INTERVIEW: HKN is not all about Davido, B-Red says

The singer talks about his inspiration and tattoos.

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The pop singer and drummer, Bayo Adeleke, popularly known as B-Red, in this interview with PREMIUM TIMES talks about his career, his deal with De’ Ark entertainment and upcoming singles.
PT: You and your brother, Shina Rambo, have been with the Davido-led HKN for almost three years now, how has the journey been so far?

B-Red: It’s been great. When we think of how we started with our cousin David- the struggle and where we are today, we have no cause but to look back and give glory to God!

PT: You have released a couple of singles under the label and none has really become a hit; how do you feel about that?

B-RED: I have been signed to HKN Music officially as an artiste for about 15 months now and I wouldn’t say I have done badly. People who follow music genuinely can attest to that. I am way more popular than many of my contemporaries. The B-Red brand started ringing a bell in people’s ears even before I dropped any musical content. Iwaju (his latest single) is a big deal right now; getting a lot of love from radio stations, clubs and TV channels. It’s a steady process. Continue watching.

PT: Could the lack of success with HKN be linked with reports that everyone at HKN works for the success of Davido alone and leave other artistes to fend for themselves?

B-RED: We are a team.. Davido is very big in Africa today. We all get the credit together as one family. I mean, I was practically very popular already in the industry before I dropped one single. We are HKN and we are happy to produce the biggest artiste in Africa right now. I have dropped three singles and have been climbing the ladder of fame on a steady rate! Iwaju is big in Nigeria right now; everybody attests to that. Watch out for me as well as Sina Rambo, Danagog & Deekay.

PT: At a point, you were reported to have signed to De’Ark Entertainment only for you to return to HKN; what really happened?

B-RED: De’Ark entertainment came in as a subsidiary brand to my career. We shot a video for Insane Girl and HKN Music was duly represented in it. I really don’t know where you guys get your news from but I have always been signed to HKN Music. De Ark came in as an affiliate; just the same way PSquare is signed to Square Records as well as Konvict Music – though the deal is off now. HKN Music is what I represent solely now.

PT: How does HKN prioritise to ensure that all artistes get a chance to hit the limelight?

B-RED: I only renewed my contract recently. I officially signed to HKN just before Insane Girl was released about 15 months ago. HKN Music, we are working. We have very good acts and we have a plan to be executed for everybody. Iwaju is already a radio hit. The video is getting massive airplay on TV. Danagog just dropped Pelemo and is set to break in with something really big soon. I have a single featuring Wizkid as well. Plenty things coming; keep supporting the brand.

PT: So at what point did you decide to go into music and were you motivated by the success of Davido?

B-RED: I have always had music flowing in my veins – remember I am also a drummer and producer. I am somebody who’s very much associated with sounds. I dropped my first single, it got a lot of nods. That really made me believe in myself a lot. I followed up with the Kayswitch collaboration and it’s been amazing ever since.

PT: With your latest single, Iwaju, doing pretty well, what’s next for B-Red?

B-RED: Thank you. I have loads of singles unreleased, but the next single definitely has to be the Wizkid collaboration. It’s a high tempo dance tune that will rock airwaves. Just anticipate, B-Red is coming.

PT: When should your fans expect your album?

B-RED: Album would come much later. For now, I want to continue dropping enough bubbling singles and create a very large fanbase.

PT: How did you arrive at the name B-Red?

B-RED: I coined the name B-Red myself. B stands for Bayo, which is my first name as you all know, and back then in the US, once you are very light skinned they call you, red. So I just fused in both to make something unique for myself.

PT: Bloggers recently said you got a car gift from Davido, isn’t the car one of Davido’s car?

B-RED: No, it’s not David’s car. Its mine. Hahaha! David has a similar car, yes.

PT: If not music, what will B-Red be doing? And what else are you doing aside from music?

B-RED: I play the drums very well, like I am a professional drummer. If not for music, I probably would have been into oil and gas back in the U.S.

PT: How many tattoos and piercings do you have and what inspired them?

B-RED: I have about 12 tattoos. Piercings? I’m not really a fan of that. Though I have one. All my tattoos actually represent something. From my name to the HKN emblem and my favourite bible verse.

PT: What’s your fashion taste like?

B-RED: I practically wear anything that fits me : snapbacks, sweatshirts, a lot of jewellery. I shop a lot abroad. Believe me, I spend a lot of money to look good.

PT: Five years from now where do you see yourself?

B-RED: Five years from now, I see B-Red as a solid name in the entertainment industry. My versatility would definitely come to play, you know what I mean. I see myself growing to a height where I would be recognized globally. My motivation comes from the fans. You know, when you put out content and everyone is loving it. The kind of love I receive is amazing. My fans are awesome; shout out to you all.