'Modell Clinton' You need money and connection to be successful, new Oduataj's talent reveals

Adewale Ridwan Clinton (born April 10, 1994), known professionally as Modell Clinton, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, producer, model, and dancer. He was born and raised in Ibadan, Oyo, where he started his music career.

In 2007, Adewale teamed with up his childhood friend “Shittu” to form a music group Tom and Jerry, and they were compared to the legendary Nigeria popular duo “Psquare”. They recorded their first song WINE AM in the year 2008. They hit the limelight with their hit singles SOME MORE and IRREPLACEABLE. They were formerly with DJ Gavpop, who took them under his wings for some years, giving them access to some airplays.

The group had been to many competitions like Peak Talent Show, MTN Project Fame, Nigerian Idol and so on and it has performed on big stages along side popular Nigerian artistes including Olamide, Reminisce, Seyi Shay, Vector, Skales, Burna Boy to name a few.

However, the duo parted ways after some years together to continue their music career as solo artistes in the year 2015.

Tom, now Modell Clinton, focuses on a unique style of smooth RnB with a blend of Afrobeat. He claimed his type of music was influenced by the likes of Michael Jackson, Don Williams, Usher Ramon, Akon, PSquare, TuBaba, Chris Brown, 9ice and Tiwa Savage.

Modell had his primary and secondary school education in Ibadan, Yombo kiddies College and Methodist High School, respectively. He dropped out of Obafemi Awolowo University to focus on his music career.

In this interview with Titilope Oshunlalu, he talked about his songs, challenges as an artiste and how Oduataj Productions as made him achieve his dreams. Below are the excerpts…

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Adewale Ridwan Clinton. I’m popularly known as Modell Clinton a.k.a Mr Melody.

What inspires you to do music?

I would say my parents; they like music a lot, especially my dad. During my childhood days, I could remember how he played all kinds of songs in the house. These included foreign and local music. I got used to this and I found myself having this huge interest in singing as well.

Can you list how many album you have produced?

No album is officially out yet, but soon my 7 tracks EP album “COME A LONG WAY” would be dropped. Watch out.

But if you meant to know the number of songs I have released, I can’t really make a list now but officially I think 6; Stay With Me, Bridget, Stay with Me remix ft @official_pblove, Better Tomorrow, One Day and my last single was I’m Here, which dropped last year.

🎶🎤Listen to Modell Clinton’s Ene for free while you enjoy the interview

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Which song is your best and what makes so?

This is where problem is because I always feel all of my songs are my best. And the reason is that I always put in my 100% in all I do.

What is the feedback from your fans?

Based on the numerous feedback I’ve been getting from my fans, especially here in Nigeria, some of them like it when I do contemporary music while some like more of foreign song. So, basically I’ve to realise I’ve two different types of fans, and I’ve decided to keep the both of them.

As an artiste, who are your go place when you need consolation of whatever kind?

First of all, my family; my mum and sisters have been everything to me. Then my family friends, the Akintola’s and my goons like Smarty, Emdot TQ, kenny and so on. I’m so grateful to all of them and I can’t thank them enough.

What is your style of music?

Afrobeat and RnB

Why did you choose Afrobeat and Rnb?

Actually my style of music comes from the people i grow up listening to. MJ, Don Williams ,Fela, Sunny Ade, Wasiu Ayinde, Ursher, Pasuma, Akon, P’Square, 2baba, 9ice and Wande coal and so on…so am sure now you see where i got the RnB from and where the Afrobeat came from. Lol, I’m sorry i have that long list of people, i told you my dad plays all kind of songs.

Who is your role model?

My role models are PSquare and 9ice.

Where do you see yourself in the nearest future?

I see myself at top.

Any challenges in the music industry?

A lot of challenges but the major ones are finance and connection; If you have the money and you don’t have the real connect, you are going nowhere. Connection without money too won’t help you either. So when you have those two, the rest is simple.

How long have you been into music?

It has been a very long time.

Can we talk about your new record label, Oduataj Entertainment?

Ha, my godfather! (Referring to the record label boss, Taiwo Oduala). Baba came into my life just in time. My boss is a man of his word; kind, generous, and selfless. A very disciplined man with full of dedication. That man wey you see so no dey settle for less oh😅