By Becky Usman

Renowned indigenous rapper, Reminisce, also known as Remilekun Abdulkalid Safaru, has shared a memorable experience from his early days in the music industry, revealing that he and singer 9ice faced rejection due to their preference for performing in the Yoruba language.

In an interview with Zikoko, the ‘King Of Boys’ star recalled a significant setback when a radio station turned down their CDs, asserting that their music, predominantly in Yoruba, was the reason for the rejection.

Reminisce recounted the incident, stating, “My first major rejection was with 9ice on the Island at a radio station where we went to submit our music CDs for airplay, and the feedback we got was that we would never make it.”

According to Reminisce, the radio station criticized 9ice for singing in Yoruba, likening his style to that of a Babalawo (native doctor). The rejection extended to Reminisce, with one individual questioning his rap style and suggesting that he and 9ice should find alternative paths in life.

The rapper emphasized the lasting impact of this rejection, expressing that the experience has stayed with him and likely remains memorable for 9ice as well.

This revelation sheds light on the challenges faced by artists who choose to express themselves in their native languages, highlighting the evolving landscape of acceptance and appreciation for diverse musical styles in the industry.