Kehinde Akinbode (Kenny Kore), former lead singer in the multiple
award winning gospel music group, Infinity aka Olori Oko, has finally
disclosed why he quit the group and went solo.
Since you left the group we have not heard much about them, can we say that you were the backbone of the group?
Grace is the backbone of anything legitimate that is succeeding. I am not even flattered that some people think without one man other men cannot succeed if they so choose; it’s a malignant and pride full way to view life.
You probably have not heard much from Infinity because they haven’t been in Nigeria recently. They just finished a European tour. They’ve got lots of goodies for us as a result of their relentless effort to bridge the extremities between art and spirit. I would advise you to watch out for them.
What kind of relationship do you have with members of Infinity group now?
My relationship with the members of Infinity isn’t as close as it used to be, I believe that’s because of proximity, priority, and enlargement. More like how Abraham and Lot, who were buddies couldn’t be so close because God had enlarged them individually. I look them up every now and then, and always celebrate their successes as if they were mine.
What kind of music would you describe as good music?
At best my music has been described as eclectic because I am not limited by genre or message. I write as I am inspired and sing as I am led; one minute it is Rock, the next it is Rap, Apala, Country, Reggae, e.t.c.
I would never forget the day I finally left infinity. I cried.
What is your take on Nigerian music artists who sing using lewd lyrics?
People who use lewd lyrics are just plain irresponsible and selfish. One day we will all give account of our lives.
Talking of Nigerian music industry, can you say that we have arrived the point of perfection?
Nigerian music has come of age, but there is yet a lot to learn and a lot more to unlearn. Society and its values keep changing and music reflects that. I am sure when we have a better society; we would have better personalities as our musicians and inadvertently we would have more sane music.
There is always this traditional feel about your songs and sometimes you tell stories and folktales with your songs, why?
Music is very wide, with varying styles and approaches. My approach to music is from the point view of ‘the message’. Over the years, I have observed that music that concentrates on reigning beats and melodies don’t last as long as music’s that have messages. The more the message resonates with the people, the longer the music is relevant. I do not see long lasting relevance just because that’s the goal of every sane person, but much more because I am a gospel artist and my music is primarily geared towards Salvation.
Storytelling, poetry, rhythm, rhymes, melody, harmony, beats etc are tools. Let no body tell you music is just entertainment. While several people use the tool of music to preach sexual promiscuity, untoward indulgence in pleasure, materialism and gangsterism, I have made a deliberate choice to use my music to preach the gospel of love, faith, hope, patriotism, honour and loyalty.