The name Capital F.E.M.I might not sound familiar to many but it’s one name to reckon with
when it comes to “R n B” music . Oluwafemi Adeyinka, aka “Capital F.E.M.I” of KENIS music, has proved beyond every reasonable doubt that he plays his game well as far as music is concerned with the award of ‘R n b vocalist of the year 2011’. Though the initial plan of sending him oversees by his parents was to study business management but his love for music, steered him elsewhere as he combines his studies with music. Femi shares his experience as well as his personal life with Showtime Celebrity.
Tell us about yourself?
I’m Olufemi, Adeyinka. I am a native of Abeokuta in Ogun (egwa man) state. I moved to the United States of America at a very young age. Precisely, at the age of 12 and I have been there since then. I finally returned to Nigeria in the year 2009 though I was not sure if I was going to stay then. I just came to check out the industry and see how it is moving and know what the industry could offer to me.
I’m Olufemi, Adeyinka. I am a native of Abeokuta in Ogun (egwa man) state. I moved to the United States of America at a very young age. Precisely, at the age of 12 and I have been there since then. I finally returned to Nigeria in the year 2009 though I was not sure if I was going to stay then. I just came to check out the industry and see how it is moving and know what the industry could offer to me.
In that same year, my brother arranged a meeting with Kennis Music, where I did my song for his assessment. That was it. I thank God for everything including all the challenges. I also know that blessings comes with challenges so, I am waiting for the for the blessings.
Femi
What was your growing up like?
My growing up was memorable. I am not complaining. I do have wonderful parents and siblings. My parents did all they could do for me as a child.
My growing up was memorable. I am not complaining. I do have wonderful parents and siblings. My parents did all they could do for me as a child.
Was music what you set out to do in life?
Truly, I have always loved music. But I finally ventured into the industry 6 years ago. You know, being a man from Nigeria, there is no way you can call your father who sent you overseas to study and tell him that you want to sing, he would look at you as if you are stupid. So I started music at a younger age. I just love music; I like to dance, and singing was part of me when I was in high school in America I used to do talent shows.
Truly, I have always loved music. But I finally ventured into the industry 6 years ago. You know, being a man from Nigeria, there is no way you can call your father who sent you overseas to study and tell him that you want to sing, he would look at you as if you are stupid. So I started music at a younger age. I just love music; I like to dance, and singing was part of me when I was in high school in America I used to do talent shows.
I performed for students and stuffs like that. And before you knew it, I started having the feelings that, I can sing. I started saying to myself I can be a good singer. I’m applauded each time I go on stage to perform. When I entered college over there, I started taking music seriously, I joined a group and I started singing around the area and I tried to go solo. And since then, I have not looked back.
How was singing there in U.S.A?
It was really very tough because, I was combining that with other things. I was doing what I love to do (singing), I was working full time and at the same time, I was going for my academics. When I was done with school, I was still working full time. When I work like 5-6hours, in the night, I will go to studio for my music. Sometimes, I would be in the studio till 2-3:30 in the morning. I was so hectic but you see, there is nothing better than doing what you like. When you do what you like, it doesn’t feel like work. There is this sense of satisfaction that I got.
It was really very tough because, I was combining that with other things. I was doing what I love to do (singing), I was working full time and at the same time, I was going for my academics. When I was done with school, I was still working full time. When I work like 5-6hours, in the night, I will go to studio for my music. Sometimes, I would be in the studio till 2-3:30 in the morning. I was so hectic but you see, there is nothing better than doing what you like. When you do what you like, it doesn’t feel like work. There is this sense of satisfaction that I got.
What were your parents reaction when you took up music as a career?
Let me start with my mother, you know, mothers always understand where a child’s passion lies easily than the men. For my mother, music was not what she wanted me to study over there, but she got use to that easily. It took a lot of time to convince my dad. But now, he is convinced and he is happy with the career. He is happy with me and I know he wants me to achieve more. In anything, he wants me to achieve more. He said if you love music, I want you to achieve more; I don’t want you to be a local champion. He always me Femi, I don’t want you to be a local champion; I want you to be a world champion.
Let me start with my mother, you know, mothers always understand where a child’s passion lies easily than the men. For my mother, music was not what she wanted me to study over there, but she got use to that easily. It took a lot of time to convince my dad. But now, he is convinced and he is happy with the career. He is happy with me and I know he wants me to achieve more. In anything, he wants me to achieve more. He said if you love music, I want you to achieve more; I don’t want you to be a local champion. He always me Femi, I don’t want you to be a local champion; I want you to be a world champion.
Your first album, “Never felt a love” what is the brain behind the title, was it out of experience?
Yes, of course, life gets different kinds of experiences whether you like it or not. The music “never felt a love” came out of experience and I think there is a time; you either fall in or out of love. That is what it is like. Some people fall many times some fall few times, some people don’t even fall. Your heart is your heart. I think never felt a love was out of experience and I thank God for the song. The song came with the help of some amazing musicians from America. The name of the recording company is Sure Buyers Music Company. They have produced several songs in America.
Yes, of course, life gets different kinds of experiences whether you like it or not. The music “never felt a love” came out of experience and I think there is a time; you either fall in or out of love. That is what it is like. Some people fall many times some fall few times, some people don’t even fall. Your heart is your heart. I think never felt a love was out of experience and I thank God for the song. The song came with the help of some amazing musicians from America. The name of the recording company is Sure Buyers Music Company. They have produced several songs in America.
Femi
How did you feel when you won the “Best RnB Vocalist Award 2011?
Well, in Nigeria, that was the first award I have won. When I was nominated for the award in 2011, I didn’t think I was going to win the award. The reason was that every one that were nominated with me, in that category, had a full album that they had already dropped. So everybody had already listened to what they have to offer but for me I have not. So in that category, I thanked God I was nominated but there was a chance that I was not going to win the award. The reason was because, I don’t have a full album. When they called my name that I won, I was like, amidst of people with full album, how could this be possible. Some of them are my seniors in the industry. So I was grateful and I thank God for that.
Well, in Nigeria, that was the first award I have won. When I was nominated for the award in 2011, I didn’t think I was going to win the award. The reason was that every one that were nominated with me, in that category, had a full album that they had already dropped. So everybody had already listened to what they have to offer but for me I have not. So in that category, I thanked God I was nominated but there was a chance that I was not going to win the award. The reason was because, I don’t have a full album. When they called my name that I won, I was like, amidst of people with full album, how could this be possible. Some of them are my seniors in the industry. So I was grateful and I thank God for that.
How do you handle your female fans?
I handle them well. I am not going to say that I am the sexiest artiste now but I know I am not that ugly. What I have come to understand is that in anything, you are doing, especially, when you are into entertainment, you must have fans. If you don’t have fans, it means you are not doing the job well. If you are a man and you don’t have female fans, then something is wrong somewhere likewise female. One thing about me is that I respect my fans so much and I believe that without them, there is no me.
I handle them well. I am not going to say that I am the sexiest artiste now but I know I am not that ugly. What I have come to understand is that in anything, you are doing, especially, when you are into entertainment, you must have fans. If you don’t have fans, it means you are not doing the job well. If you are a man and you don’t have female fans, then something is wrong somewhere likewise female. One thing about me is that I respect my fans so much and I believe that without them, there is no me.
What is capital F.E.M.I in the next three years?
One, my album is out already titled, “the year of R n B” and it is few months old now. so in the next three years, you will expect more songs and videos from that album. Actually, a new video has been released in November from the album titled ‘Capital F.E.M.I.’ so you expect to see more on the live performance of me. Expect a Grammy award from me.
One, my album is out already titled, “the year of R n B” and it is few months old now. so in the next three years, you will expect more songs and videos from that album. Actually, a new video has been released in November from the album titled ‘Capital F.E.M.I.’ so you expect to see more on the live performance of me. Expect a Grammy award from me.
You said something about looking forward to a Grammy award, how far are you working towards that?
Am working every day towards that. For me, when I started singing, even before I talked about coming back to Nigeria, the highest award and honour in music is the Grammy award. For me, I believe you always have to aim for the highest. Sometimes, it seems impossible. I believe somebody did it before me so, why can’t I get there?. Some years from now, with God’s favour and good health. With support from media and my fans, Grammy is really attainable.
Am working every day towards that. For me, when I started singing, even before I talked about coming back to Nigeria, the highest award and honour in music is the Grammy award. For me, I believe you always have to aim for the highest. Sometimes, it seems impossible. I believe somebody did it before me so, why can’t I get there?. Some years from now, with God’s favour and good health. With support from media and my fans, Grammy is really attainable.
What is an ideal woman for you?
For me, an ideal woman is a God fearing woman. A woman that is ready to accept me for me. What I do can be tough for a woman. You know I am a man and my fan base is mainly woman. So I need a woman that is secure in herself. That is my ideal woman. Remember that an ideal woman is not the person that has a nice waist, or shape, she should be an intellectual and strong within herself. A woman that is ready to support you when you fall.
For me, an ideal woman is a God fearing woman. A woman that is ready to accept me for me. What I do can be tough for a woman. You know I am a man and my fan base is mainly woman. So I need a woman that is secure in herself. That is my ideal woman. Remember that an ideal woman is not the person that has a nice waist, or shape, she should be an intellectual and strong within herself. A woman that is ready to support you when you fall.
Have you seen the ideal woman?
In all honesty, I have seen my ideal woman.
In all honesty, I have seen my ideal woman.
How soon are we expecting a record label from you?
For me, everything is a gradual thing. You have to crawl before you work and you have to work before you run. It doesn’t work like that. For me, right now, I am crawling. When the time comes, with God’s help, we are going to get there. Let’s watch the next level. When we get to the bridge, we will cross there but right now, that is not what is in my mind.
For me, everything is a gradual thing. You have to crawl before you work and you have to work before you run. It doesn’t work like that. For me, right now, I am crawling. When the time comes, with God’s help, we are going to get there. Let’s watch the next level. When we get to the bridge, we will cross there but right now, that is not what is in my mind.
