Samuel Adetoye Ogundimbola, real name XmondT is a Canada-based Nigerian artiste, songwriter, producer, cinematographer and On-Air-Personality. Starting out as an artiste was quite challenging for the afrobeats artiste but he remained true to himself and a source of inspiration to other budding talents. The resourceful and creative young lad is one unsung star who has remained steadfast and dedicated to his arts. In this chat with Ikedi Mekz, XmondT talks about his musical journey, recent works and more…
What’s your background like?
I’m from Ifon, Ondo State. I was born in the early 80’s. I am from a Christian family of 9 children. I am the last born. My dad is alive ‘chilling’, my mum passed on at the age of 71 in 2016. To be candid, I was born into a family where education is our major priority. People named my family as ‘THE BOOK FAMILY’. Parents made sure we had the best education. I am currently on the verge of acquiring my PHD here in Canada. I have a master’s degree from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State and also bagged my bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State. I also attended Ifon Comprehensive High School, Ifon, Ondo State for my secondary education. I am married to the most beautiful woman in the whole world. Very soon, you would know her.
Has the goal always been entertainment, and did your decision to become an artiste meet with criticism from friends and family?
I have always wanted to be famous right from childhood especially via entertainment. I remember I won the award of the most popular Jambite, the very first year I gained admission into the university. Of course, there is criticism everywhere. I hid it from my parents for a very long time, but most of my siblings knew about it but always gave me stern warnings to focus more on my education. I am glad I adhered to their advice. Friends knew about it and were fully in support. Friends will always be friends no matter what.
How did your music journey begin?
It all began in 2001/2002. My immediate older brother (Adesope Ogundimbola) influenced me. He was aspiring to be a DJ. I watched him record songs to cassette. In 2002 I was aspiring to join the TRYBES records. It was difficult to meet them as they were touring outside Nigeria. While on the move searching for them, I met Big Lo, OJB Jezreel, and Joe Kenny. I recorded some demos at Big Lo’s studio and OJB’s studio at Surulere. It’s so painful both of them are deceased. I learnt the music production craft from Big Lo and OJB Jezreel. I eventually met legendary Freestyle Da Shogun who schooled me (Still schooling me), I met Timi the Black One (now DR TIMI) who accommodated/fed/advised me while I was searching for Trybesmen. I also met 2shots. Another great icon that had a positive impact in my music career is Keji k-Show Sowoolu. Recently, I got connected to legendary Eedris Abdulkareem who sincerely has been hugely encouraging me not to give up.
Tell us about your latest single, Simifimigara and other songs/projects you currently working on?
SIMIFIMIGARA produced by Soso Beats actually came out from my true-life story. I dated a girl named Simi many years back. We broke up because I wasn’t cashing out then. Her parents were not in support of us. I had no job then. It took me 8 years to get my first job after university. I don’t blame her; the condition based on poor economy of the country can discourage so many things. She is married now. We are still in good touch. She admires me a lot now. My experience with her actually brought about the song SIMIFIMIGARA. Soso sent me the beat while I was analyzing my experience to a friend named Chellz and my wife. We laughed and composed the song together. My wife is also a good singer. I contacted Serikiomowo and we did the song together.
You seem to wear many hats, singer, producer, entrepreneur, cinematographer, OAP which is your forte?
To be candid, I am presently wearing all the hats you mentioned. This is the reason I was named XmondT (Xtraordinary Man of No Denomination, Toye) by one of my older brothers Adeyemi Ogundimbola. I can’t be predicted. I am presently into movies, I am a singer, I have my own recording studio. I produce myself and other artistes too. I am a cinematographer; I have shot lots of music videos for artistes here and still on same craft. I am currently running podcast shows.
As an artiste and a producer, what makes a good song for you, is it the lyrics or the sound?
Both (lyrics and the sound) make a good song. . .
What has been your high and low moment as an artiste?
My low moment was when I couldn’t afford to shoot quality videos in Nigeria due to high prizes mentioned. My high moment was when I met ALBERT NGWA after performing in a concert here in Canada and he immediately began to invest in me. He bought my first new car for me.
Many believe entertainers court controversies to stay relevant. Do you agree, and is it something you can do?
It all depends; we all have fake and real controversies. Most times it’s difficult to know which controversy is real. Whatever controversies related to me is going to be real ones.
Year 2020 was a turbulent year of ups and down for entertainment personalities. How would you describe yours?
Year 2020 was tough for me entertainment wise. No constant shows due to the current covid-19 pandemic affecting the whole world. I couldn’t attend any shows or concert. I guess most countries were on lockdown in 2020. Everything is strictly based online for now.
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What should we look forward to hearing from you?
Kindly trust me, am always available.
