instance, when I fell in love with the guitar, I just got one and started playing-not that it was so easy though but, constant practice brought perfection.
So, for how long have you been playing the guitar?
I have been playing for a very long time but, I started playing professionally about 9 years ago
Oh great. Let’s talk more about your music and what you are bringing to the industry. What makes Akin James’ music unique?
My lyrics and my voice. I particularly pay attention to the tone I produce with my voice and thankfully, I have this very smooth voice texture that is uncommon. I also have the skills to deliver on the lower registers; it is not the regular texture that you hear from most singers.
Also, I have this soul feel to my songs and that is equally unique.
So, where do you draw inspiration to do such unique songs?
I pick up inspiration from everything around me- life itself, people, my environment and basically, situations around me. I also love children and draw a lot of knowledge from them as well. And also from God.
Your songs; Iwonikan and Abeg. Are they out officially?
No, it’s not. I’m, currently working on my EP-the Akin James Project but for the sake of my fans, I asked my team to make them available on soundcloud and on the Outofline website.Iwonikan and Abeg are also gaining massive airplay on radio stations everywhere. The songs will be officially released with my EP. The team is working hard to make sure this happens soon.
Editor’s note:
Soundcloud streaming link: https://soundcloud.com/user-433071234/tracks
Website:www.outofline.com.ng.
Talking about your team, does this mean you are signed to a record label?
Yes I am, the famous Outofline records…
Oh! I was actually thinking of stealing you (both laugh) well, any messages to fans out there? What more do you want them to know about Akin James and his music?
Well, they can expect that I would keep churning out more beautiful sounds and to always deliver my best at all times.
And still talking about more songs, how soon should we expect an album from you?
Soon. I’m focused on releasing my EP for now
So how do fans get to follow you on social media?
Fans can follow me on @akinoutofline on IG and twitter. Please also follow @outoflineentertainment on Instagram and on twitter @outofline_entfor news and information and gossip about me
Finally, your positive notes?
Stay strong, Keep fit and always look out for good music which is the life of the soul, especially songs from Akin James