JUNE EXCLUSIVE: One-on-One with Luralph

Olamild: I welcome you all to Olamild Entertainment. Spotlighting African talent is what we do best as you already know. Over the past few months, we’ve featured African fashion designers, African musicians. We recently featured Onada, a beautiful Nigerian photographer in Philly. The interview with her was hot and well received. Today I showcase someone I simply define as being gifted. Although, this artist has been around for years, I just discovered his music and I must admit I am a huge fan. Born Luqmon Owolabi Rauph in Lagos, the Music Box began making music professionally in 2003 and released his debut album in 2004.Without further ado, I introduce you all to Luralph.

Luralph: Nice to be with you.

Olamild: How long has Luralph been around?

Luralph: I released my first song on the air in 2004. 7 months after (early 2005), my first album dropped, but before that I had been behind the scenes (underground, if you will) for 3 to 4 yrs. That means I have been around since 2000 or so.

Olamild: Of all careers out there, why music?

Luralph: Let me attempt to answer with a story. During my last days in secondary school, I learned that my dad wanted me to be a lawyer, mom want me to be doctor, but I wanted to be a zoologist. While I was waiting for my results, I met her (Music). I met her through a mutual friend .One day, I went to visit her. I wanted to know what her world was like. I discovered a lot of musical instruments, various musical expressions, and voices of varying pitches. Soon after, people in her world were urging me to join in.

Being a visitor, I faintly resisted, but later gave in. I sang. The reaction I got that day is still very much alive today. I see the look of amazement on faces when people hear me sing, but I would like to interpret it as a look of happiness. Old, young, rich, poor, the reaction is the same. I would not want to replace that with anything else.

Olamild: Interesting story! I know most artists start singing at a very tender age. Some lose interest along the line while others stick in there. It’s nice that you’re still into music. So what's the inspiration behind your kind of music?

Luralph: Anything, and everything. Even you can be an inspiration, and if the mood is right, then ladies and gentlemen, we have a new song :)

Olamild: How sweet of you to say.

Luralph: “How Sweet.” That could be the title of a new song. Don’t worry, I’ll shout you out if I make such a song.

Olamild: (smiles) Now that's something to look forward to. How did it feel to work with the incredible sound sultan and the phenomenal Ayuba?

Luralph: Mr. Ayuba is like a god father to me, and Sound Sultan is like a brother to me. Doing songs with them no be beans. I'll be the first to tell you that. I had done a song with Sound Sultan in the mix tape album, 'Spirit of Festac' a short while ago. The song is titled 'June 12.' It would be available on luralph.com and other places soon. I also worked with Mr. Ayuba on two more songs in his forthcoming album. Repeating what we all know, these men are very talented, so one has to come with his 'A' game.

Olamild: What inspired you to write the song "RAIN"?

Luralph: I had a stint with Id Cabasa for one and half years. During that period, it rained one day, which is nothing unusual. But the rain caught my attention in a weird way, so I picked up my pen.

Olamild: I just had to ask that question because the song reminds me of my childhood days. We use to sing “ojo nro” when it’s raining. Your version however is beautiful. I just switched my ring tone from wande coal's taboo to RAIN. So I hear RAIN is a part of your upcoming album "Once Again". Tell us about this album. I bet you are excited.

Luralph: Excited, that I am. My new album defines who I am and what I want to be in music. I sing songs for people to listen to. So, I find ways to commercialize it. My forthcoming album sounds very professional musically, yet local. Look out for “Iwo ni,” “Luv Sea,” “Chineke,” just to name a few of the songs on the album.

Olamild: Now you got me excited. I cannot wait until the album drops. When it drops, I do hope to feature you here again. Anything else you want to share?

Luralph: Yes, my video [Whatagwan] will be out soon watch out for it, and a big ‘thank u’ to my fans your support and words of encouragement. That is the only thing that keeps me going ... love.

Olamild: Thank you very much for joining me here today. My crew and I wish you the very best in all that you do. I thank all the readers for joining me here today. I also thank Mr. Mac Phillips for the pictures and all. Please visit www.luralph.com to know more about luralph. You may also join the fan page on face book.

Photo Credit: Mac Phillips

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