Our parents really can’t tell us apart - Xchange

Taiwo and Kehinde Oye popularly known as Xchange never gave up on their music dreams despite daunting hurdles. In this interview with ANGELA DAVIES, they talk about music, how their parents and girlfriends can hardly differentiate them amongst, other issues.

When did you start music?

Taiwo: We have been singing since our undergraduate days at the University of Ilorin. However, professionally we started in 2006.

What is your genre of music? 
Taiwo: Our kind of song is afro hip-hop. One of our songs that is receiving massive air play right now is titled, Ore. Then our new single that people also love is titled, Presidential produced by V Tech.

How did music start for you both?

Taiwo: Music is something we never struggled with. It flows easily. Right from time, music has been there. At a time we went into modelling. I was modelling for Modela. That is why you can see the blend of fashion and music in us. Even before we gained admission into school, music has been drives us. And when we were in school, we formed a group called Xclusive Brothers. Kehinde: Even back in the university, we still go to the studio to record songs. It was all about bringing out the best. There was a song we recorded five times because we were not satisfied. So we had to rewrite the lyrics, change the tone and readjust the sound. It is more like a remix on everything.

How do you manage the task of writing lyrics and composing songs?

Taiwo: The interesting thing about us is the way we write our song. Sometimes a tune will just come and we will work on that tune for about a month. Once we get the suitable chorus that we want, we separately write our own solo. Then we combine and decide which one should be first solo, second solo and so on. Then, we find a bridge to it. So we both write songs.

How was 2014 and what should fans expect from Xchange this year?

Taiwo: Last year was quite fulfilling. It was a year when we had a lot of shows and many people also got to know us and they believed in us. Thank God it is rolled into this year and will continue like that. 2015 is quite promising. Fans should expect the video of our new single, ‘presidential’. Also, they should expect a new single titled By my side. Kehinde: We are still trying to talk to Clarence Peters for the new video we want to shoot.

Do your parents as well as friends have difficulty differentiating you?

Taiwo: When it comes to people, they cannot differentiate Taiwo from Kehinde. There is always a mix up. 
Kehinde: Our parents can differentiate us when we are always around them. But sometimes they cannot especially when we go away for two weeks or thereabout. For instance, we just came back from a music tour in Calabar and when we got back, they could not tell us apart.

What about your girlfriends?

Taiwo: Of course, they hardly can tell us apart but we are honest with them. We don’t try to be mischievous because it has to do with their mental and emotional makeup. Also, it can count against our credibility and we don’t want to tarnish that for anything.

Should we say you are the next PSquare?

Taiwo and Kehinde: Actually, we are going to be greater than them. Kehinde: That is because the glory of the latter is always greater than the former. Even P-Square themselves will agree that we should be greater than them. It is natural that if anybody is coming behind you, you want the person to be the best.

Who are those you consider role models in the music industry?

Kehinde: I will not call them role models but people who motivate us. We feel that people who are hard working, consistent and focused should becommended for their good works. Taiwo: For instance, P-Square, Nikki Laoye, Sammy Okposo and Olamide are musicians who motivate us.

How would you describe the music industry’s growth?

Taiwo:The music industry right now is extremely very viable but tough as well. There is a Yoruba proverb that says anybody who wants to eat from the palm tree, really have to work hard. This time around, the music industry is not for mediocre. It is for those that are serious, persistent and consistent in the industry because it could be frustrating if you are not in the game. It is very important for everyone to know what they are doing, be consistent and focused because if you are not careful you will be distracted.

How has the journey been so far?

Kehinde: It has been up and down. But you should not be afraid of disappointment. Sometimes, that is the ladder you need to climb to get higher. When you are disappointed and you still hold on to your dream, it will definitely come to pass. It naturally works like that. And that is why we have come so far. We have been disappointed quite a number of times but we never gave up on our dreams. When we started some people saw us nobody but today we thank God for where we are and where we are going to. People should not despise little beginnings. Taiwo: I will say our breakthrough was late 2013. But last year, we had a lot of phone calls to perform at different events and places, had lots of television interviews and a lot more.

Are you thinking of having a collaboration with any Nigerian musician?

Kehinde: We had one collaboration with General Pype titled, Number 1. But in our next album, we want to do collaboration with quite a number of musicians and one of them is Bouqui. Taiwo: We picked Bouqui because she is a diva and good rapper. She also has that charisma and also one of those who inspired us.

Do you guys dress the same way all the time or just for events?

Kehinde: We wear the same outfit when attending big events. It is the brand. But at home, we don’t like wearing the same outfit. Taiwo: We don’t even have the same wardrobe. The only clothes that are the same, like Taiwo said are our outfits for shows alone. Even when we are attending casual events, we don’t dress the same because we don’t like all eyes been on us.

Can you recall pranks you have played on your parents?

Taiwo: We have played so many pranks on our parents. But sometimes I collect money twice; all I need to do is just change my clothes. 
Kehinde: For instance, pretending that I am not the one who offended my parents also just by simply changing clothes.

Do you share similar academic background?

Taiwo: I studied accounting at the University of Ilorin after which I went for my masters in business administration.

Kehinde: I studied business administration and have masters in strategic management along with a couple of professional certificates in management and auditing.