Shalom Rocks it

Q: who is Shalom?

Shalom is Olorunfemi Shalom. A Nigerian from Kogi state. The first of five children. A singer, songwriter and vocal coach.

Q: How would you describe your music?

My music is God inspired, beautiful,rich,inspiring and impactful. Great sound, great content, great impact.

Q: when did you start your musical career and what was it like?

It’s hard to pick a certain date/year as when I started my music career. I have been building it one piece at a time for some years now, singing at events, church, participating in a music reality TV show, studying and learning music formally and non-formally… but officially as an artiste signed to a label, a year ago. It’s been great so far; challenging, tedious, demanding, fun, and wonderful and getting better.

Q: which musical instrument do you play?

I am learning to play the piano- I also do a tiny bit of music production as well.

Q: what was your experience like with your first recording in the studio?

Hmm… my first recording in a studio… it was fun. I was about 15 or 16 yrs old then. It was at ‘Revelation Band’s studio, then in Lokoja. They were all like big brothers and I had been in the studio with them a few times and watched them work, so it wasn’t strange. It felt awesome though to hear my voice sing back to me n playback, lol…

Q: There is something very unique about your songs, which are the constant use of musical instruments which gives your songs a flavour of foreign blend. Is it you or your producer?

Well, my music like every song, have their identities from when they are written. I have a style and rhythm in place from my writing pad. That is basic. However, I can’t deny the fact that I have been blessed and favoured to work with amazing, skilfull and great producers on my songs. Their interpretations of my ideas for the songs have been amazing. The musicians too have played their parts excellently well in delivery, so I’ll say it’s a product of combination of efforts.

Q: what is your acceptance like?

Acceptance has been encouraging so far. It gets better with each release.

Q: Do you have challenges in your musical career?

I won’t say no. progress is a result of challenges faced and overcome, barriers broken,changes made, efforts applied, maybe even some drops of sweat. So, challenges? Yeah, yeah.

Q: What is your biggest achievement so far?

Aha!... biggest achievement so far…hmm…I’ll say its starting out on this journey officially with HOUSE ONE RECORDS… and the successful completion of my first album ‘ELEDUMARE’

Q: What do you like about your songs?

Now this would feel like Iam blowing my own trumpet oo… but hey, if I don’t blow my own trumpet, who will? Lol! Just kidding though.
I love everything about my songs, including the parts that need to be worked on, and all the improvements that need to be made.
Q: Which artist do you listen to apart from yourself?

Aaahh…. Long list oo. I listen to any artiste that has deep sensible and positively impacting lyrics and vocal dexterity especially in the genres of gospel, soul, R&B and jazz.

Q: When not working on songs, what do you do on a regular day or do you have another work?

I love flowers, I love crafts. I love making things, so I do fabric accessorising, with sequins, stones, beads… I also work with flowers; decors, bouquets, boutonnieres,… I might also be teaching someone to sing, or having my piano practise. I write Poems, articles, fictions… you might also catch me flexing my mind imagining things or making faces at myself in the mirror! Lol…!