I Don’t Have Anything To Spend My Money On – Olawale,MTN Project Fame Finalists

On Saturday 28th September 2013, Nigeria saw Olawale Ojo crowned the Winner of the MTN Project Fame West Africa season 6. It was everyone’s delight to see a 400level Agronomy Student of Ladoke Akintola University, go home with a cash prize of N5million , a fully loaded
SUV and a recording contract .
The finale show saw the ‘”Sensational Six” (Finalists) – Olawale , Immaculate , Roland , Magret , Niniola and Omolayo, entertain attendees with one performance each .

Recently Nigeriafilms.com reporter had a chat with the winner, Olawale Ojo....

Life in the academy ?
First few weeks in the academy was not too pleasant , because I didn’t even believe in my self then . What I do was to just go on stage and do what I know how to do better . Even at a time I was abused of singing without emotion, but as time goes on I got used to it and pushed ahead .

How did you feel when announced winner ?
My mind went blank. I am grateful to God and appreciate those who believed in me and voted for me massively. It’s actually not all about my talent but those who believed in me and voted me to the top and all I have to say is thank you and I promise I will never disappoint them .

Any plan for the money, contract and car presently ?
I think for now I will focus on the recording contract , because there is nothing for me to spend the money on . And I have been surviving without the money , but as time goes on I will think of how to invest it. There is a difference between spending and working. If there is one thing I can buy out of the money for now, it would be a lovely piano. I had one but it’s not really good. I would give it to someone.

Have you been to a reality show before Project fame?
Actually , I have never been to a reality show or any form of audition before. Project fame is my first attempt . Though a friend actually pushed me into the competition. He said, why was I wasting my talent in the corner of my house, because I’m always playing my piano and also involved myself in church activities. I was very nervous when I went for the audition. But now I am glad and thank God it’s now a history.

What do you think make people to like you ?
It was when I did Asa’s song. The moment I did the song, everything changed. It was then I comprehended all the things the faculty members taught me and I began applying their lessons.

Were you ever intimidated by anyone in the academy ?
I wasn’t intimidated by anyone, and I think we are all unique in our own ways . What I do was just to make sure I give the best and I did not forge myself .

What were your winning strategies?
My winning strategy was just being myself. The second factor was God.

Any challenges in the academy ?
My greatest challenge was being nervous and rigid on stage but as time goes on I was able to overcome it .

What was your father’s reaction to your choice of profession ?
He wasn’t happy with it , but his discouragement really taught me how to be a fighter. If I didn’t give it a fight, I wouldn’t have been where I am today. His discouragement was a motivating factor that propelled me to greater heights. And he was indifferent because I am the first musician in my family. Thus, it didn’t really appeal to him. However, when I was picked after the audition, he was happy.

As a student , how would you manage academics and the stardom ?
I would just be myself. I was in school before Project Fame and I have been rehearsing. Thus, it won’t disturb me much. Let me just wait and see how it would play out because I have not tasted stardom before. I don’t know how it feels out there.

What’s your genre of music?
I am an R n’ B singer but due to my flexibility, I can perform well in other genres too. The competition has taught me a lot.