Olorunfemi Otedola Damilola, known as professionally as Ortez, is a son of Lagos’ gritty streets and the resilient soil of Ondo State. His story isn’t one of silver spoons, but of survival. He grew up in the shadows of a broken home, where hunger and homelessness were his unwelcome companions. His father, a man who sacrificed everything shielding him from life’s cruelties, taught him that courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s fighting even when you have nothing left.
Speaking on his life’s journey, Ortez said: “Music became my rebellion, my diary, my lifeline. Today, I stand here not as a victim of my past, but as a sculptor of my future, turning pain into rhythm and blues into hope.”
What inspired you to go into music?
Music was the language my father used to keep hope alive. Even when we slept on cold floors at bus stops, he’d hum Fela’s anthems or lose himself in Bob Marley’s rebellion. Those melodies were our sanctuary. But my true inspiration? Desperation. I needed to scream without making a sound, to prove that even a ‘nobody’s son’ could become somebody. When words failed me, a blues guitar riff or an Afrobeat drum spoke for me. My music isn’t just art—it’s the sound of a boy who refused to let his scars define him.
How was growing up like for you and how did that influence your love for music?
Imagine a childhood where ‘home’ was a shifting word. At 2, my mother left because love couldn’t pay bills. My father and I became nomads, chasing survival. One night, we were sleeping in an abandoned public bus popularly called “molue“ and some police officer mistook him for some fugitives who had robbed the area recently, he was beaten to stupor until they heard my cry calling daddy before they left him but then he had lost his left eye from the blows he received—he took that blow for me. We had nothing but each other and old cassette tapes of Ebenezer Obey and King Sunny Ade. Those artists became my teachers. Poverty tried to silence me, but I vowed to turn our story into something louder than shame. Every chord I play carries the echo of my father’s sacrifice.
How do you want to change the world with your music?
I want my music to be a mirror for the unseen. My EP isn’t just songs—it’s a manifesto for anyone who’s ever felt invisible. By blending Afro hip-hop’s raw truth with blues’ soulful ache, I’m stitching together the fractured pieces of my journey to show others they’re not alone. I’m here to remind the world that greatness isn’t born in palaces; it’s forged in fire. If my words can ignite one spark of defiance in a kid sleeping rough tonight, I’ve already changed the world.
How long have you been doing music?
Music has been my silent rebellion since I was old enough to hum. As a child, I’d mimic Bob marley’s guitar twangs on a broken broomstick. But I started taking it seriously when I realized it was my only weapon against oblivion. For years, I wrote lyrics on torn paper, practiced on borrowed instruments. This EP? It’s the culmination of a lifetime of whispered dreams finally roaring to life.
Provide insights into your projects and body of work (EP)
My debut EP, ‘Scars to Stars’, is a four-track memoir. Each song is a chapter of my life—‘judge me not’ layers blues guitar with hip-hop beats, capturing the chaos of sleeping under Lagos’ bridges. ‘Soft Life (maja)’ blends Classic blues guitar with classic afro highlife, its more than a musical composition its a prayer for wealth and good life. And ‘Fitila’ closes with a defiant hope, merging gospel choirs with Afroswing. This isn’t just music—it’s my soul, pressed into a playlist. I didn’t just write these songs; I bled them.
From the vibrant streets of Ikorodu, Lagos, emerges Ortez, the dynamic artist poised to set the Afrobeat world ablaze. With a unique blend of infectious rhythms, soulful lyrics, and a captivating stage presence, Ortez is rapidly becoming the name on everyone’s lips, both in Nigeria and beyond.
Ortez’s music is a testament to his roots, drawing inspiration from the rich cultural tapestry of Lagos while infusing it with a modern, global sensibility. His tracks are a sonic journey, a fusion of Afrobeat, Afropop, and R&B, creating a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly innovative. His lyrics speak to the realities of life, love, and ambition, resonating with a diverse audience eager for authentic voices.
The buzz around Ortez is undeniable. His recent singles have garnered critical acclaim and amassed impressive streams, with fans captivated by his energetic performances and undeniable charisma. He’s quickly becoming a staple on the Lagos music scene, headlining shows and collaborating with established artists, further solidifying his position as a ready made superstar.
“Lagos is the heart of Afrobeat,” says Ortez, “and I’m honoured to represent my city and share my music with the world. My goal is to create music that moves people, makes them feel, and celebrates the beauty of our culture,” he said.
Ortez is more than just a musician; he’s a storyteller, a cultural ambassador, and a voice for a new generation. With a debut album on the horizon and a string of exciting projects in the works, Ortez is undoubtedly an artist to watch.
