L.A.X. – A Young Artist With An Old Soul

Damilola Afolabi, known professionally as L.A.X, is a Nigerian recording artist. The 23-year-old started out as a rapper at Turkish International School. He got signed to Starboy Entertainment after a smash hit Caro with Wizkid in 2013.

This rising star started his career professionally in 2011 and was comfortably combining his music with getting a degree in Human Resources at Salford University, UK. Now he has a Master’s degree in Innovation Management. The famous Caro artist made some inspiring remarks about the legacy he intends to leave behind, in a short chat with Guardian Life.

Tell us a little bit about you and the childhood memories you are fond of?
I was born in Lagos. I was a really reserved kid but if there’s one thing I was known for, it was winning dance competitions at birthday parties. I had family relations who would intentionally ask me to accompany them to kids’ parties because they knew I would win the dance competitions. I learned dancing by practicing new steps in front of the mirror. I lived with my grandma and she loved to listen to Yoruba music, which influenced my music style actually.

How long have you had the passion for music?
I’ve always loved music even from a young age. Talking about the profession, music happened to me from way back in summer 2008. I frequented a particular studio owned by a friend because I wanted to watch and listen to my guys record their music. I was asked to drop a number of lines one day and that was the first time I heard myself recorded. It all went on from there, this music career.

What classic acts inspired you to make music?
As a young boy, I involuntarily listened to a lot of Sunny Ade and Fuji music. The Yoruba Fuji legends still occupy a large space in my music style.

Have you ever sung about real experiences?
Yeah. My latest song was inspired by a recent love disappointment. I don’t narrate real stories in my songs, I only use them as an inspiration for the fictional lyrics I write.

What’s your biggest collaboration been till date?
My latest collaboration with Wande Coal, I am really looking forward to reviews.

What do you feel for your fans?
My fans have been very patient with me and I can’t help but be grateful for their support through this journey. I also hope that the new fans get to stick around. There’s a lot of energy from me coming their way.

What’s the next big thing for you?
Everything I’m going to be doing is a big thing. My album is coming out this year hopefully and it’ll be full of amazing collaborations. I’m putting my best into it.

What’s one legacy you would like to leave?
I want the young people to hear my music, read about me and be convinced that they can have a formal education and still make it in the entertainment industry. Secondly, I want my music to have a resonating vibe to it, in the sense that even years after I’m no more, people will still appreciate the work I left behind – just like MJ. Finally, I need creatives to understand that they do not need to be under any external influence such as drugs, to face a crowd or to produce great stuff.