Yinka Oretuga is a popular on-air personality at the Beat FM studio, Ibadan. In this interview with ROTIMI IGE, he speaks about his early life, passion and the state of the Nigerian music industry in general.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am Yinka Oretuga, a.k.a Daddy Yinks. Most people know me as an OAP on Beat FM Ibadan. I did a number of different things in the entertainment world before I got into radio presenting; event organising, artiste development/management and some production work. I am absolutely in love with music; music to me is more than just sound, music heals, the right song at the right time and my day is just better. I like inspirational people and I always aim to inspire others. Excuses make me sad, say no to excuses.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am Yinka Oretuga, a.k.a Daddy Yinks. Most people know me as an OAP on Beat FM Ibadan. I did a number of different things in the entertainment world before I got into radio presenting; event organising, artiste development/management and some production work. I am absolutely in love with music; music to me is more than just sound, music heals, the right song at the right time and my day is just better. I like inspirational people and I always aim to inspire others. Excuses make me sad, say no to excuses.
Early fondest memories?
I remember in primary one or two, running to my mother with my report card proud that my teacher called me a chatter-box (I didn’t know what it meant at the time, it just sounded interesting). Let’s just say I got an ‘education’ on the word that day. Basically, I have always liked to talk and I always remember that day because it just reminds me, we are who we are in life…
I remember in primary one or two, running to my mother with my report card proud that my teacher called me a chatter-box (I didn’t know what it meant at the time, it just sounded interesting). Let’s just say I got an ‘education’ on the word that day. Basically, I have always liked to talk and I always remember that day because it just reminds me, we are who we are in life…
Education...
I went to the University of Lagos (Unilag) Staff School for my primary education, Federal Government College, Odogbolu, for my secondary education and then the University of North London (Bsc Biochemistry)
I went to the University of Lagos (Unilag) Staff School for my primary education, Federal Government College, Odogbolu, for my secondary education and then the University of North London (Bsc Biochemistry)
What were your hobbies as a kid aside talking?
Football, basketball and chess
Football, basketball and chess
When and how did you discover your talent for radio?
I have always been a lover of music and like I said earlier I have always been a chatter-box lol, but getting into radio was just one of those things that happened, call it coincidence, luck or destiny. I came into the radio station for something completely different, but while I was there I had an opinion on the topic that was being discussed and fortunately I was invited to talk about it on air, it was very strange, and I remember being so nervous. Anyway listeners liked me and I was given the opportunity to audition for the job; like they say, the rest is history….
I have always been a lover of music and like I said earlier I have always been a chatter-box lol, but getting into radio was just one of those things that happened, call it coincidence, luck or destiny. I came into the radio station for something completely different, but while I was there I had an opinion on the topic that was being discussed and fortunately I was invited to talk about it on air, it was very strange, and I remember being so nervous. Anyway listeners liked me and I was given the opportunity to audition for the job; like they say, the rest is history….
How were you able to groom yourself?
Hardwork, nothing is easy in life, period. When you get an opportunity you have to grab the bull by the horns and face your fears head on. I read a lot about presenting, listened and learnt from the experienced presenters, watched a lot of videos. The internet provides so much information these days, if you are really willing to learn it is all there on the web.
Hardwork, nothing is easy in life, period. When you get an opportunity you have to grab the bull by the horns and face your fears head on. I read a lot about presenting, listened and learnt from the experienced presenters, watched a lot of videos. The internet provides so much information these days, if you are really willing to learn it is all there on the web.
Who were your mentors growing up?
I have been influenced by a lot of different people growing up, I like comedy and talk so, Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock and Oprah. More recently Micheal McIntyre; he is too funny. I used to listen to a lot of Trevor Nelson and Tim Westwood on radio so they have definitely shaped my approach to radio presenting. But my true life mentors are my parents.
Why?
I have great parents, and they are real life examples that hard work, focus, patience and prayers get you to your destiny in the end.
I have great parents, and they are real life examples that hard work, focus, patience and prayers get you to your destiny in the end.
So when did your OAP journey began professionally?
October 2013
October 2013
How has it been over the years?
Not years yet o...but honestly, it is really is a great job! I have great colleagues and I get to meet a lot of great people...
Not years yet o...but honestly, it is really is a great job! I have great colleagues and I get to meet a lot of great people...
How easy is it being an OAP?
Haha easy? It’s harder than it looks, you have to be open to continuous learning, but for the right person it’s a lot of fun and it’s a very rewarding job.
Haha easy? It’s harder than it looks, you have to be open to continuous learning, but for the right person it’s a lot of fun and it’s a very rewarding job.
Highest and lowest points of your career?
I have been doing this since October and it has been a roller coaster ride, I am permanently on a high. Becoming an OAP was particularly exciting for me, especially when I started my own show. No lows yet, my mother’s prayers are working.
I have been doing this since October and it has been a roller coaster ride, I am permanently on a high. Becoming an OAP was particularly exciting for me, especially when I started my own show. No lows yet, my mother’s prayers are working.
Rate the Nigerian music industry right now?
Its big! However I feel there is still a lot of growth to come, not just in size but also in its structuring. I think anyone that does not see the potential of the music industry right now is not paying attention. The combination of Nigeria’s love of music, the drive of Nigerian people and the amount of young people in this country gives the industry a great recipe for success.
Its big! However I feel there is still a lot of growth to come, not just in size but also in its structuring. I think anyone that does not see the potential of the music industry right now is not paying attention. The combination of Nigeria’s love of music, the drive of Nigerian people and the amount of young people in this country gives the industry a great recipe for success.
Critics say its ‘beats over content’ for Nigerian musicians...true or false?
Yes, they may be right to an extent but let’s not over- analyse, there is some really great music coming out of Nigeria and the world is paying attention.
Yes, they may be right to an extent but let’s not over- analyse, there is some really great music coming out of Nigeria and the world is paying attention.
Is this to say that real music doesn’t exist anymore in Nigeria?
Like I said let’s not over analyse, there are many artistes making music with a lot of ‘content’, ‘real music’ as you call it. The truth is the popular songs are popular because that’s what listeners want.
Like I said let’s not over analyse, there are many artistes making music with a lot of ‘content’, ‘real music’ as you call it. The truth is the popular songs are popular because that’s what listeners want.
Artistes claim that the industry lacks structure...
I agree to an extent, but the truth is, the music industry is changing all over the world; artistes need to be more creative. Even with no structure you can still navigate a path to success. However, with time, the industry will get more structured
I agree to an extent, but the truth is, the music industry is changing all over the world; artistes need to be more creative. Even with no structure you can still navigate a path to success. However, with time, the industry will get more structured
How do you think upcoming performers can make it in Nigeria?
You need a plan! It’s not always just about the music, stand for something, a sound idea, get a dedicated following, think about your image, and find a way to stand out. Think about the business side as well; be professional with your music. Artistes that find the right balance between artistry and the business side of music, have the best chance
You need a plan! It’s not always just about the music, stand for something, a sound idea, get a dedicated following, think about your image, and find a way to stand out. Think about the business side as well; be professional with your music. Artistes that find the right balance between artistry and the business side of music, have the best chance
Do you think that the many endorsements most A-list artistes are getting is good for the industry...
Endorsements are a source of income, any legitimate source of income is good for the industry right now.
This is ‘show’ business, I think the key is not to be intimidated by what you read or see in magazines and online. No one is out of reach, be confident, believe in yourself and work hard, soon enough you will be noticed.
Endorsements are a source of income, any legitimate source of income is good for the industry right now.
This is ‘show’ business, I think the key is not to be intimidated by what you read or see in magazines and online. No one is out of reach, be confident, believe in yourself and work hard, soon enough you will be noticed.
How do you relax?
Relax? No time, I relax when I sleep. I do think it’s important to spend time with family and close friends, reminds you of who you are.
Relax? No time, I relax when I sleep. I do think it’s important to spend time with family and close friends, reminds you of who you are.
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