Budding Nigerian singer Small Doctor – real name Temitope Adekunle – in this exclusive chat with Naij.com’s contributor, Obey Olayinka, speaks on his stage name, his climb from a rough and tough life in Agege to being a Headies 2015 nominee for single Gbagaun, and how his unique style paved the way for him.
Small Doctor
Well, Small Doctor was a name given to me by my elder brother. Anytime I returned from school, there was a movie back then titled Doctor Uwa that I was very much in love with, I would watch the movie while my mates were reading and doing their homework. My brother just decided that since I loved Doctor Uwa so much and I was still very small why not start to calling me small doctor. That was how the name stuck.
How did you come about your signature call, “hian, hian!”?
It has been God’s grace. Thank God for me creating my style and people out there accepting it. I bless God for the acceptance. It is not something pre-planned; I just found myself singing like this and using this style. I never made rehearsals nothing I just buzzed into the studio and started recording.
Tell us about the struggle from Agege to stardom.
My brother, it was not easy at first but thanks to almighty Lord once again, I will forever be grateful to the streets of Agege. I picked up a lot. All the Okada, hustling, conductor, doing this and that, struggles and all, you know now, are what made me today. Those things taught me to be strong, although it is God’s grace. Aliamdulilahi, I will say.
Which of your songs is your breakthrough song?
Gbagaun, the part one, before I featured Pasuma on its remix. But the real bomb was Mosquito Killer, followed by other hits. E too plenty for streets, I can’t mention all.
You were the surprise name on the Headies nominees list, how did you receive the news?
Na by God grace o, my brother. I was sleeping at home and my boss, DJ Reel, called to inform me that I was nominated for the Headies. I couldn’t believe it. I was like stop playing pranks, what is all these and all. I just turned on my radio and the news was real. All thanks to God, at first I was amazed but I know iyanu ma shele ninu aye mi. (Miracles will happen in my life.) More of these are coming just watch the space.
How do you fancy your chances of clinching the award and who do you think is your threat?
Brother, it is a close one but I think my closest rival is Bobo by Olamide. Although Skilashi by Reminisce is doing good on the street, Ello Bae by Falz The Bahd Guy, Indomie by Masterkraft featuring CDQ and Olamide is doing great but to me personally that Shakiti Bobo by Olamide is mad and it is my closet rival.
How did you meet Pasuma?
I can’t just go deep into that. Pasuma is like a father, mentor, everything you can think of – a God sent. I can’t really figure out how we met but we met and moved on fine. It’s all good.
What is your source of inspiration?
Everything, but most especially the streets.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
More music, more hits and better recognition. I won’t stop and I won’t let my fans down.
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