Darey, son of famous Nigerian entertainer, Modupeola Afolabi Jemi-Alade popularly known as Art Alade, talks about his father’s personality and profession in this interview with GBENGA ADENIJI
How does it feel to be Art Alade’s son?
It is a feeling of pride and fulfillment to have parents that made their mark in the entertainment industry. It is also very inspiring because I have many family members across both sides of my parents who are into music in different forms. But my father was more prominent because he was into showbiz. Some others are choirmasters and organists. Definitely, it is a feeling of elation within myself to come from that kind of background. As I am now doing what my father used to do, I only hope that I am making impact.
In what ways has his name assisted you?
My father’s name has helped me in many ways. There are so many instances. When I was still trying to cut my teeth, looking for any music group to join, some older persons who were younger during the days of my father’s music career would ask me if I was his son or related to him. It is always surprising to those who knew him way back then that he had a child that is now a singer. I have heard stories of how he went out of his way to help people. Some told me that he used to make them happy with his music even though they never met him. Those kinds of words earned me preferential treatments. They helped me to make inroad into where I wanted to be but I still have to prove myself. That is where it now put a bit burden on me because all eyes are on me to see what I can do on my own. Definitely, his name opened doors in terms of acceptance, just because my father was good to others.
What was your father’s method of correcting any child who erred?
There were no floggings in terms of horsewhips or canes. But there were some spankings because if the rod is spared, the child would be spoilt. My dad was more of an engaging father who believed in talking to any child who misbehaved rather than beating him or her. He was more of a correctional father than being a hard one. He was generally a gentleman. I was the youngest and my older siblings said I was spoilt. They told me that I had it easier than they had it. Each time I erred, my father would just squeeze his face as a way of warning me not to repeat such again. A lot of the disciplinary actions came from my mother because my father was usually away. She was a bit stricter. Though my mother was not a housewife per se, she spent most times with us. She was the one who gave us home training.
Was your father’s success as an entertainer responsible for your interest in music?
I think it is a combination of his impact in music and my passion for music. I realised that I have passion for music. It is not just because my father was a musician. Definitely, my father being a musician, the music he listened to and the people he worked with influenced my music career somehow. By the time I started showing passion for music, he was already departed. But I remember having music homework once and I asked him the duration of a particular music note. That was the only one-on-one discussion with my dad regarding music.
Did his music engagements allow him have time for his family?
My father was always on the move from one show to the other. The work took him to many parts of the world. But one thing about him was that anytime he was not doing anything in terms of entertainment, he would be at home with his family.
How did he spend such moment with his family?
He liked to relax or sit with us and crack jokes. Sometimes, he could listen to music or sit outside to watch the garden or read books. Occasionally, he would drive us to Ibadan to see some family members.
What type of books did he like reading?
He liked reading thriller books and autobiographies of great personalities and not musicians alone.
How was his social life?
The social life of my father was perfect. There was no dull moment anywhere he was. He was a people person. His work took him out of the home most times. If he was not at his regular Art Alade or bar beach show, he would be at a wedding or birthday serving as master of ceremonies. He could be invited as a guest to weddings or birthdays if he was not the compere. As an entertainer, you have to be at social events to meet people who probably are willing to engage one’s services. It is about networking and in entertainment, an entertainer is as good as his network. If an artist sits too much at home with his family, how will he feed them?
Was he fond of any food?
Yes, he loved Earl Grey tea. I remember that correctly. It is an old blend of English tea.
Did he have preference for any kind of music?
He listened to several kinds of music. But because of the kind of music he played, he listened to a lot of jazz and church music. By church music, I mean classical music.
What were the ideals you imbibed from him?
The main ideal I imbibed from my late father was his quality of assisting people; of being good to others. Even after he passed on, I realised that the only legacy one could leave behind is being good to people. It is not about the wealth one amassed while living. But about how good one was to people, the good relationship one had with others. That is what people will remember when one dies. The people my father was good to, whether knowingly or unknowingly, have also been good to me. Hopefully when I am gone, people will have good things to say about me too.
When you were young, did you travel with him to shows?
I did not. I have however watched him perform at family gatherings, parties and concerts.
How did he handle arguments with your mum?
My parents had a very wonderful relationship. I never heard them for once shouting at each other. There were occasionally disagreements but they never lasted for few seconds. He often reacted gently whenever any of them came out and the next minute, they would both be laughing at something else.
What kind of father was he?
He was a very kind and gentle father who did not need to say anything before you understood what needed to be done. His body language was clearer than his words. He really enjoyed entertainment and was a great lover of the arts. He also believed in social mobilisation and derived joy in lending a helping hand to those in need.
How did he compose his songs?
My father was a spontaneous musician. He never sat down to compose songs. He could compose songs from anything. He often combined new knowledge with what he already knew and created something entirely new.
What did you miss about him?
I miss his laughter. He was highly humourous.
Who were his friends?
Everybody was my father’s friends; from the people on the streets to the high and mighty.
What was his dressing style at home?
He often wore shorts and tee shirts.
Where were you when he died?
I was at home as a young boy when I noticed that the mood of my family members changed. The next thing they told me was to go and stay in the house of a family friend. It was later in the day that the news was broken to me. I did not shed a tear until his lying-in-state when I saw his lifeless body. My father died after a successive stroke. He had the first stroke in 1991 and the second and third occurred in 1992. He did not like much stress because his work was stressful. I think it was the stress of his work that killed him. He had little time for himself and tried to please everybody. I have learnt that I should not allow my work to be too much for me even if I have no money. Also, I always say it was when my father died that my voice changed. In the choir, I used to sing soprano. I noticed a change from my soprano singing voice to bass. The change did not happen the day he died but it occurred same year.
Why don’t you play your father’s brand of music since you love it?
Loving a particular kind of music does not mean one must play that brand of music. Yes, you may love something very dearly and that thing may not pay your bills. It is important for one to strike a balance between what one is passionate about and what is in the general scheme of things. His brand of music is acquired. Its taste is acquired from jazz, highlife to soul. It is not everybody that loves highlife or jazz. Even the afro pop that we listen to today is not loved by everybody. Considering my background and broad mind, my music is not in a box. You cannot say this is the only kind of thing I know how to do. Music can pull a singer into any direction and that is the way it is for me. The vital thing is to be able to create something that is enjoyable.