Tall, dark, handsome dude, Oluwaseun Oluyole popularly known as Dampte aka Tinkolomaster and tagged “MR. GO
GET-HER” has no doubt carved a niche for himself.
The banker turned musician, Dampte recently dropped his latest single titled “Go Get-Her”, which is been acclaimed another massive hits, rocking the music chart. From an industry that is somewhat over-populated, Dampte is beginning to prove he can stand on his own and compete with the front runners. In July of 2010, at the Tom Tom anniversary event, Dampte shared stage with some of Nigeria’s finest musicians from D’banj to 2face
He first had the real taste of music at a tender age. Dampte grew up listening to the likes of King Sunny Ade (KSA), Ebenezer Obey amongst others. According to him, he gets his influences from the likes of Jay Z, R. Kelly, LL cool J, Jadakiss, Styles P, Warren G, Snoop, Treach (Naughty by Nature), 2pac, Biggie Smalls, Wale, K’naan and a host of others.
The first son of an Evangelist mother and Pastor Father, Dampte finished his High School Education in Lagos, Nigeria and a graduate of Bellevue University, Nebraska, USA where he bagged his Bachelors of Science degree in Computer Information Systems and emphasis in Business.
After a long hiatus in the United States due to education, Dampte returned to the music scene with a massive hit single “Tinkolo” that features up and rising R&B star YQ. The single which was released in the first quarter of 2009 made it to various charts across Nigeria and beyond. He followed his success with another massive hit single “Wapa” which also made it to various countdowns. Not relenting, Dampte, now known for his Hit- dropping prowess followed it with “Ghetto”, another song that shook up the airwaves.
He spoke to Dammydairy on his new album, fashion and why he left banking for music
How did you venture into music industry?
My first contact with music was in ma early years say like 5, 6. I got used to the idea, loved the sounds and before u knew it, I started writing. I joined d choir late and spent less than a year in it but it was then back in 1996 I knew that was what I really wanted.
I what was the journey like?
The journey is an ongoing one. You think u reached your destination at a point but later you discover it’s a way off. For me, the journey deserves thanks and appreciation to what and where I am.
W hat and where do you inspirations from?
I get my inspirations from almost everything around me. I look at someone, something and I say, what does this tell me? Then my thoughts run wide and wild. God must be praised for all inspirations really.
Who inspires you?
God inspires and am motivated by what I see
challenges?
Challenges are really nothing but stuffs you need to get by to reach your destination..... So these challenges are nothing more than getting across to people to really be on the same page with what you doing.
Role models
My role model is Sean "P. Diddy Combs"
how was it leaving banking for music?
It was really difficult to be honest but you gotta play the hands life deals you. Am coping better than any would expect but I gotta still thank all those who stand behind me. So I say thanks guys!
Since you knew you were set out to be a musician, why did you go into the banking industry?
Ma destination like you said was music but banking was a path I had to take too. And like I said earlier, you play the hands you are dealt!
At what point did you decide to quit banking for music?
Well, a wise man said..... When you don't make your decisions quick enough, others make them for you..... That answers that I guess.....lol
favourite artistes?
Ma 9ja favorite artiste is more like artistes....lol.... Gimme Dbanj, 2face, Sauce kid, Shortyace, Dampte and Psquare in no particular order.... Am good. On d international scene.... Right now Rick Ross, Jay Z, R. Kelly, Drake, Pac, Biggie, Lady Gaga and I could live a year listening to jus their music
what is the kind of music?
I don't have a special genre really.... Just what moves me @ dat moment....erm, no hard metal rock though!
how do you see the Nigeria music industry?
It’s growing really.... Bigger than what we envisaged back in the dayz and its getting to a point where we gon appreciate it more....
what impact would your music have on people?
Ma music is expected to do a lot... Sometimes inspire and at other times attract that desire to inspire, if that makes sense...lol...
tell us about your tracks and album
Yea, I burst into the scene last year with ma 1st hit single "wine your tinkolo"... I av YQ on there.... Then I think I didn't know how to stop....lol... Ma latest work GO Get-Her is driving d radios, internet and clubs on a #gogetta mode....lol...
how would you define fashion?
Am kinda a simple person but simplicity redefined cus being simple is not been cheap...
your style of dressing? Kinda folk u can c in a tee and jeans.... Classic and simple
favourite signature scents
I do Sean John's Unforgivable.....lol.... Cus I remember favors.... And all....
most expensive items
A sunglass I got back in February.... okay, that excludes vehicles, okada etc abi......yea, ma Versace shades really...
most cherished possession
... Dat is ma Parents..... If that counts and the knowledge I possess.
Most stylish icons
Sean "P.Diddy" Combs
favourite fashion designer (s)
Sean "P.Diddy" Combs......he encompasses everything an entertainer must be and want....
role models and y....
Sean "P.Diddy" Combs and again, through it all, he finds a way to be relevant at every turn of music, fashion and society at large.
Favourite colour(s)
..... Royal Blue and white..... The reason is simple..... Abraham L. Taylor loved it. Then any fashionable and flashy colour likes purple and that's just because I love attention.
What is it you won’t be caught dead wearing?
A skirt!!.....lol
your muse?
Why is the world the way it is really..... Greed, etc
turn on.
....lol..... Well, I like people being dependable and beautiful both on the inside and outside....
Turn off...
Folks lying and unreliable or dirty
unfulfilled dreams.....
Not yet nominated for a Grammy
if you are given a chance to change something in Nigeria what would it b.....
Our orientation......" Objectiveness supercedes loyalty"
