Nigerian singer Lekan Osifeso Junior, professionally known as Lojay, has opened up about the realities of fame and the personal discipline required to sustain a long-term career in the music industry.
In a recent episode of the I Said What I Said podcast, the “Monalisa” crooner shared that his initial perception of being a pop star revolved around the prospect of romantic indulgence. “I used to think I would frolic with a lot of ladies because there are babes everywhere,” he admitted. However, he quickly learned that the constant attention from admirers demanded a high degree of self-control. “When you have about 100 girls talking to you, that is when you need to cultivate discipline,” he explained.
Lojay emphasized that maintaining a successful and enduring career in music requires more than talent—it demands personal restraint. “I realised if you want a long career like the Big 3, you have to stay away from too many girls,” he said, referring to Nigeria’s top-tier music acts.
The singer also revealed that his early fascination with the lifestyles of established artists faded once he entered the mainstream. “One of my cultural shocks in the music industry was that the lifestyles of other artists that used to entice me when I was an underground artist were not as appealing when I got into the mainstream,” he noted. Contrary to public perception, Lojay pointed out that the industry is marked by a surprising level of discipline. “There is a lot more discipline in the music industry than many assume,” he said, adding that musicians are acutely aware of their public image and the need to protect their reputations.
While acknowledging that his personal temperament has helped him avoid many of the pitfalls associated with fame, Lojay stressed that discipline remains a conscious choice for anyone seeking longevity in the entertainment world.
His reflections offer a candid look at the pressures and temptations faced by young artists in Nigeria’s competitive music scene, underscoring the importance of focus and self-regulation in building a lasting career.
