Catalyst, a versatile, passionate and talented musician and student of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, in an exclusive interview share his journey into music, what inspired him, the challenges he has faced and lots more. Excerpts…
Kindly introduce yourself and tell us what you do.
My name is Oluwafemi Olakanye, popularly known as Catalyst, I am a singer, 300 level student of AAUA from the department of Mass Communication.
What is music to you?
Music to me is a combination of vocals and sound to create harmony. Music is an expression, music is also soul. Music tells a story in a deeper and appealing sense.
What or who inspired you into music?
Well it came naturally, I got this flair for music since I was very little. I always watch only music channels and listen to lots of music. As time went on, I discovered I could actually sing this thing I love.
Can you tell me about the genres of your music and names of your songs?
I don’t like to keep myself in a box to define my type of music, I am very versatile. I’ve not put out loads of works or album for people to listen to different sounds, but when I look at my archive I see myself as an artist who can blend into any sound. So I don’t have a different genre for my sound. Everything Afro, whether Afro life, Afro soul, Afro beat I blend to whatever comes. These are the official songs have put out: “Megasuper star ft Thowbias”, “MumuButton ft MC Dekola”, “All night long”, “For you”. I’ve put out so many covers. I made a cover of Bella Shmurda’s “Ginger me” and it’s doing really well with about 30 thousand streams on all platforms.
What were those factors that discouraged your music career?
There were so many things that discouraged me sometimes, but the passion is always fueled, with that I never give up. Things like platform, having to ask yourself when stardom is finally going to happen. But we thank God we won’t give up and we keep pushing with God, hard work and consistency we will surely get there.
How has been your journey as “Catalyst?”
I thank God so far so good for the progress. Slow but fruitful, shows signs every day that the future is going to be bright. I’m grateful to God and my CATAPillars who supported me every day and never stops listening to my sound. I say a big thank you.
What advice do you have for upcoming artiste?
Be hardworking, be consistent and believe in God most importantly.

I am a cool-headed being, straightforward with an unbiased spirit.
Easy to relate with it. Always making good work count and very friendly.
Cool
This is cool