allure 03072022

INTERVIEW
Ninety:
Building A Legacy
Words By - Oreva Akpobome
He grew up in an Anglican household, the fourth of five children and the only male. Alabo Tuwonimi
Tuonims, professionally addressed as Ninety, attended Kings & Queens High School, and Spring
Foundation School, both in Bonny Island, Rivers State, for his primary and secondary education
respectively. He grew up listening to Michael Jackson, Damian Marley, and Style Plus and started writing his own
music as early as age 15. In 2016, Ninety graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology
from the Accra Institute of Technology, Accra, Ghana. After graduation, Ninety returned to PortHarcourt, took
a course in music production and audio engineering, and learned to play the keyboard, making it the second
musical instrument he plays having learnt drumming in Junior Secondary School. In 2017, he set up his own
studio, which he commercialized but used mostly himself.
Decked in a crisp white shirt paired with blue jeans and white low-top sneakers, Ninety gives us insight into how
he plans to leave a legacy.
How would you describe the kind of music that
you make?
I would describe my sound as Afro-Fusion. My
particular brand of Afro-Fusion is a combination of
R n B and Soul, with that familiar Afro “riddim” we
all love. But this description is if we’re talking
genres. I just make the kind of music that touches
on personal experiences, and seeks to elevate the
spirit; Silky, relatable vibrations. I think that’s a good
way to describe the kind of music I make.
Where do you find inspiration?
Music! That’s what inspires me. I don’t know if
that answers your question but for me, listening to
music takes me to a different world. The melodies,
the lyrics, the production etc. it’s all so beautiful to
me, and it inspires me to create my own music, to
add to everything that’s out there. The feeling I get
from experiencing music is unmatched, I can’t
describe it, and I believe that’s why it’s so
therapeutic for me. It’s actually funny because, my
friends always tease me about how I carry around
my huge headphones to listen to music but to me,
it’s what takes me to my happy place.
What motivates you to create?
New experiences motivate me to create. Music
is how I naturally express myself, so, whenever I
experience something new, whether it’s a place, a
feeling, a person, or a relationship, my natural
instinct is to tell people about it through lyrics and
rhythm. I am quite an introverted person, so,
making myself and my issues the center of
attention is still a bit odd to me (laughs). But, when I
turn all that into music, it’s easier for me to express
myself and connect with people.
How do you define success as an artist?
For me, success is when people I don’t know
start looking forward to my next drop. That’s when
an artist is a true gem. Having friends and family
support me means a lot but, they know me already.
They’ve seen my highs and lows, wins and losses, and
they have invested time and effort into my life; so, they
are naturally genuinely excited about what I create. But
when total strangers are sending me messages, asking
when my next song is coming out, or where my next
performance is, it really warms my heart and drives me
to do even more.
Does your art help you in other areas of your life?
Most definitely. It has helped me express myself. It’s
very restorative for me and it creates the space I need
to dig deep and process my thoughts and feelings. I
don’t have to bottle things up or hold on to them
anymore because, my art helps me let go. It also helps
me with building relationships with people. Artists need
one another, especially in Nigeria where we need all
the support and resources we can get. I’ve made a lot
of friendships from studio sessions, jam sessions,
backstage at performances, things like that. It’s made
my life much fuller than I would have imagined.
What’s the purpose or goal of your work?
I create music so I can be remembered. I want to
leave something in this world for generations after me
to listen to. I really think there is nothing new under the
sun; so, the emotions and experiences we are going
through today, will still be relatable to people decades
from now, especially if it’s coming from a genuine
place. This music I make is part of my legacy, so I want
people to grow up listening to it just like I grew up
listening to great artistes. My work is bigger than me,
and I want people to always know that I make music for
the bigger picture, not for trends or social media fame.
How does your music relate to societal issues?
I make music from the youth’s point of view. In
Nigeria, people are going through so many different
things. We all have to deal with personal issues with
our family and relationships, then we have career
issues, school issues, rent etc. Then, there are
problems specific to Nigeria like, bad governance,
violence, unemployment, lack of basic amenities and
infrastructure, the list is long. I infuse all of that in my
music because, that’s just the reality I live in, and it’s
relatable to so many young people in Nigeria. At the
same time, I want my music to provide a sort of escape
because problem no dey finish. We have to have an
outlet to enjoy and de-stress.
How do you navigate the music industry?
I keep an open mind, and I try to learn as much as
possible. I have been blessed to have worked with, and
still, work with some of the most talented and creative
artists and music professionals in the country. So, I try
to make sure that I keep my ears and eyes glued to
what they are doing and really digest the advice they
give. It’s a learning curve for me, but I’ve enjoyed every
step.
Which art trends inspire your current work?
I can’t think of any. I don’t usually get inspired by
trends or what other people are currently doing. I just
do my own thing and stay true to myself.
How has your style changed over time?
I started by doing rap, trap, and a bit of soul. Over
time, it has morphed into more of an Afro sound with
hints of Soul and RnB. I haven’t revisited rapping or
trap music in a long time but who knows what’s to
come next (laughs). I think it’s an artiste’s job to evolve,
though. So, I am excited to hear what my sound would
be like in a couple of years.
What are your favourite and least favourite parts of
doing music?
My favourite part is the creative process itself.
There is a certain magic about having an idea turn into
a beat, then lyrics, and then turn into a full song. I’m in
the studio a lot, so it’s a very comfortable place for me
and once I am comfortable, the ideas just flow. For my
least favourite part, I don’t have one. I love every part
of it. Even the parts that force me to become more
extroverted than I normally would be.
4 / July 3, 2022