CELEBROGRAPHY: MEET ORLLYBAM, OUR ESTEEMED ENTERTAINER

Sadik Omolola

“Music is to be used to promote goodness.” – Orllybam

On this week’s edition of celebrography, our very own esteemed entertainer, Olalekan Ayobami Olabisi, fondly called Orllybam, speaks with AFAS Press correspondent, Omolola Sadik, about his career, education, lifestyle, aspirations, and his entertainment journey so far, in an exclusive interview.

AFAS PRESS: Can you briefly introduce yourself? Who is Orllybam?

ORLLYBAM: My name is Olalekan Ayobami Olabisi, popularly known as Orllybam. My alias is “Orllybam,” not “Ollybam,” as some students think. The “r” in my name is most important. That’s where the power of my name lies. I am a 400-level student in the department of English Language and Literature. I’m a brother to Olalekan Michael Ajibola, the University of Ibadan’s Student Union PRO, popularly called OMA.

AFAS PRESS: Did you choose English, or did English choose you?

ORLLYBAM: I chose English. I applied to study the course myself. 

AFAS PRESS: What else do you do aside from being a student?

ORLLYBAM: I am an entertainer. I do music. I’m a music artist, a musical performer, and a student leader. I do politics also. I’m the chairman of the Council of Hall Chairpersons and the Hall Mayor of Sultan Bello Hall.

AFAS PRESS: Why entertainment?  What motivated you to become a singer?

ORLLYBAM: I have always known that entertainment is my way, right from my childhood days. I’ve been singing since childhood. I composed plenty of songs while growing up. Also, I love music, I love the arts, I love entertainment, and I love nature.
 
AFAS PRESS: When exactly did your music career begin? What was the first track you released?

ORLLYBAM: I officially started my music career in 2017. The first track I released was “Light of the World.”

AFAS PRESS: How many songs have you released so far?

ORLLYBAM: So far, I have released numerous songs. I have released two Eps and two singles. The first track I released was “Light of the World.” I released my song, “Love” in 2020, when I was in 200 level, and it was a hit song. I have released two track songs, titled “African King” and “Son of the Sun” as well as two singles each titled “Jazzy” and “Intentional.”

AFAS PRESS: How long have you been a musical performer, and for you, what are some of the benefits of being one?

ORLLYBAM: Well, I’ve been a music artist since 2017. About the benefits of being a musical performer, to be honest, there are no benefits, just stress. You are always practising, wanting to improve and do well, working hard to get better, and you are always thinking about how to make your music sound better. It’s stressful. In fact, I don spend all my life savings on music.

AFAS PRESS: Are you currently working on an album? Do you have any unreleased songs we should anticipate?

ORLLYBAM: Yes, I have an unreleased album, “The Black Album.” It will drop by May, and there will definitely be like 12 tracks on the album. 

AFAS PRESS: What is your favourite part about being an entertainer?

ORLLYBAM: I enjoy the fun attached to being an entertainer. I naturally love to entertain, and I love when my songs are toppings for people. 

AFAS PRESS: Do you have any role model/models in the music industry? Who are your favorite entertainers?

ORLLYBAM: A role model in the music industry? Well, I love all of them, but I like Olamide Badoo, Wizzy, Davido, Burnaboy.

AFAS PRESS: Have you won any awards so far?

ORLLYBAM: Yes, I have. I won AFAS ARTISTE of the year in 200 level.

AFAS PRESS: If you were on a stage and the whole world was listening, what would you want them to know about you?

ORLLYBAM: I would want the world to know that I tried living a good life and I tried to remain good despite all odds.

AFAS PRESS: What advice do you have for fellow AFASITES and other students who would wish to become an entertainer like you?

ORLLYBAM: To fellow AFASITES and other students, I will say that they should keep doing good and never do bad. I would also love to let every student, adult and youngsters out there know that music is to be used to promote goodness.

AFAS PRESS: Thank you for your time and responses, Orllybam. It has been such a pleasure speaking with you.

ORLLYBAM: The pleasure is mine. It was interesting talking to you too.