BMNA Artiste of the Year, Kayode Adegoke, Appeals for Support
By Jonah Fubara, YENAGOA — Winner of the Most Promising Young Artiste of the Year award at the Bayelsa Media Network Awards (BMNA), Kayode Adegoke, has called on the government and well-meaning individuals to support emerging musicians by creating platforms for them to showcase their talents and grow their careers.
The young singer said financial constraints, limited performance opportunities and the high cost of music promotion were among the challenges confronting upcoming artistes, particularly those working independently.
Adegoke, who hails from Iwo Local Government Area of Osun State, said his journey into music began in 2024 when he participated in a talent show while in Senior Secondary School Three.
He explained that he had initially joined the school event simply to test his ability, but the positive reception he received from the audience encouraged him to pursue music more seriously.
“I did not have the intention of getting into music. I just wanted to try and perform, but during my performance, people started praising me, so I decided to be consistent in music. I felt this would take me to the next level,” he said.
Having completed his secondary school education, Adegoke said he was continuing to develop his songwriting skills and discover a sound that would distinguish him in the competitive music industry.
He disclosed that he had released about six songs, including Ride for Love, Nude Taker, No Confession and Time, which are available online.
The singer identified personal experiences, particularly romantic relationships, as his major source of inspiration, explaining that these experiences had shaped his interest in love songs.
According to him, his music seeks to capture emotions and relationship experiences that listeners can easily identify with.
“Many people can relate to my songs because they also find their love stories in the songs,” he said.
Despite his passion for music, Adegoke acknowledged that sustaining a career as an emerging artiste required considerable financial commitment, especially when returns from music were uncertain.
He revealed that he had taken up paid employment to finance his musical pursuits, using his monthly salary to pay for studio sessions, while his mother also supported his ambition.
He said the struggle to maintain consistency amid low audience engagement was another major challenge, adding that some artistes became discouraged when their efforts failed to attract sufficient attention.
Adegoke also lamented that some performance opportunities came with financial demands that independent musicians could not afford, while artistes occasionally performed at small bars without receiving payment.
He explained that he currently handles his music promotion himself because he could not afford the services of professional promoters or a manager.
For now, he relies on online videos, social media, family members, friends and a small but supportive fan base to publicise his songs and reach new listeners.
The singer expressed optimism that increased recognition would eventually enable him to secure professional management and more performance bookings.
On his preferred collaborator, Adegoke named Nigerian music star Olamide, citing the artiste’s versatility and ability to explore different musical styles as qualities that could complement his own approach to songwriting.
He stressed that compatibility in musical style was essential to producing a successful collaboration.
Adegoke described his emergence as BMNA Most Promising Young Artiste of the Year as a major boost to his confidence, particularly after struggling to secure opportunities to perform at organised shows.
He recalled instances in which his name appeared on event posters but he was not given the opportunity to perform. According to him, some organisers also demanded payment before allowing him on stage, a requirement he could not always meet as an independent artiste.
“I am very excited and happy because it was not easy,” he said, describing the award as encouragement to continue pursuing his musical ambitions.
He urged government agencies, event organisers and music enthusiasts to give emerging musicians opportunities to perform at public programmes, cultural festivals and entertainment events, noting that such platforms could help them build audiences and gain industry experience.
Adegoke said his long-term ambition was to become a recognised musician whose songs would connect with listeners through relatable stories and emotions.
Although he acknowledged that he was still discovering his artistic identity, he expressed confidence in his prospects, saying he hoped to be performing on major stages within the next five years.
He is currently active on TikTok and Instagram, where he promotes his music and engages with his growing audience.
