He is just 21 years old, lean and humble. He is signed to Olamide’s record label. He works hard, plays his part in releasing music, gets hits, and stays focused.
Lil Kesh is out with his debut album, two years after his first hit song, ‘Shoki’ rang his name and talent around the country. The rapper has since moved past the single, replicating his success all along the way.
The journey hasn’t been easy.
From the slums of Bariga to the fast lane of performances, paparazzi, and fandom, Lil Kesh has been a man to take opportunities as they come. Working his socks off as a kid growing up in the hood, the rapper officially threw himself into music in 2012. Two years later he had hit the jackpot, with a song ‘Lyrically’, giving him his first industry break which led him to YBNL boss Olamide via his friend Viktoh.
“Viktoh brought the link up between me and baddoo (Olamide),”He confessed in an interview with Naija FM. “Viktoh knew Olamide before me for over 6years. I was doing my thing on street, going from one school to the other and doing my freestyle.”
Viktoh, already signed to Olamide was friends with Kesh. He did what good friends do, helping another man find a better way through life.
“Olamide came to perform at one of the show I went to do my freestyle, and I think he loves my performance and Viktoh linked us up. ‘Lyrically’ change the story, He heard the music and sign me immediately…I don’t know why God too love me like this.”
With more funding for his project and the guidance from Olamide, the young man was able to get through to mainstream music. In 2014, he dropped the hit song ‘Shoki’, which was made popular as Nigeria got another rapper who powered through a beat with indigenous lyrics. He was young, he was fresh, and he had a dance to go with it.
Today, he is celebrating the release of his debut album, and the crowning jewel of his work so far. “Y.A.G.I” (Young And Getting It), contains 19 tracks, runs for over an hour, and takes a listener through his full range of talents at the moment. He also has a collaboration with US rapper, Wale.
Away from the musical significance, Lil Kesh, and his story stands tall as inspiration for many acts. His grass to grace tale shines forth, giving many forlorn and frustrated artistes a window of what could be if opportunity meets preparation.
Nigeria is blessed with teeming music talent but lack adequate opportunities and genre-specific audiences to fully match the supply. Lil Kesh’s story is a live picture of focus and motivation that would gladden hearts around that talent pool, and inspire thousands pursuing their dreams to persevere and prepare for the right moment.
If Lil Kesh and “Y.A.G.I” could happen, they too and everyone can happen.
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