Artist Detailed Info: Dmsquared

Originally from Surulere in Lagos, Nigeria, DMSquared (real names Bayo Oyenuga) grew up in the household of an architect father and entrepreneur mother. He became interested in music when his older brother bought him an electronic piano with preloaded beats with which he began to compose rhymes. He met one Dare and another Tunde, both prolific bass guitarists in his neighbourhood (other residents included a young Dr Frabz, Naeto C, N6 of 4th Republic among others) who taught him how to play the guitar. He attended the highly regarded Nigerian Navy Secondary school, which housed other talents such as Dbanj, where he became prolific as a solo artiste and part of a music quartet garnering accolades along the way, although he consistently plays this down.. While in pursuit of a degree in Architecture in Ife, he was part of the multiple award winning group Newwine performing all over the country and receiving constant airplay on stations across the country, and meeting future stars like Bouqui, Rooftop MC's, Sasha, Cobhams, Tosin Martins, etc. It was during one of these trips that he met Eldee in Unilag, at a time Eldee was gaining reputation as a music mogul. The ensuing series of meetings convinced DM on the need for a new modern African sound. He then moved to London to gain international exposure and further studies. During this time he remained musically active, debuting at No. 3 on the UK charts with the track 'What Women Want'. He returned toNigeria in 2008 and formed The Descant Company (trading as TDC Records and Descant Studios) with his musical partner Gbenga 'Josh' Ojosipe, and began focusing his energy on writing and undergoing cultural assimilation. Unlike many of today's popular rap artists, he built an extensive catalog of hits with Newwine before making his mark on the charts and enjoys underground respectability from longtime fans. For the Summer 2010 DM released MAYA, an upbeat Afrohiphop Grimish song produced by Ikon (who has produced MI, MoHits, Tuface - virtually everyone in the industry!) - a brazen track which mashes English, Yoruba, Igbo and pidgin in such a way only DM can. The track is currently enjoying airplay and rave reviews. He also released a remake of the original classic 'Nigeria Go Survive' which has been enjoying very regular airplay on MTV BASE. He has just released Domi Siwaju! a club banger! Hard hitting from the start, delivers probably his best single yet (they just keep getting better!) In Domi Siwaju DM compares a man's pursuit of a hard to please lady's hand to the obstacles experienced on the road to our dreams! Smart! Hip! Witty! and clever word play are all here! Wave brings a very soulful feel to the chorus and totally nails it! This blend of Electro_-Hiphop- Afro Rock is mind boggling! The latter half of the year is shaping up to be a busy one for DMsquared. With a few more singles dropping, collaborations with local and international artistes, a Nigerian and foreign tour, guest appearances, PA's and shows, DM says " I consider everything that's happening now a blessing, it could all have been so different", referring to how unforgiving the industry can be. DM notoriously refuses to define his music as he believes music is an art that shouldn't be boxed up, but his sound is definitely a variant of Naija Hip hop and his themes are Entertainment, Social Justice and Religion. He attributes it to the journey of his life and suffering he sees on a daily basis in Nigeria. Apart from being co-owner of TDC Records, DM is also one of the owners and founders of Belgravia (a design agency) and Digimagine (a multimedia development agency), and is a keen supporter of Light Up Nigeria".

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