Base One, a UK-based Nigerian indigenous rapper is one of Nigeria’s iconic rappers who has established himself in the entertainment industry over the past years.
In an exclusive interview, the rapper had further elaborated on his record label status, plans, and the entertainment industry at large.
Tell us who Base One is?
Base One name is Isaac Sotunde and base one is a rapper, started from the street and he has been doing music ever since and now on the international scene doing his thing, working on his first body of work, and waiting for the right time to release that.
You are signed to Acqila’s Records and managed by Starz Entertainment, what are their individual roles in your career?
First, of all, this is the first time I’m saying this, I’m no longer signed to Aquila’s Record, right now I’m doing my own thing, solo but I’ve got a management team that I’m working in the UK, Starz Records primarily handling the management aspect of Base One.
What set you apart from other indigenous rappers in Nigeria?
To be honest, every indigenous rapper I’ve known are people that I’ve learned from whether major artiste or artiste that are just coming, I listen to virtually everyone because there are a whole lot of talented rappers out there, what set me apart is that I’m me, I’m just myself trying to be me and I also try to make sure I’m versatile as possible.
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I try to make sure I add English to my Yoruba rap, also add a little bit of pidgin just to make sure I can connect to a lot of fans across the globe and I think that’s what makes me different, also inculcate witty lines that are very funny in my lines.
You recently dropped “Juliet” produced by phantom, what’s the inspiration behind the love song?
Funny enough Juliet is a very old song I just released the video like two years ago and to be honest it’s just me trying to do new things aside from rapping and I’m also trying to make sure I sing and tap into fans that listen to those type of music.
it’s a beautiful song that I love personally and definitely wrote for my wife. You guys should watch out for the next single.
What’s your observation about the Nigeria Music Industry as a whole?
The Nigerian music industry is growing fast and big, a big shout out to all the giants that are doing great works, exporting our music globally which is opening doors for us that are coming behind them to also do the same thing or even better than what they’ve done.
A big shout out to all the giants, Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Olamide doing great music representing Africa as a whole.
Collaboration is key to sustaining fan’s expectations, what are your plans for the next few years?
To be honest, collaboration is good to be something for any artiste, in that way you would be able to exchange fanbase, different fans would get together to see you on the same song and fan base grow, but the thing about is sometimes artiste has an ego and by the time you record the song and it’s time to promote, they hardly support.
So what I would say for any artiste is best when the feelings and respect are mutual so when you collaborating with any artiste don’t because the person is a big name, I want to feature them, trust me if they don’t want you to tap into their fan base, you won’t so it’s always better to work with your friends, people that have respect for you.
When you release a song they’re gonna push and promote it’s like it’s their own song.
What would you love to tell those you inspire?
To those who listen to my music, to my fans and loved ones basically big shout out to you guys, you’re the real MVP, the reason I’m doing this. I’m saying a big thank you. I won’t let you guys down and would be bringing out new tunes, fresh tunes to your listening pleasure. Just watch out for the gram Base One, it’s going to be a big one trust me.
