Meet Light Pillah: The budding Afro Fusion star who thrives on providence
Endurance Osasere Azayi better known as Light Pillah might not yet be a familiar name in the nooks and crannies of the Nigerian music industry, however, he knows his onions when it comes to his craft and overall vision for his future.
Light Pillah has been promoting his music through the underground scenery for a while, but now he feels ready and wants the world to know.
The self-funded Afro-fusion singer who hails from Benin City moved to Lagos in the early 2010s due to his undying passion for music and ultimately, a lifelong dream of becoming the next big thing in the Afrobeats soundscape.
Despite the numerous challenges encountered, Light Pillah remains unscathed and unfazed about his musical career.
Light Pillah is a star on the rise and in this interview, he gives a hint of his personality, his music, fashion, and more.
Word on the street is that you are from Benin, but spent years in Lagos, What was your first impression of Lagos?
Lagos was everything that had been described to me and more. My first impression of Lagos was “Omo, this place is wild oh, na jungle be dis”. But as a Benin boy, I quickly adapted to the scenery (laughs).
Speaking about coming from Benin, In a nutshell, how would you describe the character of an average Benin person to a total stranger?
Well, I would say an average person from Benin is persistent. We don’t know how to give up.
Would you say your environment has had a ripple effect on your sound?
Yes, of course.
Why the stage name Light Pillah?
I believe my stage name came as an act of providence. God revealed the name to me. It is self-explanatory really.
What makes up a productive day in the world of Light Pillah?
A day making music is a productive day for me.
What is your Favorite song of yours?
To be honest, I don’t have any favorite songs of mine, I love all my songs. I know it sounds like a Cliche, but it’s not.
Who is your favorite Afrobeats singer of all time?
I don’t think I have an all-time favorite Afrobeats act, although I have massive regard for Wizkid, Burna Boy, Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Davido, and Erigga.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
Myself.
Your biggest achievement so far in music?
To me, people reaching out to me and telling me how much they love my music is all the achievement there is.
What Influences your Fashion style and approach, Is it intentional or just vibes?
I am not keen on intentionality when it comes to Fashion, even though I am quite stylish (laughs). To be honest, I go with the vibes on most days. But I still end up dripping though (laughs again)
How would you describe the type of music you make?
I would say the type of music I make is Afro-Fusion
Aside from music, what other ventures are you into?
I have business ventures that I own and other side hustles that I engage in.
Ageism is a thing in the music industry, and as a young creative, have you ever been In a situation whereby you felt your creative ideas were shunned by an older person who felt your age was a limiting factor to what you had to bring to the table, creative wise?
On a few occasions, yes. But in the long run, I don’t let that deter my creativity.
Now more than ever, artists are becoming more outspoken about their mental health status. Would you agree that social media has allowed for this kind of openness and vulnerability among public figures?
Oh yes, Social media has very much provided a leeway for vulnerability among music acts, such that was almost frowned upon before but is now beginning to fit into the norms of the modern-day music ecosystem. This to me is one of the positive aspects of social media.
Who are some of the mainstream artists you see yourself collaborating with?
Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, Tiwa Savage
Any piece of advice for fellow creatives?
First, you have to believe in yourself cause nobody else will do that for you. When you believe in yourself you will create room for others to believe in you.
