We Don’t Copy PSquare

Tumininu Laolu-Ogunniyi, aka Vavavoom is one of the Afro Hip-Hop duo, Skuki, behind the hit song, Peteru. He speaks about their musical career

What have you and your brother been up to lately?

We recently began a tour of Nigerian schools and it is going on well. We started at Ibadan, and we have visited four schools already. We are on a break now and we will resume in October. We are also working on our album which should be released at the end of the year. We are planning a concert which we plan to host by the end of the year and we intend to shoot a movie as well. Also, we are ambassadors for Nairabet.

Does your interest in movies clash with your music career?

No, it does not because they can both be classified as entertainment. It is equivalent to an artiste who is also interested in designing clothes. All he should do is balance the time for both passions. If I am on set for a month, I will have to cancel music events or shows.

How did you feel when you won the Headies X-Rated award?

It was an awesome experience. We were a bit new in the industry and were not sure if we would excel. We came to Lagos from Ibadan, where we were raised. We deserved it and we knew we were on the right path.

Do you think you have yet to find your footing in the industry, compared to other artistes that have won a similar award?

That happened about two years ago when we were trying to find a balance. We also had some personal and management issues. Although we kept recording, we could not release any music for about a year and half. We also had some issues with our former label. I think we are doing great now. We get a lot of good reception. If people think we are still trying to establish a firm footing, then they probably have not attended any of our shows or events. We do not really have to show off to let people know that we are bigger than they think. I do not know about the ratings, but we are doing well.

Have the issues been resolved?

Yes, they have. We are no longer with the former label but we are all good friends now.

People think your song, Peteru, would not have been a hit if you did not feature Olamide?

If people say that, then that is their opinion. We wanted it to be a hit and that was why we featured Olamide. They can have their opinions, as long as the song is a hit and we are making money from it. Music is a business and we have to enjoy it as well. Olamide is a good friend of ours and we have a couple of other songs that we have not released. We were together at Dr. Sid’s wedding and afterwards, we went to relax at a hotel. That was where we decided to record a song together. We wrote the song and it was fantastic. We also featured Tiwa Savage, in one of our songs, Gbemileke.

Do you think the music group you belong to might break up someday?

It cannot happen. Apart from being a music duo, we are brothers. Even when people said we broke up sometime, there was no such thing as that.

But you split up initially?

No, we did not. We only had little issues that have been settled. We did not know how that got to the press.

Do you imitate P-Square’s Peter and Paul?

We do not imitate them, but they have played a good role in inspiring us, especially when we got into the industry. We respect them for that. Before we met them, we used to look up to them. They are brothers and equally successful in the industry. I almost gave up on music, but after seeing one of their music videos, I was encouraged to continue. They have been very helpful and supportive, more than people know.

Do you both feel threatened by other popular artistes?

There is nothing like competition. You will make a mistake if you think there is competition. You can only compete with yourself. Although there are too many people in the industry, you have to compete with yourself if you want to get better. There is enough space for everybody to thrive.

What makes your kind of music different?

We like a lot of melody. A lot of artistes like that too; one has to go with the feel in music.

Who is the songwriter between the two of you?

We write most of our songs, except for the track we recorded with Olamide. I do a lot of freestyle, but my brother is more of the writer.

Do you disagree sometimes?

It happens; it is normal to have our differences mostly because we are passionate about our ideas. Sometimes, we get a third party, especially our manager, to give an input. That way, we can see it from a neutral perspective and sort it out.

How do you manage your differences as brothers working together?

We have different ideas sometimes, but we always try to find a balance because we are a team. We cannot carry on with our individual opinions because that won’t work for us. It is easier for us to manage our differences because we are brothers. We always try to settle whatever issues we have; that does not mean it is a smooth ride. Good things do not come easy.

Do women come in-between the two of you?

No, they do not. We have different tastes in women.

Describe your taste in women?

I like everything, as long as she is a woman. My brother is more selective when it comes to women.

What was growing up like for you two?

We are from a very close-knit family. Our family is filled with love. I studied Geography at the University of Lagos, while my brother studied Law at the University of Ibadan.

Did the two of you plan to be a music duo?

We never really teamed up. It just happened right from when we were kids. We were always treated as twins. I guess that was why it was easy for us. It was never planned.

Did your parents have any issues with your choice of career?

Yes, they did. It is typical of most African parents. They are protective; it is understandable and we cannot blame them. Overtime, they realise your passion and encourage you to at least finish your schooling before you go into what you want to do. At the end of the day, you have to make money and take care of yourself.

How do you handle the fame and female fans?

The situation handles itself. You should be able to handle fame when you are popular. It is the best time to invest in yourself and future. I appreciate my female fans because they show us love, but there is not time to play around.

How would you describe your style?


I am trendy; I like fashion but I am not a fashion freak