INTERVIEW: From Facebook covers to music star, Rudie Black’s inspiring story
In the enchanting world of Nigerian music, where talent drips from every corner, one artist is slowly carving a niche for himself. Meet Roland Olabisi, better known by his stage name ‘Rudie Black’, an aspiring singer and songwriter hailing from the state of Osun.
In an interview with Crisong.com, Rudie Black noted that despite his young age, Rudie Black has been making waves in the industry, with his velvety voice and captivating lyrics leaving an indelible mark on his growing fan base.
Born on June 5, 2007, Rudie Black discovered his musical prowess seven years ago. However, it wasn’t until 2022 when he began dropping freestyle covers on his Facebook page that he started receiving the recognition and motivation to pursue music as a profession.
Fuelled by the unwavering support of his loyal fans and the encouragement from his family and friends, Rudie Black decided to dive deep into the world of music.
The journey, though laden with challenges, has been a glorious one for Rudie Black. From countless bad reviews to facing the daunting task of proving himself in an industry filled with seasoned veterans, Rudie Black never let negativity overshadow his passion. “The good reviews and motivation always outweighed the bad ones, and the industry OGs have shown me so much love for my craft,” Rudie Black told Crispng.com
One fateful day in 2022, during his freestyle cover sessions, Rudie Black caught the attention of Sammyking, the CEO of 1960vibes.com.ng. Excited by Rudie Black’s raw talent, Sammyking introduced him to the renowned producer Fatboy Yegi, aka Badwiz. This serendipitous encounter marked the beginning of Rudie’s remarkable journey in the music industry.
Rudie Black’s discography boasts three singles and an EP that highlight his versatile musical style. In 2022, he debuted with his first official single, “On God,” followed shortly by “IF MONEY NO DEY (IMND),” a collaboration with Ekzrah, also known as Mdazzle.
These songs laid the foundation for Rudie’s growing popularity. Then, in 2023, he released the soul-stirring single “ALUBARIKA,” recorded and mixed by Ekzrah. Riding the wave of its success, Rudie embarked on recording his debut EP, consisting of six tracks, once again enlisting Ekzrah’s formidable talent.
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When asked about his most memorable career moment, Rudie recalls a performance that left him feeling like a megastar. “I was invited to a show, and the venue was packed with people. After I performed, the crowd erupted in cheers and showed me genuine appreciation. It felt like I was already a well-established artist,” Rudie reminisced.
The constant influx of messages and compliments from fans overwhelming his DMs also reassures Rudie that every day in his career is a blessing.
However, amidst the triumphs, Rudie has also faced his fair share of challenges. He recounts an incident where he was invited to perform at a show, only to discover that it was intertwined with a wedding celebration. The entire event was marred by disorganization, leaving Rudie feeling embarrassed and crestfallen. Nevertheless, such setbacks only fueled his determination to keep pushing forward.
Away from the spotlight, Rudie is a dedicated student pursuing a degree in Computer Science at Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State. Balancing the demands of his education and music career is no easy feat, but Rudie’s passion and discipline help him navigate both worlds with grace.
As Rudie Black continues to enchant audiences with his soul-stirring melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, his musical journey is undoubtedly one of resilience, optimism, and unwavering determination.
With each song he delivers, Rudie leaves an indelible mark on the Nigerian music scene and blurs the line between dreams and reality. The future shines bright for this rising star, and we eagerly await what Rudie Black has in store for us.
