I was once accused of dating a female lecturer –Olazz, FUTA

May 31, 2014

Olazz

Twenty-one-year old Meteorology student of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Azeez Olanrewaju, aka Olazz, shares his life as a campus celebrity and what he hopes to make of it with TUNDE AJAJA

How did you become an entertainer?

I grew up in the midst of siblings and older friends that were very social. My eldest sister is a model; my elder sister is a professional video vixen and my elder brother is a fashion designer who worked with musical artistes. Also, I grew up as a lover of music, and I started mine when I was in secondary school.

Are your parents aware of your passion?

Yes! They are aware of it, and they have been 100 per cent supportive.

Did they try to persuade you to change your mind?

Initially, they tried to persuade me to change my mind about choosing music as a career, but later, they showed me love and support by encouraging me in my pursuit.

Has your campus celebrity status and entertainment interests affected your academics?

Yes. Definitely, it has affected my academics. My spare time is devoted to music; going for recording sessions in the studio, writing songs, attending musical concerts and gigs. Moreover, whenever I’m in class, the distractions are relatively much but God has been helping me to strike a balance between music and my academics.

Has it conferred any privilege on you?

Very well. The love from my fellow students has been awesome. My fan base is waxing stronger on a daily basis and I’m humbled. A celebrity without his fans is just on his own. In a school environment like this, you meet your fans and interact with them daily because they are your fellow students. I thank God people show me love from all sides and I’m comfortable with that, because it feels very good when you meet people who appreciate your works. I’m also happy that social functions on campus are improving.

What are the sacrifices you have made to be an entertainer and a campus celebrity?

Time is a valuable resource, and it is a sacrifice I’ve made several times to pursue my dream. Other sacrifices include money, labour, privacy, pleasurable things, and leisure time. Sometimes, I miss classes to do other things that could promote my skills and interest. As a celebrity, there were times in the past when I had to approach fellow students for financial support to actualise my dream.

What is the most expensive item you have?

I’m still an up-and-coming star, so I don’t have many expensive items at the moment. Nonetheless, the most expensive item I have at present is my Michael Korss wristwatch.

Have you had to travel out of school to participate in shows?

Yes, but a few. I’ve had the privilege to perform once at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos. Another show at Get Arena in Lekki, Lagos (Industry Night), Maddox in Victoria Island (Industry Night) and Club Envy in Akure, Ondo state. Those shows helped my career in a lot of ways.

Do people see you as proud?

I will say yes and no. People that don’t know me deeply think I’m proud, but I know I’m not. When people see you from the distance, they tend to have different opinion about you; so it’s normal. I’m a very sociable, friendly and easy-going dude. My friends have been very understanding and supportive too. They are optimistic of my musical success. So, they preach the gospel of my music and people already know them as OLAZZ ambassadors.

How has your status brought female fans around you?

Definitely. I receive lot of mails, messages and calls from female fans and friends who profess to love what I do.

Has it affected your own relationship?

Yes. At present, all the ladies that I’ve met don’t believe me, even when I am being truthful and sincere to them. They feel there is more to it than I told them. I have only had one relationship but many friends since I was admitted to this school. I never broke any girl’s heart, rather mine was broken by a girl I loved so much. She thought I was not faithful, possibly because of the female friends that I have around me.

What is the most risky thing you have ever done as a campus celebrity?

Being involved in school politics. It came with the risk of putting my music career on the line when I was actively involved in campaigning for a candidate. Some of my fans found that offensive. I also won’t forget the day I wore a pair of boxes and underwear to school because I was in haste to catch up with someone in school.

What is the most scandalous rumour you have heard about yourself?

That I was having an affair with a female lecturer. It was a lie and a special rumour which I found funny. I don’t allow rumours or challenges to bother me, because I have a future and academics to focus on. I compose new songs when such issues come up.

Who is your greatest fan?

I have many fans that are too numerous to mention. I also have some super fans who have done more than admiring my skills and cheering me up to support me. However, my mum is my number one fan and the biggest supporter of OLAZZ’s musical dream.

What has been your best moment as an entertainer?

My best moment as a campus celebrity was the day I was on stage with people like May D,DJ Zeez,Chuddy K,Olamide,Beautiful Nubia, Skales, Efa, YQ, Jaywon, Vector, I-Mike and Iyanyan.

What is the most pleasant compliment you have ever received?

It was from a lady. I wouldn’t want to mention her name. She said, ‘Hi Olazz, just to let you know that I love you, I love your songs and I love your personality.’

What was your most embarrassing moment in public?

I was walking with a female friend and a car parked and the girl hopped in, without saying bye. But all is well though, it’s all good. I know and believe that, I will get there very soon, so I keep working towards it, and with the help of God.

Which Nigerian artist do you hope to work with?

Many of them. D’banj, 2face, Wande Coal, Brymo, Chillzz, Banky W, Sureboi, Ric-Hassani, Burna boy, Ric-Mode, DammyKrane, Olamide, Davido, Sean Tizzle, Chidinma,Patoranking and Sound Sultan. However, my passion for music got a boost when I met Terry G in 2009 in his studio.

Who is your role model?

D’ Banj while my favourite foreign act is Drake.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

I’m a fast learner, which has helped me in my academics. On the other hand, I get easily pissed, so I avoid what could prompt it.

How do you spend your leisure?

Writing musical lyrics; making voice notes, surfing the internet and micro blogging.

What do you hope to make out of your interest in entertainment?

Success and be a pacesetter in the entertainment industry.