Edo state, Nigeria has proven to be a native land for birthing the finest entertainers. Its dynamic and brazen culture has served as a foundation that prepares the mind for greatness. Hailing from this fertile motherland of stars is Igbinoba Osaze, popularly known as ‘Ozedikus’, a name which originated from a fictional character in an early 2010s movie series has now proven functional in appealing the mind to the distinctive tagline ‘Ozedikus Nwanne’.
His journey into the music industry has been a very enthralling one filled with transformative incidents which this talented producer has described as destiny, saying they were meant to happen. His first experience at a music studio, how he met Crayon, Don Jazzy, even down to how Rema’s 2019 hit single ‘Dumebi’ was recorded and released, “everything was coincidental, none of it was planned,” he claims.
Currently basking with a catalog of over sixty production credits, including a handful of records from the global hit maker Rema, Nigerian rapper Ladipoe, Oxlade amidst others, Ozedikus spoke on how he doesn’t look forward to any awards or recognition for his craft. “Awards are based on the verdict of others. It does not completely qualify as a measure of talent,” he said.
Ozedikus possesses a long list of captivating expertise among which is his ability to fit artists into new sounds in their genre. His prowess in experimenting new sound elements has earned him a line up of hit songs year after year including his personal project ‘Ifeoma’ featuring two rising fine acts, CupidSZN and BoiGizmo.
Read on to find out more on the journey and career of the record producer.
What Inspired you to become a producer?
I chose music production because it was one of the most profitable things I could do at that time. I juggled a lot of skills simultaneously, I was a graphic designer and I also played the piano with a band at churches and I somehow stumbled upon music production and it was with the latter I got the most pay from and that was the reason I decided to stick with it. Although I was passionate about music, I did not venture into music production because I was passionate about it. The dying passion I have for it now developed with the course of time.
You grew up as Igbinoba Osaze, how did the name Ozedikus come about?
The first two letters were derived from my first name, Osaze. People who are named Osaze are either nicknamed ‘Osas’ or ‘Oz’. But the name ‘Ozedikus’ came from a popular 2010s movie ‘Legend of The Seeker’. There was a wizard named Zeddicus and so, most people around started calling me ‘Ozedikus’ and that’s how the name came about.
If you could describe your journey with one word, what would it be?
Destiny. A lot of happenings in my journey seemed like a coincidence or it was meant to happen, none of it was planned. I just happened to be at the right place and at the right time. For Instance, years back while I was still a pianist, a friend of mine who was a producer asked me to play some keys for a beat he was working on and that moment was the first cue that sparked my interest in music production and then, a while later into me being a producer, I randomly walked into a studio and met Crayon the artist. We bonded at the spot and started working together, not so long after, he got signed to Mavin Records. Being his friend, I had to go with him to the Mavins office and coincidentally, I met Rema and we worked on a record.
What is your creative process like when creating a new song for an artist?
My creative process varies depending on the artist. There are some artists that love playing around with different melodies until they find something they like while there are some that request for already finished beats. Personally, I prefer working from scratch. I love it when the artist just hums a melody he has in his head and I get to work it from the very beginning, piece by piece until we arrive at a sound that tallies seamlessly with the vision the artist has for that record.
Tell us about “Ifeoma”.
Ifeoma also happened coincidentally. So, I posted the beat on my Tiktok page and it received positive reception from the audience. A good number of users (including the featured artists CupidSZN and BoiGizmo) wrote their verses to the beat and uploaded to the app and so I decided to record it officially as the audience appeared to love the music.
Should we expect a project?
Yes, definitely. Lots of projects. I’ll be dropping about 2 projects; an EP featuring some rising artists that I just discovered and another major project with artists that I’ve worked with prior to this time.
Is the plan to go Pheelz and Young Jonn on us eventually? Do you see yourself becoming a singer?
No, not anytime soon. It’s not because I can’t sing but the thought of ever performing on stage is not one I’ve never looked forward to. Given that, I’ll prefer to just stick with my production business.
What makes ‘Ozedikus Nwanne’ different and unique from other producers?
My approach to music is what makes me different. I owe this to my background in gospel music. It made me develop a distinctive taste in music which reflects in my sound and the type of music I create. It has a different touch to it that can be recognised as my work with a snippet.
What are the traits one needs to possess to excel in the music industry?
Patience. Be determined but not desperate and always seek ways to grow your craft.
From producing Dumebi to Oxlade’s Kulosa, what has changed in your approach to working with mainstream artists?
I no longer deduce an artist’s taste based on their past works. When working with artists, I used to try to tailor the beats to fit the sound that I think the artist would love based on their catalog and most times, it went south because artists always want to switch things up every now and then. Now, I approach artists anew each time I get to work with them.
Where do you see yourself in the next 3-5 years?
As a CEO and Founder to a major record label. My long term goal is to have a platform that discovers and empowers rising artists. This is because I really enjoy (and prefer) working with growing talents in the industry, just like Don Jazzy. I’m not really aiming after a Grammy or any other award, if it comes, fine. Awards are based on the verdict of others, It does not completely qualify as a measure of talent.
