I’d love to collab with Ajagba, Osimhen – Jaywon

Nigerian singer, songwriter, producer and actor Oluwajuwonlo Iledare, popularly known as Jaywon, speaks about his lifelong passion for sports, his admiration for boxer Efe Ajagba, the similarities between music and sports, and the need for greater investment in young Nigerian talent in this exclusive interview with Temitayo Oshikoya

How would you describe your relationship with sports?

Sports was actually my first love, even before music. Growing up, I was very passionate about football, and that passion has never left me. I played football, table tennis and snooker, and I still enjoy playing them today. I have always loved staying active, exercising and challenging myself physically. I honestly do not see myself ever giving that up. If you have followed my journey from the beginning, you will remember my very first music video, Filebe, where I was playing football. That should tell you how deeply sports have always been a part of my life. Music may have become my profession, but sports will always remain one of my greatest passions.

From your perspective, what similarities do you see between the lives of professional footballers and those of musicians in Nigeria?

For me, it is all about love, mutual respect and appreciating greatness. I have always been passionate about sports, so naturally, I connect with athletes who are doing incredible things in their respective fields. I have great relationships with people like Obafemi Martins, Odion Ighalo, Emeka Tata and several others. Whenever we meet, it is always genuine love and respect. Beyond fame, I believe musicians and footballers share a lot in common. We both represent our country, entertain millions of people, face enormous expectations and work extremely hard to remain relevant. Whether you are making music or playing football, excellence deserves recognition and respect.

Nigerian footballers like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi have enjoyed success internationally. What does this say about Nigerian talent?

Their success proves that Nigerian talent is limitless. If Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi can compete and excel at the highest international level, it means countless other young Nigerians can achieve the same with the right opportunities, encouragement and support. That is why I strongly believe we must invest in discovering and developing younger talents. A similar story is unfolding in music. Afrobeats has grown into one of the most influential sounds in the world today. When you see international artists, including American rappers, embracing Afrobeats and creating projects influenced by our sound, it tells you how far African music has travelled.

Do you think there should be more collaborations between musicians and the sports industry in Nigeria?

Absolutely! I have always believed there is tremendous power in collaboration. Music and sports are two industries with the ability to connect millions of people, especially young people. Bringing them together creates opportunities for greater visibility, talent discovery, brand partnerships and economic growth. Imagine more collaborations between musicians, football clubs, athletes and sporting organisations. Beyond entertainment, these partnerships could inspire young people, create employment and introduce emerging talents to bigger audiences. When two powerful industries work together, everybody benefits. I believe there is considerable potential for music and sports to complement each other, and we should explore those opportunities more seriously.

Who is your favourite sports personality, and what do you admire most about them?

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I appreciate so many incredible athletes, but right now, I would have to say Nigerian heavyweight boxer Efe Ajagba, popularly known as ‘The Silent Roller’. I admire his strength, discipline, confidence and determination. He is the kind of fighter you cannot afford to underestimate. His boxing ability, power and composure make him a serious challenge for anyone in the heavyweight division. What I respect most is his mentality. He keeps working, keeps improving and continues to represent Nigeria proudly on the international stage. I am genuinely rooting for him to reach the very top of heavyweight boxing.

If you were asked to create a song to inspire a Nigerian national team, what message would you want the song to pass across?

My message would be simple: believe in yourself, never give up and remember where you come from. But beyond inspiring the national team, I would also want the song to draw attention to the importance of supporting grassroots talent. Nigeria has so much to offer the world. When it comes to talent, I genuinely believe we have barely scratched the surface. There are extraordinary young athletes in communities across the country who simply need someone to believe in them and give them an opportunity because greatness can come from anywhere.

What advice would you give young people hoping to build successful careers in sports, based on your own journey in the music industry?

My advice is simple. If you are willing to put in the work, you give yourself a real chance to succeed. There are no shortcuts to lasting greatness. Every champion you admire today has made sacrifices that most people will never see. I have learned from my journey in music that talent alone is never enough. You need discipline, consistency, patience and the courage to keep going when things are not working out. Do not allow temporary setbacks to discourage you. Do not compare your journey to someone else’s because everybody has a different path.

Nigerian football supporters are famously passionate about their clubs and the Super Eagles. Do you think music and sports have a similar power to unite Nigerians across ethnic, religious and social differences?

Absolutely! In fact, I believe music and sports are two of the most powerful forces bringing Nigerians and Africans together today. When the Super Eagles are playing, nobody is asking whether a player is Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa, or whether they are Christian or Muslim. Everybody just wants Nigeria to win. The same thing happens with music. A great song connects people regardless of their background, language, religion or social status. That is the beauty of music and sports: they bring people together through shared experiences and passions. That is exactly why I believe our government should invest more seriously in both industries if national unity is genuinely a priority. These are platforms that naturally bring people together without forcing it. Music and sports have achieved a level of unity that politics continues to struggle to deliver. That alone should tell us how important they are to our society.

If you had the opportunity to work with a Nigerian athlete on a project combining music and sports, who would you be interested in collaborating with, and what would you hope to achieve through the partnership?

Two names immediately come to mind: Victor Osimhen and Efe Ajagba. I have tremendous respect for both athletes because of their work ethic, determination and the sacrifices they have made to reach their respective levels. What I admire most about them is their ability to keep pushing despite adversity. They do not allow challenges to define them. They remain focused, continue working and keep striving for greatness. Those are values I strongly identify with because my journey in music has also been built on persistence, sacrifice and believing in myself even when the odds were against me.

I would love to collaborate with them on a project that combines music, sports and youth empowerment. I would want it to tell the story of perseverance, celebrate Nigerian excellence and inspire the next generation to believe that their dreams are valid, regardless of where they come from.