How has it been growing up as a prince?
It was very interesting growing up as a prince, because learning the culture and the values of the Yoruba's heritage from its source is priceless.
Any particular memories?
Yes, quite a few. I remember when I was as young as four years old, my father, 'His Royal highness', will kit us up and take us out for jogging, something which became a very important part of my lifestyle till date.
When did you discover your musical talent?
Music had always been part of my upbringing, but I started to notice that I stood out from my peers when we competed at talent shows in secondary school.
When did you decide to take up music as a career?
Music, as a career for me, was more like people's choice and a personal development of interest over a period of time. I started at a very early age, I cannot recollect a specific date but it was sometime towards the end of my secondary school days.
Did you have your parents support?
Yes, I have always had my parents support.
How did you come about the name Tillaman?
Tillaman is one word not Tilla man. I have had a few acronyms, a.k.a this, a.k.a that, but when I became fully aware that music was taking a serious turn, I realised that I must have a meaningful a.k.a, so I chose a name that best represents my source and what I represent. So I chose Tillaman! Tilla is the name, shortened word from FITILA, an apparatus used many years back to generate light, more like a local lamp. The 'man' is the man that I am. I chose the name because it symbolized originality and also the reason for my mission which is 'to shed light in every aspect of my life'.
When you travelled out, what was the experience like?
It was not easy integrating but as a sharp guy, I learnt fast and it was quite interesting after wards.
Musical influences while growing up?
My earliest musical influence was from the likes of Adewale Ayuba, Funmi Aragbaye, Dele Taiwo e.t.c then hip hop artistes like 2pac, Heavy D and the likes.
Why did you decide to return to Nigeria and do music?
At first, I came to Nigeria to test the grounds in 2009 with a song titled PU'YANGA, which became a very successful song at the time. Then, I got calls from the record labels that were interested in my music and once the terms were agreed on, the necessary move was made and I returned to Nigeria to unleash my brand of music.
How has the reception been?
I can’t complain, the reception has been marvellous.
Tell us about your songs. What inspires them?
Well, it is kind of sad to admit that these days, most of the songs people hear artistes do nowadays is close to total rubbish, but I think I am inspired by my environment. The people that matter do not really pay attention to the so called '9ja music' which I can boastfully say affects the life style of majority of the Nigerian youths today. We draw our inspiration from vanity which I 'Tillaman' is also guilty of.
You have stayed close to your roots in Oyo as you normally mime cultural chants. Why did you do that?
I think the most important thing about any human is Identity. After all, how do you differentiate a man from an animal if not for his Identity. They say a river that lost its source will eventually dry out, I am proud of where I am from and what I represent so I mime the cultural chants as a true prince, 'omo'ba', that appreciates the values and importance of identity.
Does your musical career affect your status as a prince?
At all. Every man is the sailor of his destiny, it does not matter how or where you were born.
‘Ko ma roll’ was a massive hit which you followed up with the remix. Tell us about that?
All thanks to the Almighty God, my record label, the team and the fans. I cannot categorically tell you how the song became the hit song that it is today. The remix also, is thanks to all the artistes; Iyanya, Burna boy, Ice prince, Phyno and Trigga for the love and support. The video for the remix was shot by a good friend, Patrick Elis and it was recently released.
What are your plans for 2013?
More hit music, more good videos, supporting the less privileged and also to drop an outstanding album.
What other projects are you into?
I’m working on my charity foundation and a scheme that empowers the youths called D.I.Y 'Do It Yourself'. It is aimed at empowering the mind and promoting positivity.
Who or what inspires your music videos?
Basically, I always have a picture in ma head before i shoot any musical video, I have shot and directed a few videos, TRYING, FORI FORI, JEUN LO to mention a few. I think it is very important for an artiste to have at least a vague imagination of what they want to create visually then a good director can help translate it into visual reality.
Tell us some of the stages and awards you have performed on and gathered?
Uhmm! Performance is something that is countless lately but yeh! i have had some interesting once. Rick Ross in Lagos, Loyd Banks in Scotland, Coco Concert o2 Arena london, Tai Cruiz concert London e.t.c got the award for the best comeback act PiRa Awards and several nominations.
What would you have been if not a musician?
Probably would have been or love to be a footballer.
What's next for Tillaman?
Like I said, the Album is in the planing and hot singles will be dropping one after the other backed up by good videos with creative concepts.
Any collaborations in sight?
I have a few collaborations done already which will be released in due time but yeah! there are still plans to do more, fingers crossed.
How do you relax?
Chilling in my room with a cold jar of smoothies, while watching some of my favorite movies.
How would you rate the Nigerian music industry?
I think there is too much pressure on the artiste, the musical expectation is nothing compared to the tag 'STAR' bestowed on the artiste which makes most of of forget that it is actually good quality music that give you a name that will not be forgotten not the luxury of vanity. Never the less, Nigerian music industry is growing fast which is a good thing but the 'Ogas at the Top' are failing to pay any attention to it whatsoever.
Your most memorable moment as an artiste?
I can’t think of any now.
If you had the opportunity to change anything in Nigerian music, what would it be?
Piracy! it is about time Nigerian musician started reaping their benefits from intellectual property and record sales.
Fashion sense?
Dress how you feel but to suit the purpose.
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