LOISPIRATION MEETS KOTRELL

Hi guys, so our youthpreneur for the second half of 2020 is Kotrell. He’s into music and because of him, we created the Loispiration Playlist. So if you think your friends that are artistes have mind blowing lyrics, TELL THEM TO COMMENT UNDER THIS POST.

I interviewed him and yeah he had a lot of meaningful things to say. It’s an interesting one so just read.👇🏽

1. Kindly make an introduction of yourself and what you do.

My name is Cotterell Atonopriya, I’m Nigerian, and I make music. I’m a songwriter, singer and producer in the making.

2. What birthed this passion and how did you start off with it?

It’s hard to point out a single event or moment that started my passion for making music cause I think it’s all the little things that pretty much set me in that direction. I belonged to a music group at my local church as a child that gave me my earliest memories of doing anything music related. Also, my older brother is an amazing singer and so he really inspired me to actually start writing original content. I remember the first verse I ever wrote; it was a rap about getting into a fight over rice and chicken, lol, at the time I thought it was the best thing in the world. Also, my time in High school was definitely crucial to my growth as a songwriter, performer, and leader. mehhhnn I used to be a rapper back then, and except everyone just had bad taste, I think I was pretty good lol.

3. Who are your role models and how have they influenced you?

I have a few role models on life generally; Cotterell Alapuye (that’s my pops), Ibifuro Abigo, Jesus Christ. Musically, there are a lot of different artistes I admire and learn from. If I have to give a name though, it would be Ed Sheeran.

4. What are the challenges you’ve experienced in your journey so far?

Every phase in my journey up to this point has come with its own challenge. I think the biggest though, would be “staying inspired”. I’m not just talking about singing cause I can do that anytime. Finishing school with a first class Honors Bsc Economics, people keep reminding me that there are other (safer) options, and when you’re the first in your family to trod a path like this, it feels lonely sometimes, and scary too cause if you fail, there’s like a million “I told you so’s” waiting. Luckily, I have an angel for a father, so the weight of this burden is less.

5. What has been your most humbling experience?

I can’t think of a singular moment that’s been my most humbling. However, I’ve gotten a lot of NO’s in my career, and all of them have only pushed me to grow.

6. What do you think is going to make you stand out with your vision?

I think being ME is enough, lol. No two people are built the same. As long as I stay true to myself, I’ll stand out for sure.

7. What are some sacrifices you have made to push your dream?

Time! I’ve given years of my life for this. Everyday I have to bury the thoughts of possibilities of what my life would be like if I took professional work opportunities ( related to my field of study). I’ve also had to sacrifice the approval of some people I hold dear, who think I should be on a different path right now.

8. Where do you see yourself in five years?

“Growing”. I’ve lived long enough to know that things don’t always go as planned. Don’t get me wrong, I have goals that I am very dedicated to. However, regardless of how things play out, I want to keep growing in “Happiness, and Success”.

9. What have you learnt in all these things?

Nobody is ever going to be more committed to your Dreams and visions than YOU”. Let another person never be your EXCUSE; You must take responsibility for your own journey. Forgive people when they let you down; it’s a healthy way to live. Wishful thinking is cheap. You must be willing to lose as many times as it would take to finally get the WIN you need. You will never have it all figured out; nobody does.

Scroll down to the bottom part of this post to listen to his latest single recommended by Dj Cuppy herself “Now and Always”