Remilekun Abdulkalid Safaru, widely known as Reminisce, recently reminisced about his initial struggles in the music industry. The renowned ‘King Of Boys’ actor revealed that his first significant setback occurred when a radio station refused to accept his and 9ice’s CDs due to their predominant use of the Yoruba language in their music.
During an interview with Zikoko, Reminisce revealed, “My first major rejection was with 9ice on the Island at a radio station where we went to submit our music CDs for airplay, and the feedback we got was that we would never make it. They said 9ice was singing like Babalawo [native doctor] because he sings in Yoruba.”
He went on to recount how he, too, was subjected to criticism, with one individual questioning his rap style and advising him to emulate Ruggedman. The encounter left an indelible mark on Reminisce, who emphasized, “That was my first major rejection. I will never forget it, even 9ice I’m sure he hasn’t forgotten it.”
This poignant revelation provides a glimpse into the challenges faced by artists who choose to celebrate their cultural heritage through their craft. Reminisce’s experience serves as a testament to the resilience required to navigate an industry that at times fails to appreciate the authenticity and richness of indigenous expression.
In sharing his story, Reminisce offers an important reminder of the need to embrace and celebrate diverse cultural expressions in the global music landscape. His experience underscores the importance of creating an inclusive environment that recognizes and appreciates the multifaceted nature of artistic expression, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers.
These setbacks, however, did not deter Reminisce and 9ice from ultimately making an indelible mark on the music industry, redefining the narrative and reaffirming the significance of Yoruba music on a global platform.
As the echoes of Reminisce’s resilience reverberate through the realms of artistry, his story serves as a compelling testament to the enduring power of cultural authenticity, igniting a crucial dialogue on the inclusivity and recognition of diverse musical genres in today’s global music sphere.
