Nigerian-born, UK-based afro-fusion singer, Oluyole Oluwaseun, who is better known in the entertainment industry as Sean Dampte, has said that the effect of social media and technology in the entertainment space cannot be undervalued, adding that he is humbled to see how far he has come with his music and brand.
According to him, having been in the entertainment industry for some time now, he cannot say why he is into music other than that it gives him joy and fulfillment to be part of the culture. He said, “I guess I can confidently say it must be the love for music itself. I am grateful to my team, friends, family, Awoodahites and everyone that is part of this journey. The most important thing for me and for everyone that matter is the resilience that you possess.
“I started by believing in myself, and my ability, and over time people began to take the brand Sean Dampte serious. It’s been a long journey, but we are thankful.”
The Life, Money, Happiness crooner described his brand of music as Afro-Calypso, saying it is ultimately part and parcel of the Afro-pop vibe with loads of other cultures present. He added that his works usually look at the happenings in the social and political circles.He explained that his single, Adura points out that only prayer can uplift the nation and the citizenry, as he enjoined Nigerians to always continue to pray, particularly during this trying time of the global pandemic.
Commenting on the recent killing of George Floyd by a US police officer, which gave rise to #BlackLivesMatter movement, the Dampte said he understand where and how the incident affects the psyches, but stressed that the issue is never about white versus black, rather about us.
“I’m black and my manager is white, and we wholeheartedly, support the #BlackLivesMatter movement. We believe in what the movement is trying to achieve.”
On how he gets inspired to write his songs, the singer said, “Inspiration for me comes standard and I am actually grateful for my team. It happens anywhere and when that happens, you can bet am on to my team.
“We are working always to get the best to everyone including our fans. My key producers Joey Benks, JayOcean and Jomane have been fantastic. Sometimes 1a.m, 2a.m we are still up working across continents. I have been singing Adura for the last couple of days and I am sure you know why, I find it very uplifting.”
Commenting on the present crop of artistes and their instant success without much stress, unlike the days when there was no internet and social media, and musicians had to go from one town to another to perform, Dampte said it has become easier now, as many music talents have hit success via social media.
“We cannot undervalue the effect of social media and technology. The truth is that its attendant challenges are still there but more importantly, it has opened up opportunities for more talents to be able to showcase themselves and direct their musical career.”
Having performed at a number of events, he has in the last two years share the stage with Wizkid at the YCee Concert, Falz the Bahd Guy, Davido all in the United Kingdom, and Kizz Daniel in Amsterdam among others.
Though he enjoy performing to all his songs at every given opportunity but says if he put on the spot and had to perform one, it would most probably be Marcelina, due to the strong and different vibe that it gives.
Shedding more light on his recent attempt to suicide due to depression, the singer said, “It was a dark place to be in, and it’s not somewhere I like to visit. One generally needs to keep on focusing on the good things and love for family. It is important to keep in contact with close family and friends and speak out. That worked for me and I hope it helps others that are struggling with such idea.
Asked which famous musicians he admires, and which artiste he would liken to open a show for, Dampte states that there are loads of great artistes and musicians out there to say the least and that means he probably would admire a lot of them.
“Like I said earlier, I have been on stage with most Nigerian artistes, so maybe for me now, having to open for Drake at this moment would do it.”
On what next for him, the singer said: “it’s been an interesting year to say the least and following all the great reviews we have had for my hit single Adura, I think it’s time I let people into my world, so will be dropping my sophomore extended play (EP) on August 21, and it is titled Awoodah Rising: Man Like Sean Dampte. Make sure you look out for it!”
Dampte revealed that if he is to change anything about the industry that would be a monumental task for one person to take upon him or herself. He, however, said that he would only want more to be done to protect the artistes and their investors.
“No one his or her work to be infringed upon and no one likes to be cheated. So protect all stakeholder rights as much as humanly possible.”The Awoodah gang leader also revealed that he personally find every advice useful at all times, and he cherished what his dad always told him while growing up that “talent in anything is never enough to excel, so you must work harder, pray harder and dream bigger!”
On his message to his fans, Dampte said, “I love my Awoodahites and they love me too! They are always right! Let’s keep on keeping on. We plenty like stars…Life Money Happiness crew.”
