Eskay Lala emerged from the cocoon to release his latest work, Mizkololo. Eskay, who released his works under own record label had walked the length and breadth in order to have his hip-hop Fuji music recorded and released. In this chat with us, Sikiru Olarewaju AKA Eskay Lala detailed his journey and his sordid experience in the Music Industry.
His first attempt at finding a promoter landed him and his crew with a promoter in Ikeja. The promoter, Uncle Dammy, the CEO of Alphabet Music had on his list Shanko Rasheed and Omo Olope. Thinking his dream of becoming a recording artist is about to materialise, he was thrown off balance when Uncle Dammy after listen to his music suggested Eskay give the music to one of his artistes to sing. In fact, he asked for permission to give it to either Pasuma or Wale Tekoma. Although, Uncle Dammy had stylishly linked up Eskay and Wale Tekoma, Eskay refused to be star- stucked and refused to give his work to be reproduced by Wale Tekoma. After all his antics and persuasion failed, Uncle Dammy told Eskay point blank that he cannot promote his music because he is not a known artist. Even though, Eskay media manager pleaded with Uncle Dammy to give them a chance, the door remained shut on his musical case.
With the refusal of Uncle Dammy to consider their plea, Eskay straddled on with his search to bring his talent to the bear. While he and his crew were still trying to cast off the feeling of rejection, they continued to attend shows. Eskay especially became a regular face at the DTD beach show. A family talent show aired on Sundays on selected TV stations. At that time, the Music Industry was showing much promise with likes of Tony Tatuila, Plantashun Boys, Lagbaja and a whole lot of others. So, Eskay and his crew were riding the waves of various show with stars of the day.
But like a thunderstorm, the sun sets in the wee hours of his day. His contact with Uncle Dammy had come to hunt him, his refusal to give his musical creativity to a popular artist stared him in the face. He received several calls asking and congratulating him on the release of his song. Release ke? His song has been given by the promoter, Uncle Dammy to one of his artist to record and released. When he confronted the promoter, Uncle Dammy could not denial the charge vehemently but only offered him an opportunity to collaborate with another musician on his label. He rejected the offer and Uncle Dammy asked him (Eskay ) to meet him in court. He made several attempts to get his case to PMAN but could not reach the musical body. With no means to confront this affront in court or PMAN, such blatant slap nearly run him out of his mind.
His musical career was on permanent suspension; his life hangs in the balance until he was jostled out of his deep mourning. "I relented, I don't want to do music again". He set out again to find another promoter, this time they were introduced to Kennis Music. They quickly repackage the group adding a female dancer and renamed the group Resurrection Squad. After they got the attention of head macho, Eskay was advised to be a stand alone artist singing Fuji hip-hop. With the influence of Mr. Suleiman, he was able to record two of his songs with OJB. Kennis Music played some of his songs and hinted their audience about the new act they will be promoting soon. Alas his efforts here too fell by the biblical roadside. "I waited for about five years for a contract and nothing happened" He moved on to joined Leo Entertainment in Magbodo. There he met Da Grin, who was one of the seven artists Leo Entertainment wanted to sign. "I signed three years with them without releasing even a single after about two years. I kept waiting for them to do something. Although, they do take me to shows but I never get to release an album. Da Grin actually left me in there. I signed a three years record deal, I spent five years without releasing an album." Now Eskay Lala is back with Mizkololo, his new hot single currently running on Radio Stations across the nation is recorded by White Gold Entertainment and Giraffe Multi Media.
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