I was once arrested for smuggling hard drug to South Africa

Small Doctor

Popular singer , Temitope Adekunle , aka Small Doctor, speaks on his career , relationship with Pasuma and other issues

How was growing up like for you?

I was born in Kaduna , but I was brought to Lagos at a tender age . I lived at Dopemu, Lagos , and attended primary and secondary schools at Agege. Growing up was not really rosy for me.

Why did you leave Kaduna ?

My family and I witnessed a massacre where people’ s throats were slit . It was a very traumatic experience for us , and we had to relocate to Lagos .

When did you start nursing the ambition of becoming an artiste?

I have been singing since I was a child , but I sang mostly gospel songs . I only sang in the bathroom and around the house . I never thought of becoming an artiste, but my mother always told me that I would become one. I never knew what she saw but she is a singer , and a part of the church choir. I also have an elder brother that sings. However , I took it professional when I began senior secondary school in 2001 .

You always say ‘ Omo Iya teacher (son of a teacher )’ in your songs ; is your mum a teacher ?

Yes , she is a teacher . She owns a school .

One would have thought that as a proprietress , she would have wanted you to do a more ‘serious ’ job like Law or Medicine …

I wanted to become an aeronautic engineer when I was a kid , and my parents supported my ambition . But what I am doing now has been ordained by God and no one can do anything about it . Good parents do not decide for their children; they would only support them in whatever they do as long as they are on the right path . My sister is a very learned person and she holds a high postion where she works , but we must not all follow the same path .

What were your early experiences in the music industry ?

It was tough when I started , and I know it is never easy for musicians at the beginning except they are from wealthy homes . I was born into an average family and there are some things you have to do on your own . However , I will always appreciate Pennywise, the producer who recorded my first song almost free of charge. He really believed in me. I also had to do a lot of petty jobs to pay for studio sessions back then.

How did the name Small Doctor come about?

It was given to me by elder brother . While growing up , there was a TV series I loved so much titled ‘Dr . Who . ’ Many times , I would forgo other things to watch it , so one day my brother said since I love Dr . Who so much , and I have a small stature, he would start calling me Doctor Small . Later on , I changed it to Small Doctor , because it sounds better and fans are able to relate to it .

How did you meet Pasuma?

I met Pasuma along the line , and ever since we met , he has been supportive of everything I do .

How exactly did you meet him ?

I really cannot say . When you meet some people who are very special to you , as time goes on , you may even forget how you met them . I will rather focus on how to make the relationship last long .

It is believed that you became popular after you met Pasuma?

Many things happen for particular reasons , and if certain steps are not taken , you wouldn ’t meet certain people. If I did not discover myself, I am sure Pasuma wouldn ’t have wished to associate with me. There is no film trick about that .

I have been doing songs since 2001 , even before I met Pasuma. However , Pasuma featured on my song , Gbagaun Remix , which was already very popular in Agege, Lagos , where I reside . I was a celebrity in Agege because a lot of people knew and loved me back then; it is the people of Agege that really made Small Doctor. However , it was after that remix that my breakthrough happened . Pasuma is like a father to me; he is my confidant and motivator. He has contributed immensely to my career.

Why did Pasuma give you the name , Akeweje Oganla ?

Students from a particular school usually pass the front of Pasuma’s house whenever they close from school . And whenever I am in Pasuma’ s house , those kids would always come around to hail me. This prompted Pasuma to call me Akeweje (someone who brings kids together) .

If Pasuma loves you so much , why hasn’ t he signed you to his record label?

He has never talked about signing me, and I have never asked him for that either . I am not Pasuma’ s artiste, I am just his son . There is a big difference between the two. I am presently signed to O. I. T Dynasty .

How many albums have you released ?

I have two albums already . The first is titled Street Ambassador , and the second one is Omo Iya Teacher.