Introducing Rotimi Keys, a singer and new age music producer who has an undeniable talent. His name may or may not ring a bell, but he is one music producer that has been around for a while, placing his magic touch on some of the big-budget musical works and adverts in out there. Mr. Keys has worked with the likes of Yemi Alade, Simi and major corporate brands in Nigeria.
The Nigerian music industry is no doubt an incredible one, oozing with lots of euphorias and creative energy. It is flooded with a lot of popular artists and producers who are hungry for success and putting in the requisite work to attain it. Sadly, most of the producers behind these numerous hit songs are rarely known.
In an exclusive interview with Pulse, producer extraordinaire, Rotimi Keys, talked about his career, the journey so far, and people he has worked with.
The CEO/Creative director SonG23 productions added singing to his list of skills when he was featured in Yemi Alade’s ‘Kelele’ from her Mama Africa album. Like most music personalities, Rotimi Keys started from the church, however, he spread his tentacles through the secular world. Let’s meet him.
How did music start for you and how did you develop yourself as a singer and producer?
I started early, joining my church choir at the age of 6. I started playing the drums, keyboard and guitars at age 10. My passion for learning how to arrange music led me to sit down a lot with my church keyboard. I taught myself to arrange music using Keyboard workstations and listening to a lot of music growing up.
Over the years, I’ve honed my skills from working in a couple of studios to being Agency Producer for one of West Africa’s largest Advertising Agencies. Eventually, I started my own company Song23 Productions. Of course, I picked up a lot from some of my musician friends along the way as well. That’s how I started.
Rotimi Keys
You were recently featured on Yemi Alade’s second album. How did you hook up with her for the song ‘Kelele’?
We met on a project early 2015 and immediately we became good friends. She respects and loves my production and songwriting, and I love her singing too. I actually wrote and produced that ‘Kelele’ song. I also produced ‘Nakupenda’ on the same album. She’s an amazing artist.
Over the years I have been deeply involved in a lot of music and sound design for advertising. Songs like Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s election theme song (Ambo o), MTN’s Life Is Richer Theme Song, Konga’s Happiness Song, MTN Project Fame Theme Song, Gulder Ultimate Search Theme Music, Jumia Nigeria’s Theme Song (2014) are a few of the many projects I have produced.
Some of these projects have seen me work with artists like Cobhams, MI, Flavour, Ice Prince, Olamide, Banky W, Dammy Krane, Chidinma, etc. I have also produced for Simi, Tosin Martins, Emma Oh My God, Nikki Laoye, Midnight Crew, Pita, just to mention a few.
I have always had ideas and songs that I know the world should hear and love, to see other sides of me. I think this is the right time for that to start happening.
What can we expect from you as an artist?
I have many sides to me, many expressions, and that is what the world should expect – different genres, moods and flavours, but all with world-class standards.
How many singles should we expect from you this year?
Two or more.
What type of music do you do?
I don’t box myself in. I express myself as it comes to me. But in all I do, I’m all about good music, healthy content, and world-class delivery.
Singing or producing, which do you prefer?
Producing. It’s always been my first love.
Well, music lovers, there you have it. Now you know the producer to consider the next time you are planning for your next recording. If you desire that magic touch that will grant you that instant hit your career desperately needs, then look no further than “Rotimi Keys,” the World class deliverer!