Popular singer, Temitope Adekunle, aka Small Doctor, speaks on how he started his career, his love for boxing, football, Lionel Messi and more in this interview with PETER AKINBO.
How was growing up like for you?
I was born in Kaduna, but I was brought to Lagos at a tender age. I lived at Dopemu, Lagos, and attended primary and secondary schools at Agege. Growing up was not really rosy for me.
Did you always like sports from childhood?
Yes, of course. You can even describe me as a sportsman. If it is boxing or football, count me in.
Which of these would you say you’re most passionate about?
It’s boxing. Everyone knows I love boxing. Boxing is my life the same way football is some people’s life, ànd basketball is for other people; boxing is mine. I am boxing.
In football, what is your favourite team?
I don’t follow football às much às boxing, but Barcelona all the way.
Who is your GOAT in sports?
Of course it’s thé in-built speaker. Lionel Messi. Some people will be hating, but Lionel Messi is the GOAT.
And who are your favourites outside football?
For boxing, Mike Tyson is my favourite sportsman of all time. In Africa, Quadri Aruna, the table tennis player às my favourite. I love him so much, and he has gone far and beyond for Nigeria and Africa às a whole.
What inspires you to be so involved in sports?
I have always been part of sports ànd till today, I participate in sports ànd sporting events because it helps to bridge the gap between me and the fans. It’s something I always want to be a part of ànd thankfully, I get these opportunities to be connected to my people.
You always say ‘Omo Iya teacher (son of a teacher)’ in your songs; is your mum a teacher?
Yes, she is a teacher. She owns a school.
Was it hard to get parents to support you in music?
I wanted to become an aeronautic engineer when I was a kid, and my parents supported my ambition. But what I am doing now has been ordained by God, and no one can do anything about it. Good parents do not decide for their children; they would only support them in whatever they do as long as they are on the right path. My sister is a very learned person, and she holds a high position where she works, but we must not all follow the same path.
What were your early experiences in the music industry?
It was tough when I started, and I know it is never easy for musicians at the beginning, except for those who are from wealthy homes. I was born into an average family, and there are some things you have to do on your own. However, I will always appreciate Pennywise, the producer who recorded my first song almost free of charge. He really believed in me. I also had to do a lot of petty jobs to pay for studio sessions back then.
How did the name Small Doctor come about?
It was given to me by my elder brother. While growing up, there was a TV series I loved so much titled ‘Dr. Who.’ Many times, I would forgo other things to watch it, so one day my brother said, since I love Dr Who so much and I have a small stature, he would start calling me Doctor Small. Later on, I changed it to Small Doctor, because it sounds better and fans are able to relate to it.
Which audience is your music targeted at?
My music is made for the streets. If I tell them anything, they believe me, and I believe them as well.
Some people also feel you do more freestyle in your songs without passing any message; do you agree with that?
I have never written songs. I just go into the studio and say it as it comes. None of my hit songs was written. Artists that I have worked with like Don Jazzy and Olamide know I don’t write lyrics, and I don’t think they have a problem with that. Anyone who says my songs do not pass messages should reflect on them again, and they will realise that there are messages in my songs.
Some of those messages are passed with street slang, and by telling stories. Commercial music is trending in Nigeria now, and everyone wants food on their table; you just have to make it unique.
What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learnt in the entertainment industry?
I have learnt to be myself at all times.
