1 week ago
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…Says being female artist comes with challenges
By Rita Okoye
Adeyinka Ogunjimi, aka Whykay, wears many hats as actress, rapper, content creator, and up-and-coming music producer.
In this chat with Sunday Sun she shares her Valentine’s Day experience, the struggles and triumphs of being a woman in the arts, and what’s next on her horizon.
How did you spend Valentine’s Day?
I just went out for dinner with my friends. Nothing special.
In one of your videos, you said ladies should stop giving their lovers boxers and singlets. Can you remember your best Valentine’s Day gift?
(Laughs) Now you’re using my words against me; who sent me? Anyway, I stand by it. Boxers and singlets need to retire as Valentine’s gifts! As for my best Valentine’s Day gift, I’d say it’s less about the gift itself and more about the thought behind it. The most memorable ones have been those that felt personal something that showed the person paid attention to what I love. Whether it was a surprise experience or a gift that aligned with my passions. At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day is about effort and intentionality. A well-thought-out gift always beats a last-minute, generic one!
What is the craziest thing you have done for love?
Hmm, I’d say, I stayed even though I knew I was being manipulated. I saw red flags as red banners.
Can you share with us, how your content creation journey started?
My content creation journey started naturally driven by my love for storytelling, music, and entertainment. Initially, I was focused on music rapping and songwriting, and later learning music production. As I built my brand as an artist, I realized the power of content in connecting with people and expanding my audience. I started creating different types of content sharing my music, engaging with trends, and experimenting with storytelling. This led to my YouTube channel. At the same time, I explored brand influencing, leveraging my creativity to collaborate with brands in a way that felt authentic.
So, far how has the journey been? Any regrets?
The journey has been exciting, challenging, and full of growth. It hasn’t been a straight path, to be honest. As for regrets, not really!
Every challenge has been a lesson. If anything, I wish I had started certain things earlier or learned the business side of entertainment sooner. But overall, I’m grateful for the journey and excited about what’s next.
What would you consider your breakthrough content or project, and why?
I’d say my song, Lagos because it was the first song I co-produced, mixed, and mastered myself. It reflected my versatility not just as a rapper or performer, but as an artist who could handle every aspect of music production. I’ve also done jingles and jobs for some companies. I’m going to talk about that later as I cannot at the moment. Beyond Lagos, consistently creating content across social media has also played a huge role in my growth, connecting with a wider audience. Rome wasn’t built in a day so it’s a process.
Did you take a break from music, it has been a long time since we heard your songs…?
Yes, a little bit. I have been working behind the scenes! My music is still very much active. I’ve been working on my EP ‘More of Me,’ which is all about showcasing different sides of my creativity beyond just rapping. I’ve been kind of experimenting. While I’ve been balancing other creative ventures, music has always been at the core of what I do. I believe in taking my time to create something meaningful rather than rushing just to stay visible. So, no break, just a period of growth and refinement.
You are quite talented and busy with a lot of projects; how, then, do you balance your professional life with your personal life?
I’ve learned to manage it by setting goals. First, I plan my time carefully. Even though sometimes I don’t completely go with the plan! I’m human. I’ve realized that if I don’t intentionally make time for myself, work will take over completely. Secondly, I’ve learned to listen to my body and mind. When I feel overwhelmed, I take a step back, rest, or do something outside of work that I enjoy. Music, acting, and content creation are all passions, but I also need moments to recharge so I can stay creative.
Lastly, I surround myself with people who understand my hustle, but also remind me to enjoy life. Whether it’s spending time with friends and family or just having a quiet moment to reflect, those personal experiences fuel my creativity and keep me grounded
What are your future goals and aspirations?
My future goals revolve around expanding my brand, growing as an artist, and making a lasting impact in the entertainment industry. Musically, I want to release more projects, collaborate with international artists, and explore different sounds while staying true to my originality. My upcoming EP, More of Me, is just the beginning of that journey. Beyond music, I aim to take on more acting roles, work on bigger productions, and establish myself as a force in the film industry. Content creation is also a huge part of my vision. I want to build a strong digital presence, work with major brands, and eventually create my own media or entertainment platform. On a larger scale, I aspire to inspire and mentor upcoming creatives, especially those who feel like they don’t fit into the conventional mould. I want to show that you don’t have to be just one thing you can be versatile, embrace all your talents, and carve out your unique path in the industry.
How do you stay creative and motivated, especially when facing creative blocks?
Sometimes, I just go and press the phone first. I’ll still run to that same phone when an idea pops up because I use my notepad a whole lot! I try to allow myself to take breaks when needed. Forcing creativity rarely works, so I step away, do something different, or simply rest. Sometimes, inspiration comes when I’m not actively searching for it. I tell you, seeing other people’s creativity often sparks new ideas for me. I also love having conversations with other creatives because fresh perspectives can be really helpful. Another thing that helps is switching up my creative process. If I’m stuck with songwriting, I might freestyle or experiment with a new beat. If content creation feels repetitive, I try a different format or style. Lastly, I remind myself why I started. Passion fuels creativity, and even when I hit a block, I know it’s temporary. The key is to trust the process, and not be too hard on myself.
Which artist or artists would you love to collaborate with?
What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of music and content creation?
Is it weird I’ve never really thought of this? There are so many artists I’d love to collaborate with, both locally and internationally! At the end of the day, I love experimenting with sounds, so as long as the collaboration feels organic and brings out the best in both artists, I’m all for it!
How do you see the Nigerian music scene evolving? What are some of the trends you’ve noticed and would love to join?
Most of the time, I like my own space, but if I must relate with people. I enjoy doing karaoke, which still revolves around music. I watch movies when I have the time. I like to do research and learn new stuff, fiddle with gadgets and hang out with a few friends when I feel like it.
Do you sometimes feel cheated in the industry because of your gender?
Afrobeats has gone global, but beyond that, we’re seeing more diverse sounds. There are more global recognitions and collaborations. Nigerian artists are working with international stars more than ever, The world is embracing Afrobeats! Another thing is that artists are no longer sticking to just Afrobeats; we’re seeing more Amapiano influences, drills, etc. Independent artists are winning now. More artists are taking control of their careers without relying on labels. With streaming platforms and digital marketing, independent musicians now have more power to reach a global audience. More female representation; I’m seeing more female artists breaking into the mainstream and getting their flowers. I’d love to see even more women in the game and be part of that movement.
Honestly, being a female artist in the industry comes with its challenges. There’s still a lot of bias, people underestimating my skills, expecting me to fit into a certain box, or prioritizing image over talent. There’s also the issue of opportunities sometimes, brands, labels, or event organizers lean more toward male artists, even when female artists are just as talented and capable. Anyway, I don’t dwell on feeling cheated. I use it as motivation to push harder and prove that talent speaks louder than all that talk.
XXX
English (US) ·