Listen to Medkul’s track, Money
Medkul is a hip-hop group of two – Abdulsalam Mohammed and Habeeb Achi. Mohammed is a native of Ilorin, Kwara state while Habeeb hails from Kogi state. The duo has been together as partners since 2000 and is one of the most fast rising song artistes in Kwara and its environs. They spoke with RoyalTimes Entertainment in this exclusive interview.
RT: You’ve been into music for seven years now, did you both start together?
Medkul: No we did not. We started singing at our teenage ages but life brought us together and seven years ago, we came together as a team. We eventually started singing together as professionals in 2014.
RT: How has the journey been like having a partner compared to going solo?
Medkul: For us, the experience has been awesome. Perhaps because we’ve had a relationship before, so it was a natural metamorphosis. Our interest in music is driven by passion, which helps us to overlook our differences as individuals. What we have however is harnessing our musical talents to make our music deeper, richer and more acceptable. So, for us, the journey had been good.
RT: Tell us about your song?
Medkul: Our first single together was ‘Kokose’ produced by respected producer, Master Kraft in 2015. We then released ‘Omo Oba’ also by Master Kraft the same year. The new single we just released is titled, ‘Money’ and is produced by Indomix. We hope to load it on Naijaloaded just as we did with Kokose.
RT: What is your take on many Nigerian songs with dirty and swear words?
Medkul: It is unfortunate that our music has degenerated to that level. Again, this is because we only copy what they do in other parts of the world without taking pride in our own style of music. Music itself is an art which should not just entertain but teach morals, correct the ills of the society and serve as a voice for the voiceless.
RT: So, where do you think we got it wrong?
Medkul: It’s due to misplaced priority. Many artistes today think that is what the people enjoy. Unfortunately, we are not also doing enough as a people to frown at such in order to dissuade them. It shouldn’t have been permitted in the first place if our regulatory bodies are up and doing. I think before these songs are released, it should have passed through their table for vetting. You can imagine that many songs would have been played on air before it is labeled as NTBB. There’s need to rejig the regulatory process.
RT: Let us look at the entertainment industry in Nigeria; are you satisfied with the growth pace and level?
Medkul: I agree absolutely that the industry is growing, but the pace is another thing entirely. One of the major factors for the slow pace is lack of appropriate support for the industry. If we all agree that the entertainment industry can help to project the nation well and serve as a viable sector to grow the economy, I see no reason why we shouldn’t give budding and talented artistes the support they need to acquire required skills and thrive. For instance, in Kwara where we are based, we do not get any significant support from the state and that is how it is in many other states. It’s really unfortunate.
RT: What is the next phase in your career now?
Medkul: Right now, we are working on a number of songs. They will be released soon and then we can start talking of an album. The video for our latest song is also in the pipe and we hope this will see the light of day. It’s not easy for upcoming artistes but our talents and passion will take us there.
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