We complete our interview with the very busy Wale whose hectic schedule and bad phone reception meant we had to catch up with him after he caught his breathe. Wale has been doing his rounds with TV, radio and club promos. He was able to make some time for us so we could finish our interview out. For Part I of Wale’s interview click here.
LADYBRILLEmag.com: On your 90210 track, you say “Addicted to stardom, a wish to blow. So she kisses the stars, and she gives them a blow. After every show. A dream she holds, ambitions is gone. She just wanna be known.” That is REALLY deep. What inspired that song ?
Wale: Before I started recording the album I spent a lot of time in LA and I started noticing a lot of females who fit the descriptions in this song. I just thought it was something that needed to be talked about since it goes on so much.
LADYBRILLEmag.com: Let’s get into another of you deep songs, “Shades.” You take it even deeper with Shades. What message are you trying to communicate with Shades?
Wale: I had to actually fight to get Shades on the album because I don’t think a lot of the people at the label understood it. Shades came from a lack of confidence that I had at one point due to the difference in my skin tone and being a child of Nigerian born parents.
LADYBRILLEmag.com: That is a nice transition to my next question. When we were speaking on the phone (in our previous interview), you talked a lot about your love for Africa and your people. When was the last time you visited Nigeria?
Wale: I have actually never been to Nigeria. When I was young I missed my opportunity to travel back. I never felt disconnected from Nigeria though because of the Nigerian culture my parents instilled in me growing back. I’m definitely looking forward to going to Nigeria very soon though.
LADYBRILLEmag.com: TV IN THE RADIO: I saw you showed love for your fellow African artist K’Naan. What made you think K’Naan was the perfect one to work on the song/hook with?
Wale: K’Naan is one of my favorite artists and when I did this song I thought he would be perfect on it. We’ve done songs together in the past and I’m just happy we were able to have a joint together on the album.
LADYBRILLEmag.com: For African DJs, Nigerian DJS, radios and all, what do you think is the selling point that should make them play your music since you speak a lot about the love/hate relationship with radio that you have?
Wale: There will always be a love/hate relationship with radio because of all of the politics involved. I have a lot of love for the DJs because they are the ones who get my music to the people, especially to people who aren’t a part of the internet craze. As an artist I have to work with the DJs and radio to make sure my music gets heard.
LADYBRILLEmag.com: Your album when it starts is honestly cool but as you get into it, it gets sweeter. You reveal a deeper almost intellectual side to you. I mean the track “Contemplate?” Wow! Where does this level of “DEEPness” come from?
Wale: My album was created from raw emotions. Every song on my album was written from an experience I had or emotions that I felt and that realness just transcended through the music. So I hope when someone listens they will feel that and/or be able to relate.
LADYBRILLEmag.com: Absolutely no stress whatsoever but I gotta ask, “Is you gonna bring home the grammys?” (Laughs)
Wale: (Laughs) Lets hope so. Right now I’m just focusing on making good music that my fans can relate to.
~To listen and/or purchase Wale’s ‘Attention Deficit’ Album visit his Itunes page.
~Interview by Uduak Oduok
Founded in 2007, Ladybrille® Magazine is a California based pioneer digital publication demystifying the image of Africans in the west through contemporary African fashion and celebrating the brilliant woman in business and leadership, with an emphasis on the African woman in the diaspora. Our coverage includes stories on capital, access to markets, expertise, hiring and retention, sales, marketing, and promotions.
