Rising from obscurity to Afrobeats’ most coveted hit-maker, David Aduratomi Noiki, also known as Dawieonthis1 (Dawie), has cemented his status as a trailblazing producer. Blending infectious rhythms with modern electronic elements, Dawie’s production style has captivated audiences worldwide. With chart-topping hits like ‘Ogechi’ and its Davido-featured remix, Dawie’s ascent is a shining example of dedication and artistic genius. in this interview, NGOZI UMA brought a glimpse into his remarkable story.
Can you share your experience transitioning from banking to music production? What drove your decision?
Leaving banking to pursue music was a pivotal decision I made at the right moment. It meant trading stability and a steady paycheck for uncertainty, but it was worth the risk. One moment stands out, while still at the bank, I earned my entire salary from just one music session. That epiphany struck me: if I dedicated myself to music, I could exceed my banking income by doing something I genuinely love.
How did your undergraduate days shape your skills in beat production?
My undergraduate days marked the beginning of my musical journey. I started as a DJ, and it was exhilarating.
However, I soon found myself wanting to enhance the beats, adding my twist. This curiosity led me to discover FL Studio, and that’s when my production journey took off. The rest, as they say, is history.
What sparked your interest in music, and how did your upbringing influence your passion for Afrobeats?
Growing up, music was always my passion. As a child, I would eagerly bang away on drums after church services, and it felt like the one thing I naturally excelled at. Even on days when I didn’t feel like it, I’d still find myself drawn to music. That realisation sparked something within me, and I knew, ‘This is what I want to do’.
Describe your unique sound, blending contemporary and electronic Afrobeats. What inspires your creative process?
I always liken our ears and brain to a hard drive, storing a vast library of sounds and information. Inspiration can strike from anywhere, anytime – a conversation, a memory, or even nature. The key is learning to merge and bring these ideas to life. My mantra; ‘Master the fundamentals and you’ll unlock endless creative possibilities’.
How do you seamlessly merge genres like hip hop, Highlife, and Afrobeats in your productions?
My creative inspiration stems from what I feed my mind. I find myself drawn to diverse genres on different days; from Highlife to Soukous, Praise and Worship to Country music. I believe in keeping an open mind and heart, internalizing these sounds, and then infusing them with a modern twist to create something fresh and unique.
Who are some influential artists or producers who have shaped your musical style?
I draw inspiration from numerous talented artists, but a few stand out. Pheelz, for instance, is a genius I greatly admire. I’m also heavily influenced by Jon Bellion’s innovative approach, Ed Sheeran’s storytelling, and Kiss Daniel’s unique sound.
Other notable mentions include Pharrell Williams, whose creativity knows no bounds, and Cobhams, whose artistry continually inspires me.
Share the story behind your recent hit, ‘Ogechi Remix’, featuring Davido. What was the collaboration process like?
‘Ogechi’ is a song that I humbly acknowledge as a divine gift. I created the main beat under 20 minutes, literally on my way out the door. I stored it in my laptop and didn’t think much of it until the next day when Hyce Boypee and Brownjoel walked into the studio. I played it for them, and the rest was magic.
The remix was similarly blessed. I extend my deepest gratitude to Chief Priest, who played a pivotal role in connecting us with Davido. His contribution was instrumental in making history.
In reflection, ‘Ogechi’ wasn’t a product of meticulous planning or overthinking. It was simply a gift, and I’m honoured to have been a vessel for its creation.
What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Challenges are inevitable, evolving with each new level of success. However, I’ve learned that having a strong foundation in God provides the resilience to overcome any obstacle.
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Life’s journey is marked by trials and tribulations, but as Psalm 91:2 reminds us, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’. With God as your rock, you’ll overcome every hurdle.
How do you stay innovative and fresh in your sound?
To stay ahead of the curve and maintain your creative edge, it’s essential to stay updated through continuous research and exposure to new music. This enables you to stay current with trends and inject your unique twist, keeping your sound fresh and relevant.
How do you select artists to collaborate with, and what makes a successful partnership?
To be honest, I don’t have a rigorous selection process when collaborating with artists. Instead, I focus on building a connection through casual conversations and creating a comfortable atmosphere that fosters creativity.
This relaxed approach allows us to dive into crafting memorable melodies.
For a successful partnership, I believe it’s essential that both the producer and artiste respect and value each other’s contributions. When mutual respect is present, conflicts are minimised, and the creative process flourishes.
What role did you play in crafting viral songs that topped the charts?
I humbly acknowledge that my success is solely due to God’s grace and mercy. My role is simply to dedicate my best effort, and the outcome is entrusted to Him.
Walk us through your music production process, from concept to final product.
For me, creation is a collaborative and dynamic process. It’s not a solo journey, but rather a symbiotic exchange that’s heavily influenced by the energy and atmosphere of the moment. I find that understanding the artist’s vision and intentions is crucial, so I often prefer to work closely with them, crafting the melody, drums, and other elements in real-time. This approach allows for a more organic and tailored creative experience.
Can you discuss your experience with experimenting with various instruments and software?
When it comes to music production software, I’m an old-school advocate for FL Studio and Cubase. I firmly believe in mastering a tool rather than constantly switching between different ones.
While various software options share similar functionalities, their interfaces may differ. By deeply understanding one platform, you can focus on creating exceptional music.
Reflecting on your nine-year journey, what legacy do you hope to leave in the music industry?
Honestly, I attribute my success to God’s guidance. My approach has been to maximise my abilities and let Him handle the rest.
As for legacy, I aspire to leave an indelible mark on the music industry, defining the sound of my era. I draw inspiration from Quincy Jones’ enduring impact and prolific career, spanning decades. My goal is to achieve similar longevity and influence, discovering and nurturing mega-talents.
Beyond personal accomplishments, I envision elevating African music to unprecedented heights, surpassing projected peaks.
Additionally, I’m passionate about exploring adjacent opportunities in the sound space, such as audio engineering, and innovating products like speakers and headsets.
What’s next for Dawieonthis1? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you can share?
A flurry of innovative projects is on the horizon, and I’m thrilled to share that I’m also initiating my fourth personal project. This ambitious undertaking will unite the globe’s finest talents to produce a breathtaking work of art.
