Why I ventured into music despite success in acting – Tee Famous

Actor and musician, Oluwatobiloba Abraham, speaks with DAMOLA ADEDIGBA about balancing careers in Nollywood and the music industry, the financial challenges of entertainment, industry relationships and his ambition to win awards in both fields

You started acting at an early age before venturing into music. What inspired you to pursue music?

My decision to pursue music was inspired by a role I played in a movie. My character was an artiste, and when the movie was released, many people were surprised to discover that I could sing. They would say, “Ah, so you know how to sing?” Although my first attempt was not particularly impressive, perhaps because people already knew and loved me as an actor, they were surprised that I could explore something else. Their positive reactions encouraged me to take music more seriously.

How has the transition affected your acting career?

It has affected my acting career considerably. I noticed that when I started gaining recognition as a musician, some people found it difficult to see me as an actor. Some would say, “We don’t know you still act,” while others would assume that I had become too expensive to feature in their movies. I think that is one of the challenges that comes with gaining popularity in a different field.

Having worked in Nollywood and the music industry, which has been more challenging to break into?

Both are challenging. For an upcoming actor, it takes a lot of hard work, consistency, endurance and prayers to establish yourself in the industry. The same applies to music. Before people listen to your songs and appreciate your sound, you have to put in a lot of work.

There are sleepless nights in the studio, collaborations with talented people, sacrifices and endurance. Entertainment is generally demanding. You just have to keep working and praying to God.

Which of the two industries has brought you greater financial rewards?

I think music has brought me more financial rewards.

How have you navigated the challenge of establishing yourself as a musician when many people primarily identify you as an actor?

It has been difficult. Establishing connections and convincing people to accept me in music have been challenging. I have heard people say, “Ah, Baba, you have already made it in acting; what are you looking for in music again?”

But music is also a talent God gave me, and I believe I should explore it. Although gaining acceptance has been difficult, I am grateful that things are getting better.

Do you consider yourself an actor who sings or a musician who acts?

I would say I am an actor who sings because I started out as an actor before people began knowing me as a musician. They already knew me as an actor, so that is how I would describe myself.

Which of the two careers are you currently more focused on building?

I would say both, but music takes 60 per cent of my attention, while acting takes 40 per cent. A lot of people already know me as an actor, so I am still working to establish myself as a musician and show people that I can do both.

To achieve that balance, I have to put more effort into building my music career. That is why music currently takes a larger share of my attention.

What has been your biggest career setback so far, and how have you dealt with it?

Finance! These days, everything you do requires money. You have to keep spending and investing in whatever you want to achieve. I have not overcome that challenge yet, but I am working towards doing so.

The Nigerian entertainment industry is known for rivalries and conflicts. Have you had any personal disagreements with colleagues that affected your career?

No, I am everybody’s favourite. Both my colleagues in the acting industry and those in music have been amazing. Although I have not won the hearts of many people as a musician yet, the few people I have worked with have been wonderful.

As for the claim that the Nigerian entertainment industry is known for rivalries, I don’t know much about that because I have not experienced it personally.

Have you experienced betrayal, jealousy or unhealthy competition from colleagues in the industry?

I hardly keep close friends in the sense of having one particular person I am extremely close to. I see everybody as a colleague. You are either a senior colleague, a daddy, a junior colleague, a brother or a sister. I see everybody as part of one family, so I don’t think I have experienced anything like that.

Some entertainers believe that public feuds and controversies can promote their careers. Would you deliberately engage in a feud with another entertainer to attract attention to your music?

I always tell people that I am indifferent to what others choose to build their brands around. It is their brand, and they are free to do whatever they think will promote it.

If something can promote my brand without making my fans see me negatively, I can consider it. However, I would not do anything that would make me look like a bad person in the eyes of my fans because they come first.

Any conflict I might consider getting involved in to promote my music must not damage the image I have built. I have established a brand as an easy-going person, and I will not do anything to destroy that image.

Do you have any unresolved issues with anyone in the entertainment industry, and would you be willing to address them publicly?

I don’t think I have issues with anybody, except if someone has an issue with me that I am unaware of. Personally, I am not the type of person who would have a disagreement with someone and immediately take it to social media.

Unless my life is being threatened, I don’t see the need to bring personal conflicts online. I believe disagreements should be resolved amicably. I can send you a direct message, get your phone number and call you, send you a WhatsApp message or even reach out to someone close to you so we can find a way to resolve the issue.

How would you describe the relationship between actors and musicians in Nigeria?

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I think the relationship is becoming more cordial than it used to be. People are increasingly working together to support one another.

For instance, as an actor, you may need a content creator to help promote your movie. These days, many entertainers are also becoming content creators to promote their businesses and projects.

Do you think entertainers genuinely support one another, or is much of the support on social media just for appearances?

I think the relationship is becoming more supportive because everybody needs one another. If I want to release a song, I have to contact content creators, influencers and fellow actors to create content with my music. They are usually willing to support me.

Similarly, if someone is releasing a movie and invites me to create content or support its promotion, I will gladly do so. If they need me to perform at an event, I will also be available.

At the end of the day, everybody is working together to build a bigger brand.

You previously spoke about facing pressure from your family to abandon acting. How did that experience affect your confidence and determination to build a career in entertainment?

It did not affect my confidence at all. As I said in that interview, I am someone who does not easily give up. If you tell me no or say I cannot do something, that is when my determination doubles. I become more motivated to work hard and prove that I can do it.

Rather than weakening my confidence, the experience strengthened my determination to succeed. I understood that my family had concerns and probably thought I was wasting my time, but entertainment was what I loved doing.

I wanted to show them that I was not wasting my time and that I could build something meaningful from my passion. So, the experience made me more determined rather than affecting my confidence.

Were there times you struggled financially and could barely support your acting career?

Yes, there were times when I could barely afford to do the things I wanted to advance my acting career. I had many ideas and projects I wanted to execute, but I lacked the financial resources to bring them to life.

Did those experiences influence your decision to venture into music?

No, that was not the reason I ventured into music. Music came unexpectedly. I have always loved good music and listened to it a lot, but the opportunity came out of the blue. I embraced it, realised I had the talent and started developing it.

With the competition in the Nigerian music industry, what distinguishes your sound from that of other artistes?

I think what distinguishes me from other artistes is that I do not restrict myself to one genre of music. I explore different sounds. Today, I can rap; tomorrow, I can release a song with a Jamaican vibe. Another day, I can do a street-inspired song or reggae. I can explore almost any genre.

I think that makes me different from many artistes. Some musicians are known for particular genres, such as R&B, but I am not restricted to one style.

As for what I need to do to establish myself, I think it boils down to finance. I need money and people who are willing to invest in my music. With enough money to promote my songs, I can reach a wider audience and become more visible.

You reportedly signed a record deal with Idan Nation Entertainment. What opportunities has the deal opened up for you?

The deal is more or less a brotherly relationship.

It is a family affair, although that does not mean it is not professional. It is a professional arrangement.

The CEO of Idan Nation is someone who takes life simply. So, the relationship feels like a family arrangement, and we are working together to move things forward.

What projects and achievements should your fans look forward to?

A lot of opportunities and connections have come through the deal, and we thank God for that.

Fans should expect a lot from me. Before the end of this year, I will release a joint EP with another artiste signed to the label.

I also plan to produce my first movie, which will be a series, in 2027, God willing. In addition, I will release my personal album next year, alongside several singles. My fans should get ready because we are coming.

Looking at your career so far, what do you consider your biggest achievement and greatest regret?

I don’t think I have achieved my biggest milestone yet because I still have so many dreams. Sometimes, when I think about the scale of my ambitions, I get scared. My dreams are very big, so I don’t think I have achieved the major things I hope to accomplish. However, I thank God that things are going well.

As for my greatest regret, I hardly dwell on regrets. I may think about something for a few hours or days, but eventually, I ask myself, “Okay, I made a mistake. What is the next step? This has gone wrong, so what do we do next?”

I don’t spend too much time dwelling on past mistakes. Even when something happens that should make me regret my actions, I try to move on quickly and focus on what comes next.

What would you like to accomplish next as an actor and musician?

There are so many. As I said, my dreams are big. I want to win awards as both an actor and a musician. I want to be recognised for my work in the film industry and also win awards in music.

I want to reach different places, touch people’s hearts and bless them through my music and my life. Above all, I want to be a blessing to many people.