Carrying the toga of a gifted songwriter and singer, Adeniyi Babatunde Adewoyin, popularly known as Neo Phlames, is a journalist, who has made a mark in the entertainment industry. He has remained consistent in his journalism and successfully maintained a fine form as a musician. He has opened a show for P-square, performed at Felabration and others.
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Neo, as he’s fondly called by fellow journalists and friends, started music professionally in 2018 and came out with his first single titled, Down Low, that year. His EP, I Just Did It, produced by Daihard Beatz and XtraProm, is currently enjoying massive airplay.
  
The five-track project showcases his versatility and passion for storytelling. He says, “music has given me ability to connect with people without being physically present. It allows me to bring joy, inspire dance, and help listeners forget their worries.”
 
Through music, he has met a lot of people and looks forward to even greater opportunities ahead. According to him, “the creative process itself is incredibly rewarding and always a wonderful experience… I also scored the music in Tope Tedela’s Country Hard movie showing on Amazon Prime.” 
 
How has journalism inspired his musical interest?
According to him, “as a writer and journalist by profession, it makes songwriting easier, but sometimes, my journalism background makes me want it perfect in terms of grammar, which doesn’t count in music. Sentences can be cut short in music and the listeners will still understand and enjoy it. Journalism and my music work hand in hand.”

Few people have inspired him, “but I don’t follow other people’s lifestyle. I love the depth of 9ice’s songs, and their originality and others like Chief Ebenezer Obey and Orlando Owoh. Their use of storylines in music amazes me.” 
 
To him, “the music industry is tough and the high cost of music promotion may destroy it in a few years. People now go into illegitimate hustle just to make money to promote their music. It now seems like talent doesn’t count anymore. Once you have money you are blown.”
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What inspired I Just Did It?
“I Just Did It EP was inspired by my desire to unveil myself in full form, which is a body of work and not just singles. It’s a desire to allow people to experience me and my kind of music, which is different. It’s a breath of fresh air. I Just Did It is, to wet the ground and properly introduce myself to the world,” he reveals.  

Music means life and death to him. It’s the only thing he has done consistently without giving up even when he is not making money from it. “I believe that one day, I will get there. I will keep doing it and stay consistent.” 

What was his challenge during production process?

“The selection process was quite challenging. I had many songs to choose from but I must only select five. However, this made me realise that the music is not about me, but the listener, the fans. I have to give them what they want not what I feel is good for me. Another major challenge was the financial aspect. There were so many things we could do better with a better budget but we just had to manage,” says.
 
Is he quitting journalism for music any time soon?
“Once I become famous, I will move but once a journo is always a journo,” he smiles.
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