Grammy nomination would be an honour” – Dr Dolor

What have you been up to after releasing your second album, What A Time To Bee Alive?

After the release of What A Time To Bee Alive, I continued to share my passion for music by dropping singles like “Mumbai” and “I Kid You Not.” I also dedicated significant time to recording my new album, Echoes of Endurance.

You haven’t been very visible in the Nigerian music scene lately. Was that a deliberate choice?
Yes, it was intentional. I took a break to focus on building other ventures and spent more time in the studio creating music. This period was necessary for me to refocus before making my return to the music scene.

We expected to see another Dr Dolor artist emerge after Teni. Are there any plans to sign a new artist soon?
For now, I’m taking a break from signing new artists. When the time is right, the world will see what’s next.

Let’s talk about your passion for music. How has the journey been for you as an artist?
I genuinely love the entire process of creating music. It’s something I’m deeply passionate about, and I’m enjoying every moment of it. My focus remains on consistently putting out quality music.

How do you balance being both a label CEO and an artist?
My primary focus is on being a recording artist, which means I’m not constantly on stage. Being an artist is something that comes naturally to me, and I find a way to balance both roles.

Did Don Jazzy inspire your pursuit of being both a label CEO and an artist?
Don Jazzy is a legend and a pillar of the Nigerian music industry. However, running a label wasn’t something I initially planned. It evolved out of a desire to help transform emerging talent into globally recognized stars, as we did with Teni. This was only possible because of my deep love for music.

Your first album was released in 2020. Did its success convince you to continue making music?
I would have continued regardless because I love the process of making music. It’s where I find true happiness and fulfilment.

After your first album, you took a short break. Why was that?
During that period, I signed new artists and focused on breaking them into the market. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in the timing of the break.

Many people believe you’ve left Nigeria and the music industry for good. Were you surprised by those rumours?
When you step away from the public eye, people tend to speculate based on their assumptions. However, the break was necessary. Even professionals take sabbaticals.

Let’s discuss your first single of the year, Asemota. What inspired it?
Asemota is a reflection of real life, every lyric is drawn from my personal experiences. It speaks to the betrayal we often face after investing in others, only to have them turn against us.

And now, the album Echoes of Endurance, What’s the story behind it?
In a nutshell, Echoes of Endurance is about resilience. It’s a reminder that tough times don’t last, but tough people do. Despite betrayal and attempts to bring me down, I’ve bounced back stronger.

What was your vision when creating the Echoes of Endurance album?
I wanted to express my pain, lifestyle, and God’s blessings through my music. This album is a reflection of my journey.

How has the album been received so far?
Music transcends acceptance. When the time is right, it will resonate deeply with many.

The guest features on the album—how challenging was it to secure them?
Everything happened organically. None of the collaborations were forced or pursued aggressively. Each artist was excited to be part of the project.

Teni is featured on this album. Does that put to rest the rumours of a rift between you two?
Teni is part of my success story and my partner in crime lol, my “Sugar Mummy”! There has never been any beef, not even a chicken. We have genuine love and respect for each other.

What was the most challenging song to create on this album?
Every track came together smoothly. However, “Jo Fumi” stands out because I wasn’t satisfied with the original hook. I spent the entire night crafting a new one, which I’m proud of.

Which songs are your favourites on the album?
A few of my favourites include “Asemota,” “Ju Funmi,” “Amebo,” “Kilometers,” “See Finish,” and “Solace.”

How do you want this album to be perceived in the years to come?
I hope it’s seen as evergreen—music that defies trends and stands the test of time.

Many artists release albums aimed at appealing to the Western world. Was that a consideration for you?
My goal with this album was to create music that reflects my life while also striking a balance for evergreen music that meets global standards.

You released the Echoes of Endurance album just in time for Grammy submissions. Was that intentional?
The plan was always to drop the album before summer, and we made that happen. If the Grammy recognizes my work, it would be an honour.

You released your album on the same day as Asake’s Lungu Boy album. Did you consider moving your release date?
No, never. Asake is already a global sensation, so the release date didn’t make a difference. Plus, I wasn’t aware of his release date until just a few days prior.

What’s the plan for promoting the album both within and outside Nigeria?
Promotions are already in full swing across all possible platforms.

Are there plans for more music videos from the album?
Yes, we just dropped the “See Finish” video and a lyric video for “Asemota.” We have five unreleased visualizers and plan to shoot a few more videos.