Megabyte, freestyling into Otedola’s heart

Maroof Bello is a young rap artiste. The last born of his parents, he recently had an encounter with the business mogul, Femi Otedola. He tells ADEDAMOLA SAKA, how he started freesyling and his plans for the future.

When did you discover you could rap or freestyle?
I discovered my talent when I was still in primary school. I used to listen to rap music then. One day, my neighbour saw me doing freestyle; he was surprised, so, he called me aside. He told me he loved what I was doing and that was how it started.

How old are you now?
I’m 13 years old.

How did you come about the stage name, Megabyte?
It was when I started rapping. People in my area used to invite me to do freestyle for them. Back then, I didn’t know the meaning of stage name, but as time went on, I became popular in my street and there was need for me to have a stage name. There is this barber’s shop in my area, anytime I’m less busy; I used to go there to play. It was there one of my neighbours called me Megabyte, since then, I have held on to that name.

What was your parent reaction when you started freestyle?
My parents have been supportive since day one. They always pray for me.

Recently, you caught the attention of one of Nigeria’s philanthropists and business moguls, Mr. Femi Otedola of Forte Oil,
how did that happen?
It was at Kenny Blaq’s show at Eko Hotel and Suite, Lagos. I spotted him and I used him to rap. He liked the way I rapped, after the show, he contacted my management and told them to bring me to his office.

After you met Otedola, he posted a video of you and him, and on the post, he promised to sponsor you upto university level, how does that make you feel?
I feel so great. I want to use this opportunity to thank Mr. Femi Otedola, my big daddy, on behalf of my management. And that God will continue to bless them I’m really grateful.

After your meeting with him, you have been trending on social media, how do you feel about that?
First of all, I will say glory is to almighty God, because if not for him, all this won’t have happened. I will equally say a big thank you to my Manager Mr. Frank and Samich Entertainment.

How are you coping with school and studio work?
When it is time for me to study, I face my books squarely and when it is time for me to be in the studio, I face my music. I just commend my management team for helping me out in these two areas. The team has really been supportive.

Are you planning to stay in the music industry fully?
Yes. I will combine my music with education.

Who are your biggest influences in the industry?
I have many people I look up too in the industry. They include, Olamide (Badoo), Reminisce, Wale Turner, Devolee, Lil Kesh, Sound Sultan, Wizkid, Davido and Falz the Badt. These are the people that really influence me.

When should we be expecting your single?
I have a lot of hit tracks that my management and I are working on. My fans should keep anticipating my coming. I will blow a lot of minds with my tracks.

What message do you have for young ones like you out there?
They should put God first in whatever they are doing and they should believe in themselves even when nobody believes in them, one day God will answer their prayers.