Boxing is my life – Small Doctor

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Popular singer, Temitope Adekunle, aka Small Doctor, speaks on how he started his career, his love for boxing, football, Lionel Messi and more in this interview with PETER AKINBO.

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How was growing up like for you?

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I was born in Kaduna, but I was brought to Lagos at a tender age. I lived at Dopemu, Lagos, and attended primary and secondary schools at Agege. Growing up was not really rosy for me.

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Did you always like sports from childhood?

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Yes, of course. You can even describe me as a sportsman. If it is boxing or football, count me in.

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Which of these would you say you’re most passionate about?

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It’s boxing. Everyone knows I love boxing. Boxing is my life the same way football is some people’s life, ànd basketball is for other people; boxing is mine. I am boxing.

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In football, what is your favourite team?

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I don’t follow football às much às boxing, but Barcelona all the way.

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Who is your GOAT in sports?

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Of course it’s thé in-built speaker. Lionel Messi. Some people will be hating, but Lionel Messi is the GOAT.

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And who are your favourites outside football?

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For boxing, Mike Tyson is my favourite sportsman of all time. In Africa, Quadri Aruna, the table tennis player às my favourite. I love him so much, and he has gone far and beyond for Nigeria and Africa às a whole.

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What inspires you to be so involved in sports?

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I have always been part of sports ànd till today, I participate in sports ànd sporting events because it helps to bridge the gap between me and the fans. It’s something I always want to be a part of ànd thankfully, I get these opportunities to be connected to my people.

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You always say ‘Omo Iya teacher (son of a teacher)’ in your songs; is your mum a teacher?

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Yes, she is a teacher. She owns a school.

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Was it hard to get parents to support you in music?

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I wanted to become an aeronautic engineer when I was a kid, and my parents supported my ambition. But what I am doing now has been ordained by God, and no one can do anything about it. Good parents do not decide for their children; they would only support them in whatever they do as long as they are on the right path. My sister is a very learned person, and she holds a high position where she works, but we must not all follow the same path.

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What were your early experiences in the music industry?

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It was tough when I started, and I know it is never easy for musicians at the beginning, except for those who are from wealthy homes. I was born into an average family, and there are some things you have to do on your own. However, I will always appreciate Pennywise, the producer who recorded my first song almost free of charge. He really believed in me. I also had to do a lot of petty jobs to pay for studio sessions back then.

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How did the name Small Doctor come about?

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It was given to me by my elder brother. While growing up, there was a TV series I loved so much titled ‘Dr. Who.’ Many times, I would forgo other things to watch it, so one day my brother said, since I love Dr Who so much and I have a small stature, he would start calling me Doctor Small. Later on, I changed it to Small Doctor, because it sounds better and fans are able to relate to it.

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Which audience is your music targeted at?

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My music is made for the streets. If I tell them anything, they believe me, and I believe them as well.

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Some people also feel you do more freestyle in your songs without passing any message; do you agree with that?

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I have never written songs. I just go into the studio and say it as it comes. None of my hit songs was written. Artists that I have worked with like Don Jazzy and Olamide know I don’t write lyrics, and I don’t think they have a problem with that. Anyone who says my songs do not pass messages should reflect on them again, and they will realise that there are messages in my songs.

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Some of those messages are passed with street slang, and by telling stories. Commercial music is trending in Nigeria now, and everyone wants food on their table; you just have to make it unique.

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What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learnt in the entertainment industry?

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I have learnt to be myself at all times.

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