His real name is Olaoluwa Elijah Fagbemi but chose the stage name NOMBERS is coined from the word Numbers. it brings our mind t various things like the fact that it stands for songs, a list of songs or a particular song from numbers, giving special numbers amongst others. In this interactive session with ADENIKE ASHOGBON, the upcoming artiste takes us into his world

Music, life and you?

I have always loved singing at the top of my voice since I was little ( I guess that's why I grew up to love rock). I joined my church choir when I was in high school which really helped me musically. I have been composing songs since leaving High-School about ten years ago. I started learning to play the guitar around the year 2005. Over two years ago, I then decided to start doing some recordings. I love and am into various kinds of styles of music but mostly Alternative & Rock.

I also sing and play the guitar to the songs to people around me, to probably cheer them up or just to amuse them. I have prospects of singing to be heard by people but not often in the most common pattern Nigerians here are used to, like party and dance songs. I intend relating through my songs messages with a blend of Spirituality that deals with the inner sides of man and how to deal with the problems of the self before looking unto that of others or the society.

I have made efforts in trying to make my music known but to very little avail. I haven't had much financial support to make it really happen. I have tried making recordings of two songs two years back with all my savings. But it was uncompleted because my savings was not enough and there was of lack of finance, consequently it went down the drain.

Background ?

I am a Christian. Born in lagos 27 years ago into the family of Mr and Mrs Akinola Fagbemi, hails from Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. the last of their 4 children. I spent more of my years growing up in Surulere and presently stays in Ogun State thats that for now, nothing spectacular about my personality. just that I grew up loving music not because every known artiste claims that but really I have been actively involved in music and I mean good music.

Kind of song that interest you?

Rock and alternative and soul music. I am not in a particular one genre kind of song but really I listen to all genres as long as it’s good good music.

In the music industry home and abroad who motivate you?

I get most of my musical motivation from foreign artiste than local artiste. foreign; SwitchFoot, Coldplay, P.O.D, Bob Dylan, Lecrea, Creed, Casting Crowns, Delirious, Mutemath, Relient K amongst others while home, musically, I will say people like Beautiful Nubia, Asha, Niyi Adedokun. basically the reason why I love their music is because they sing of the real things through the lyrics in their song. Their songs address issues within the human heart, disposition to things within and outside the society irrespective of the differences that might exist.

As an upcoming artiste, what do you think would make you and your kind of music stand out in an economy where a whole lot of people are trouping into the entertainment and show biz world?

Really, I don’t think my music would sell as in SELL. all I know is that at first most Nigerians would at first take it wierd since it more or less not like the stereotypic songs they are used to. I feel it sounds very different and there is this fear that a whole lot of people might lost interest but I know that the open minded would get a lot from it socially, spiritually or entertainment wise.

...And if your song sounds wierd does that make it distinct?

no, it does not but it places the audience on another platform away from the dance/party mood they are already used to and over time affiliated to. unlike the dance/party track its a kind of song that takes you to another euphoria of thoughts. it relaxes your tought and helps ease you from the daily mixed up emotions all packed up in a song.

what is your inspiration?

God, nature and people. God- without whom I won’t be here. Nature-it’s a sphere i am living through. And People- they give me the reason to compose and sing songs.

thus far, how has it been striving to make your voice heard?

well, I’m just doing music with the love of doing it and that love keeps me going on, so if I sing I still believe that some amount of people will hear me and that anyone open minded enough to hear me out, listens to it would be able to take something out of it.

for now, I am not under any record label. I am an independent artsite hoping to be under a record label one day. thus far, I have recorded 3 songs, 2 of which were recorded but were unfinished, unmixed and mastered due to financial constraint but just recently I did a complete recording of a single that is now out for download on the internet at least for a start.

 where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

wooh, in the next 5years doing what I love to do...singing, singing...singing irrespective of present state of entertainment where some are given more preference than others but I intend singing, singing and singing to be heard. you know at every point in time, you have your own audience. one does not just get to the top like that, its all a gradual process.

Like I say, I don’t strive to be the best but hope to be the most different.