The sun hung low in the sky as we finally arrived around 5 PM, our bodies weary from the arduous journey. After departing from Abuja, we spent seven hours navigating a notoriously poor highway before reaching our destination: the quaint town of Oke Ayedun-Ekiti. The fatigue from the trip was palpable, and as the taxi driver dropped us off at the Council Hall, a wave of uncertainty washed over us. We had arrived in unfamiliar territory, and our initial excitement quickly turned into perplexity when attempts to contact our host, Chief Kemi Elebute Halle, yielded no results.
Standing at the entrance of the Council Hall, we were unsure of what to do next. Should we wait? Should we leave? Just then, a figure approached us with a calm authority. Passersby referred to him as “Honourable” or “Fasco,” a local leader who exuded a welcoming aura. Far from being just a chaperon or a close relative of our host, Honourable Fasco was a musician in Oke Ayedun-Ekiti, embodying the spirit of hospitality. His cordial demeanor and readiness to assist were immediate indicators of the strong sense of community that permeated this small town.
Honourable Fasco was not merely concerned with our immediate needs; as he dialed numbers and barked orders to ensure our comfort, it became clear that our experience in Oke Ayedun-Ekiti was not just about attending a scheduled event but also about understanding the intricate tapestry of relationships that defined the town.
The Travail And The Need To Support
The world of music is a tapestry of talent, creativity, and passion, seamlessly woven together with individual experiences. Music not only entertains; it tells stories, evokes emotions, and connects people across the globe. However, the path to success in the music industry is often fraught with challenges and tribulations—especially for upcoming artists striving to make their voices heard amid a cacophonous landscape. Honourable Fasco exemplifies these struggles.
The morning sun filtered through the windows of a newly constructed hotel restaurant as I sat across from Honourable Fasco. It was easy to reconcile his hospitable nature with the struggles he candidly articulated. Our discussion delved into his challenges and aspirations, highlighting one pressing issue many budding artists face: the struggle for funding and patronage.
His expressive eyes held the weight of his experiences, and as he spoke, it became increasingly evident that his journey through the music industry had been riddled with obstacles threatening to stifle his creativity. As we wrapped up our discussion, it became clear that Honourable Fasco’s journey was not just about music or recognition; it was a cry for help.
In the light of this narrative, we hope to inspire not only a greater understanding of the struggles faced by artists like Fasco but also foster an environment that nurtures creativity and authenticity in the music industry. In sharing Honourable Fasco’s story through this interview, we invite readers—particularly those from Oke Ayedun-Ekiti—to reflect on their perceptions of creativity, connection, and community. Ultimately, we urge them to consider the profound impact of their support for Fagbemi Olanrewaju, alias Honourable Fasco. Music is not merely a product but a lifeblood of cultural expression that deserves recognition, respect, and above all, empathy.
Erelu Must Come To My Aid—Fasco
What are your full names?
My name is Hon. Fagbemi Olarewaju
Why are you referred to as honourable?
I earned the title of Honourable because I served as a Councilor from 2017 to 2019, representing Ward 10 Okaidu Ikole LGA of Ekiti State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Is that the reigning party here?
At that time, the two dominant parties in Ekiti State were PDP and APC.
Which political party do you belong to at present?
I am currently a member of the APC.
Fagbemi, what do you do for a living outside of politics?
After my tenure as councilor, I transitioned into farming, and now I am also a musician.
What was your portfolio while serving as councilor?
I served as the Chairman of the Committee on Works during my time in office.
Now, tell us about your musical career. When did you start?
I began my music career in 2010.
What genre of music do you play?
I primarily play gospel music.
Have you expanded your musical repertoire since then?
Yes, I have expanded my music style. Initially, I focused only on gospel music, but now I also perform juju music.
What inspired you to switch from gospel to juju music?
Initially, I focused solely on gospel music, but as I grew as an artist, I wanted to explore different genres. The vibrant rhythms and cultural significance of juju music appealed to me, leading me to incorporate it into my repertoire.
Do you own a band?
I have a band, but currently, I lack instruments.
Have you released any songs?
Yes, I have released a song titled “Gbani Gbani Gbani Dansaya.”
Have you produced that song into a marketable format?
No, I haven’t produced it for the market; it was just a stage performance. However, I have plans to produce more songs soon for the market.
What has prevented you from producing?
The main obstacle has been funding.
How do you plan to fund your upcoming music projects?
Funding my upcoming projects has been challenging due to financial constraints. I am seeking opportunities for sponsorship or collaboration.
How much would it cost to produce your songs?
To determine the exact costs for production, I would need to consult with a producer.
Have you recorded any of your performances on video?
Yes, I have videos of some of my stage performances. I can asked my manager to bring them so I can show you.
How many songs do you plan to produce? Just one?
For now, if I have the funds available, I will start with one or two songs.
Is this new song juju or gospel?
It’s a juju song titled “Gbani Gbani Gbani Dansaya,” which means “Only God can do it for me.”
What are your future plans for your music career? Where do you want to go with it?
My dream is to perform music globally and reach audiences everywhere. I hope to find someone who can support me in this journey, allowing me to grow as an artist and make a significant impact in the music industry. If someone supports me, I will always remember their kindness.
Do you live in this community?
Yes, this is my community. I was born and raised here.
Which family are you from?
I am from the Fagbemi family.
Who are the fagbemis?
The Fagbemi family is well-known in this town and has a good reputation. My grandfather was Balogun and the founder of the Methodist Church. My mother comes from the Agbade family in Ikole community.
Where does your musical talent come from—your father or your mother?
It comes from my father.
How did your father’s influence shape your decision to become a musician?
My father’s influence was significant in my decision to pursue music. He was a musician himself and played around town when I was young. His passion for music inspired me, and I often defended his reputation, which deepened my connection to music.
How has your community responded to your music?
My community has been supportive of my musical endeavors. They appreciate my performances and recognize the cultural value of my work. Their encouragement motivates me to continue pursuing my passion for music.
Are you married? What is your wife’s name?
Yes, I am married. My wife’s name is Yetunde Fagbemi, and she is from Akure in Ondo State.
How many children do you have?
We have three children—one boy and two girls. My aspirations for them are significant; I hope one becomes a lawyer, another a doctor, and the third an engineer.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
Sir, I truly appreciate your presence here. Alongside Erelu, we have never seen a woman like her; everyone in Ekiti is proud of her. Erelu conducts monthly empowerment programs and has helped many people become millionaires. I pray that God replenishes her resources because she is an extraordinary woman. Although we have met more than three times, she doesn’t know my struggles. In Ekiti, there’s no one quite like her. I sincerely pray that God protects her.
What festival are you celebrating today?
It’s called Ayedun Day, celebrated once a year. I am performing as the musician today at the town hall while Erelu has another musician performing at her reception.
Can you tell me more about Erelu’s title?
Her full name is Kemi Elebute-Halle, and she holds the title of Erelu Adayase of Ekiti State.
Is that title being bestowed upon her today?
No, she received that title previously.
What does that title mean?
I can’t explain it fully, but to me, she is an incredible woman. What Erelu has accomplished in Ekiti cannot be matched by any senator or representative. Everyone who follows Erelu becomes successful in their own right. If Erelu encounters someone today, within three days they will be grateful for her influence. In my entire life I have not seen anyone like her.
Can you highlight some specific contributions she has made?
I recall her first empowerment initiative where she distributed one million naira and two million naira to numerous individuals. During Kabiyesi’s five-year anniversary celebration, she gave away cars including Siennas among others. She truly is an amazing woman.
Erelu has positively impacted every LGA in Ekiti State. I’m incredibly proud of her; even the governor and senators recognize her efforts. She operates outside government structures while spending her hard-earned money—something few people can do. You can follow Erelu and still not achieve anything; personally, I believe she can elevate me and my music career.
What are your prayers for Erelu?
Every day when I pray for my family, Erelu is mentioned second because I believe one day she will support me too. The empowerment I’m hoping for from Erelu now involves musical instruments. She has done so much for others—giving some people three million naira along with cars and five million naira with cars as well.
My earnest prayer for her is that she continues to rise higher and never falter in Jesus’ name. Amen.
FASCO INTERVIEW
What are your full names?
My name is Hon. Fagbemi Olarewaju, former councilor of this ward.
Why are you called Honourable?
I served as former councilor from 2017 – 2019, representing ward 10 Okaidu Ikole LGA of Ekiti State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Is that the reigning party here?
Then, we have only PDP and APC as the popular parties in Ekiti State.
Now, which platform do you belong to?
I’m now in APC
Fagbemi, what do you do for a living outside politics?
After my tenure as councilor, I went into farming, now I am a musician.
When you were councilor, what was your portfolio?
I served as Chairman Committee on Works during my tenure as councillor
Now, tell us about your music. When did you start?
I started music in 2010
What kind of music do you play?
Gospel life
Today, have you expanded?
Yes, I have expanded. Initially, I was playing only gospel but today I also play juju
Do you have a band?
I have a band but don’t have instruments.
Have you released any song?
Yeah, I have released a song called Gbani gbani gbani dansaya….
So, that song have you turned into an LP, produced for
No, I have not produced, just a stage play. But I have some play that I want to produce very soon.
What has made you not produce all this while?
Its money
How much would that cost you to produced?
To know the amount, I will have to visit a producer
At the stage, you performed and videoed it?
Yes, I have videos of some of my stage performances. I have asked my manager to bring them so that I can show you.
Like how many of those songs do you want to produce. Is it only one?
For now, if I have money I will start with one or two depending on availability of funds
This particular is it juju or gospel?
Its juju and the title is gbani gbani gbani gbani dansaya, meaning “He’s only God can do it for me”
What is your dream. Where do you want to go with your music?
My prayer is that if I see who can help me. My dream is to play music in every part of the world. And if I see someone that can help me, I will never forget such person in life.
Now, you live in this community?
Yes, this is my community. I was born and brought up here
Okay, you are from which family?
I am from Fagbemi family
Okay, who are the Fagbemis?
The Fagbemi family are very popular in this town and they are very good. Their grandpa is Balogun who is the founder of Methodist Church. My mother is from Agbade family of Ikole community.
I want to find out. Where is this music thing coming from, could it be that its coming from your father side or mother side?
This is coming from my father side. When I was very small then my father is a musician and play around the town. I am the one who come and defend him
You are married. What’s your wife name?
Yes, I am married and my wife name is Yetunde Fagbemi from Akure, Ondo State.
Now, you have how many children?
I have three children – one boy and two girls, my dream for them is big. I want a lawyer, doctor and engineer.
Do you have anything you want to say?
Sir, I really appreciate you. I know you came together with Erelu. We have never seen a woman like her. Everybody in Ekiti are proud of her. Erelu do empowerment every month and have made many people millionaires. I am always praying that God should replenish her purse because she is a wonderful woman. We have met more than three times but she doesn’t know my problems. In Ekiti here, nobody is like her. I am seriously praying that the almighty God will protect her.
What festival are you celebrating today?
It’s called Ayedun Day and its celebrated once in a year. I am the musician that will perform today at the town hall but Erelu has another musician that perform at her reception.
Now, tell me a little more about Erelu. Is Erelu title?
The real name Kemi Elebute-Halle, the title is Erelu Adayase of Ekiti State
Is that the title they are giving her today?
She’s got the title before
What’s the meaning of that title?
I don’t know how to explain it, but to me she is a wonderful woman. Infact, what Erelu is doing in Ekiti, no senator, or rep member can do it. Everyone that is following Erelu she made them become something. Erelu encounter you today, in three days you will be praying for her because in my entire life I have not seen a woman like her.
What can you point out that this is what she has done?
I could remember the first empowerment Erelu did. She gave out #1m, #2m and lots more to so many people. During Kabiyesi five years anniversary, she gave out cars ranging from siena among others. She is a wonderful woman.
Erelu have touched every LGA in Ekiti State. I am really proud of her. The governor knows her, senator knows her, rep members know her. She is not in government. She is spending her hard earned money. Sir, nobody can do that. You can follow Erelu and not achieve anything. So, personally to me I believe Erelu can project me and my musical career.
Lastly, what are your prayers for her?
Everyday whenever I pray for my family, the second mention is Erelu because I know one day she will do my own empowerment. So, the empowerment that I expect from Erelu now is musical instruments because she has done more than for some people. Erelu has given people N3m with a car, N5m with a car.
So, my earnest prayer for her every day is that she should continue go higher. She will not fall down in Jesus name. Amen
Thanks you very much
