- Nigerian Afrobeats artist Crayon is popular for his fine music
- But singing wasn’t his dream
- His dream was cut short by what he terms a fraudulent football official
Nigerian Afrobeats artist Crayon is popular for his fine music but singing wasn’t his dream; he always wanted to play for Manchester United.
However, his dream was cut short by what he terms a fraudulent football official who opted to take a bribe and trade him away for another person.
The ‘So Fine’ hitmaker says that his screening went well and he was all set to join Manchester United Academy in the 2013/13 season.
Crayon recalled this during a recent interview with Pulse Nigeria, painting a captivating football journey from Surulere.
“I went for a screening in so many places. I was super close to joining Manchester United in 2012-13. I came to Surulere for a football screening and then it was [Victor] Ikpeba and a lot of ex-Super Eagles players. I got picked and then they just substituted me for somebody else because I didn’t have like money or something,” he recalls.
Crayon, Nigerian Afrobeats singer. Photo/CNN
His lockout left him frustrated and he moved on with life only for music to happen when he least expected to be a global hit star.
He is still a talented footballer after recently displaying his skills in a friendly match between Nigeria’s prominent music labels, Mavin and Chocolate City.
He scored a goal during the game, contributing to Mavin’s impressive 6-1 victory. The 22-year-old additionally claimed that corruption remains prevalent, as he has witnessed some of his friends missing out on opportunities solely due to their lack of ‘connections.
He decries falling football standards in Nigeria in recent years, a fact he directly attributes to rampant corruption in Africa’s most populated country.
“The Under-17s we have now is no longer like the Under-17s we used to have. I feel like the [Victor] Osimhen set was the last set that was actually talented, the rest…..omo na connections o,” he added.
Crayon embarked on his musical journey with a passion that ignited in his heart from a young age. Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, he was immersed in a vibrant music scene that would later become his world.
His introduction to music was gradual, starting with him experimenting with melodies and lyrics, often inspired by the beats and rhythms echoing through the streets of Lagos.
His early fascination with artists like Michael Jackson and Fela Kuti fueled his creative fire. As he honed his skills, Crayon recognized that his love for music wasn’t just a passing phase but a lifelong calling.
Nigerian singer Crayon. Photo/Sports Brief
He delved deeper into songwriting, developing a unique blend of Afrobeat, pop, and dancehall influences that would become his signature sound.
In 2019, he made his official entry into the music industry with his debut EP, “Cray Cray,” which caught the attention of both local and international audiences.
Songs like “So Fine” and “Gock Am” resonated with listeners, proving that Crayon’s unassuming presence was a genuine attempt at crafting a superstar.
His latest project, “Trench to Triumph,” showcases his growth as an artist and an individual. It’s a finely crafted work that seamlessly blends different musical influences, highlighting his exceptional talent.
Crayon’s music isn’t just melodies; it’s a testament to his dedication and perseverance in the ever-evolving world of Afrobeat and Nigerian pop.
His music reflects his versatility and his willingness to work with different artists to create songs that leave an indelible mark of entertainment.
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