For self-proclaim ‘Jagaban’ Oludemilade Martin Alejo popularly known by his stage name YCEE, if he was not doing music, he would probably have been a footballer and ply his trade with one of the top clubs around the world. There is however, a big question mark on his fitness now.

The rapper and songwriter rose to limelight after one of his hit single titled Condo, which features vocals from Patoranking earned him two nominations at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards He was also nominated in the Best Artist in African Pop category at the 2015 All Africa Music Awards.

Born January 29, 1993, YCEE grew up Festac, a town Lagos State, where he had his basic education at Dr. Soyemi Memorial Nursery and Primary School before moving to Nigerian Navy Secondary School Ojo for his complete his secondary education.

Though he started his music career in 2012 as an underground rapper and was signed to the music label Tinny Entertainment. “In 2012 I was busy doing underground stuffs like freestyle, mix-tapes and all that. Along the line, my current CEO got some of my music. He listened to it and liked it, and he was just coming into entertainment at that time, so he approached me and said if I was serious about taking music as a career he would sign me on and push the music the way it should be done. Since 2012 to this time, I have released quite a number of singles from Smile At Me Back to Pass Me and other songs,” he said.

Following his admission into University of Lagos, where he is currently studying Marine Biology, he took time off music to concentrate on his academics, but made a comeback in May 2015, after releasing his critically acclaim song Condo, which was nominated in the Best Collaboration of The Year and Best Music Video of The Year categories at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

On July 20, 2015, he released his critically acclaimed single titled Jagaban, which received and still receives massive airplays in Radio stations, and made him more popular among music lovers and artistes, including the YBNL kingpin, Olamide, who asked to be featured on the remix.

“After we recorded Jagaban with Olamide, he heard and liked it. He went on Twitter to ask if I would love to do the remix, and he would love to be on it. I didn’t waste any time before I said yes to him. I happy with the way everything turned out including the video.”

His career further hit the limelight after he was nominated for Revelation of the Year at the 2015 edition of the MTV Africa Music Awards, as well as earning a nomination in the Best Artiste in African Pop category at the 2015 All Africa Music Awards.

How would you describe your style of music?

“Generally, I do rap music and people know me as a rapper. But those who know me well know I don’t like to limit myself. I do dancehall, afrobeat, and depending on my mood sometimes, I could do R&B. Jagaban was like me doing something outside my regular kind of songs. I love to explore, I don’t want to keep myself in a box.”

What was growing up like for you?

“I grew up in Festac, and it was a very good learning experience. My childhood experiences shaped me into who I am today.”

On the rumoured feud (beef) between him and Vector Da Viper, the rapper said, “there is no beef between me and Vector; it was just bored bloggers/social media users cooking up stuff! Vector and I are cool; we even did a University tour together towards the end of 2015.”

Speaking further on the trend, YCEE explained that it is normal, adding that its part of the human nature. “People are bound to have arguments and fallouts. Sometimes it’s unnecessary and blown out of proportion like in the YCEE/Vector situation and sometimes it helps spices things up a little. At the end of the day, it’s all love still…no be Yankee we dey na,” he enthused with a smile.

What does the year 2016 hold for YCEE and what should the fans expect?

2016 is going to be massive by the special grace of God! I have an EP coming soon, God willing it will drop May/June. For my fans out there I want to say thank for all the support, expect more music, more videos and more collaboration this year.
Clarifying the rumour of his plan exit from Tinny Entertainment to YBNL, the Omo Alhaji singer said, “That is very false; I’m still signed to Tinny Entertainment and I don’t plan to leave anytime soon. YBNL is family though. Baddo (Olamide) is my big brother.”

Asked how he creates a balance between his academics and music, he said “it’s not easy I must say, but I have a functional team, so whenever I need to be in school I know I’m covered on the music part. Big ups to Tinny Entertainment”

What was your parents’ reaction when decided you take to music professionally?

My dad is late and my mum is fine with it as long as I finish school.

Where is YCEE from precisely?

Lagos! I am a Lagosian; I was born in Lagos and I have lived in Lagos all my life. I grew up on my mum’s side. My mum is Igbo but not much of Igbo like that; she grew up in Lagos too, and she speaks a lot of Yoruba.

You recently shared the stage with the American superstar, Lauryn Hill during a concert in Lagos. How would rate your experience?

Wow, men that’s my biggest show so far. It was a really good performance, everything from the stage to the sound, the turnout and the appreciation from the crowd. I enjoyed myself.

If you weren’t doing music what would else would you have opted for as a career?

Football! I’m good footballer, but there is a big question mark on my fitness right now. If I wasn’t doing music, I would probably be in one academy somewhere trying to be the next Ronaldinho or Messi.

You are now referred to as the ‘Jagaban’ following the success of the song. How do you feel sharing same title with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the original Jagaban?

Well, I feel humble but need say that my name is Oludemilade Martin Alejo, but known by my stage name YCEE and the title of one my song is Jagaban. Like I said in the song people are call me Jagaban and it is a heavy word. I did my little research on it before infusing it in my song. Also, I feel elated being associated with the title because it was bestowed on the Jagaban Borgu himself, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for his outstanding work and doggedness in Nigeria’s politics. As you know anybody called Jagaban is said to be a great man. So I love and want to be remembered as a great musician when I must have completed my assignment on earth.