Yusuf Isah Olamide known professionally as MID3 is a singer-songwriter known for his unique blend of Afro-fusion music, and strives to create a unique connection with his audience with his vocals and heartfelt lyrics.  In this interview with ENIOLA DANIEL, he spoke about the inspiration behind his music, his life in the music industry, and others.

How did you start singing?
MY passion for singing began at a young age. I have always been drawn to music, and singing provides me with a means of self-expression and emotional release. I started by recording with my phone using free beats that I found online. The positive feedback and encouragement from my friends, family, and a few outsiders inspired me to pursue singing as a career.
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What’s the inspiration behind your music?
The inspiration behind my music comes from various sources, especially personal experiences, and relationships. The ups and downs of life often serve as the foundation for my songwriting. I aim to create music that resonates with people, evokes emotions, and offers a sense of relatability. Additionally, I draw inspiration from other musicians and artistes who have pushed boundaries and made a lasting impact on the industry.

Tell us about your educational background.
I had my First School Leaving Certificate from Chepherm Nursery & Primary School, Kaduna State, in 2006, and then had my junior secondary education at Model International College, Kaduna State, from 2006 to 2011. I had my senior secondary education at Seico International School, Ijebu-ode, Ogun State from 2012 to 2014, after which I secured my O’levels. From there, I earned my National Diploma in Public Administration from Gateway Polytechnic Saapade, Ogun State in 2020

Which of the established artistes in the music industry do you think you can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with? 
  While I am humbled by the question, I believe it is important to focus on individuality and artistic growth rather than comparing oneself to established artistes. However, I aspire to create music that resonates with a wide audience, and I strive to make my mark alongside talented musicians, who have inspired me throughout my career.

How do you describe life in the music industry?
  Life in the music industry can be both challenging and rewarding. It requires immense dedication, hard work, and perseverance. The industry is highly competitive, and success does not come overnight. However, the ability to create and share music with people who appreciate and connect with it makes the journey worthwhile. 

What are your plans for the next five years?
  Over the next five years, my primary focus is on solidifying my position as a prominent artiste in the industry. I have set ambitious goals to release several albums that showcase my creative evolution and resonate with my audience.

Alongside my musical endeavours, I aspire to embark on an extensive world tour, connecting with fans from different parts of the globe and delivering unforgettable live performances.
   
Collaboration is an essential aspect of my artistic journey, and I am enthusiastic about working with renowned musicians and producers. By joining forces with these talented individuals, I aim to create innovative and captivating music that pushes boundaries and captivates listeners.
  
Beyond my musical pursuits, I am passionate about making a positive impact on society. I plan to utilise my platform and influence to support various charitable causes that are close to my heart. Giving back to the community that has supported me is a top priority, and I am excited to contribute to meaningful initiatives that make a difference in people’s lives.
   
In addition to my musical endeavours and philanthropic works, I have an exciting vision for launching my dream merchandise brand, Urban Good Looking Youths. This brand will embody a unique blend of style, quality, and creativity, reflecting my aesthetics and values. I am eager to bring this vision to life and provide my fans with an exclusive and authentic experience through my merchandise.
   
Overall, the next five years hold great promise for my artistic journey. With dedication, hard work, and a commitment to creating meaningful music, connecting with fans, and making a positive impact, I am confident that I will continue to grow and thrive in the industry.
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Who is your role model in the industry?
  While I admire many artistes in the industry, my role model is Burna Boy. He has consistently displayed exceptional talent, originality, and a strong work ethic. His ability to evolve creatively while staying true to his artistic vision is something I aspire to achieve in my career.

Do you believe in artistes creating artificial controversies just to promote their careers?
  Controversy can sometimes generate attention and publicity, but I believe that the quality of the music and the authenticity of the artiste should be the primary focus. While controversy may provide temporary exposure, it is important to maintain the integrity and ensure that the music remains the main driving force behind one’s career. As I said earlier, I prefer to focus on creating meaningful and impactful music that resonates with my audience.

What do you do if you are not in the studio?
  When I’m not in the studio, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, exploring new places, and staying physically active. I find inspiration in nature, reading books, and engaging in activities that allow me to recharge and gain fresh perspectives. I love playing basketball and video games. Taking breaks from the studio helps me maintain a healthy work-life balance and fuels my creativity.
  
What does music mean to you?
Music, to me, is a universal language that transcends barriers and connects people on a deeply emotional level. It has the power to evoke strong emotions, heal wounds, and bring joy to people’s lives. Music serves as a vessel for self-expression, enabling me to convey my thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a way that resonates with others. It is an integral part of who I am and the medium through which I communicate with the world.
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Renewed Hope Concert And Zazzu’s Can Of Worms
WEIRD Nigerian singer, Portable aka Zazzu, the self-acclaimed “baboon” that “lives in the zoo,” lived up to his controversial image days ago when he went online and accused organisers of the Renewed Hope Concert that ushered in the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The event was held two days before the inauguration ceremony on May 29.
  
Zazzu, in the video, accused the youth wing of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), organisers of the event of an attempt to use him as a conduit to “siphon” money. He alleged that he was offered N5 million, but asked to sign that he was paid N10 million.
  
The artiste claimed that he rejected that proposal and that was why he was conspicuously missing from the show. That was a very grievous allegation even though it is nothing new, as most show organisers, especially those with links to the government do it regularly. What troubles T4T and perhaps some other folks is that, since the video surfaced online, there has not been any official rebuttal from the organisers. Zazzu is known for stirring controversies, but this is an allegation of attempted fraud, so even if dem say the young man nor too dey ‘okay’, dis kain accusation nor be wetin dem dey keep quiet about. 

This Movie Should Go Down As The Worst Of Them All
T4T loves watching Yoruba movies, especially on Pay TV. And so, last Monday provided an opportunity to savour one movie titled: Ise Mi (My Job), which featured some Nollywood greats, Segun Arinze, and Odunlade Adekola among others. To be honest, Ise Mi should go down as one of the most drab and rudderless Yoruba movies of all time if there is an award category for that.
The female lead character that played the cop should immediately go and register in an acting school to improve her acting skills. She was just reciting her lines like it was a nursery rhyme.
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Where on earth did Ibrahim Yekini, the director of the movie bring her from? Na she bring the money wey dem take shoot the movie? That would be the only reason that qualified her to play the lead. At a point, T4T was just laughing at the whole charade. 

How Star Artistes, Celebrities Are Aiding Ponzi Schemes 
THERE is a resurgence of so many different Ponzi schemes at the moment and top Nigerian artistes are some of the ones busy promoting and urging their numerous fans to invest their hard-earned monies in them. From Kelvin Ikedugba, Patience Ozokwor, Dino Melaye, to Obi Cubana among many others, they are the ones the Ponzi scheme operators are using via video messages to lure unsuspecting people to invest. 
  
Very few Nigerians would claim not to know how the MMM Ponzi scheme ended in tears. There are over 20 MMM-like Ponzi schemes currently in operation in the country. The government had on several occasions warned citizens against investing in any get-rich-quick scheme, but dem gree hear?
  
By law, until an investor loses his or her money that it becomes a crime, so the government will only warn you and wait for you to cry about it. And citizens are always losing their monies in those scams and crying to the government.
  
In 2020, Nollywood star, Charles Inojie, called T4T frantically and requested a meeting. It turned out that one of these Ponzi schemes that he helped to promote had started to defraud investors, and he was getting a backlash from some of his fans that invested money in it. He wanted an official statement issued distancing himself from the said scheme, which was done. But alas, that same scheme has resurfaced and the old video message by Inojie is being used all over again. T4T is hereby warning Nigerians to flee from any Ponzi scheme, as it will always end in tears! He who has ears should…
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