Okeowo Oladotun Alani, better known as ‘DOTTi the Deity’, grew up in Ibadan where he started honing his musical skills. He later proceeded to study music at The Polytechnic Ibadan. After featuring on various musical reality shows, he won the MTN Yell’o Star competition in 2020 and since then, has become a household name with his unique blend of music. In a recent chat with ROTIMI IGE, he speaks about his journey in music and future projects.
Tell us about the personality ‘DOTTi the Deity’, what inspired the name? Is there a story to it?
Well, there is a story to it. I’ll give you a short version. DOTTi is a spin-off my government name, Oladotun. A couple of years back, some of my friends and earliest fan base started calling me ‘Oosha’ because I was making music that reminded them of their culture and heritage, particularly as a ‘Yoruba’ person(s). I couldn’t shake it off, so I embraced it. I chose the English translation of ‘Oosha’ for the section of people that don’t speak Yoruba.
Would you say there were any peculiar moments in your career that helped you to keep pushing and getting better at your craft?
On the journey of ‘becoming’, there have been a couple events that challenged my resilience and pushed me to be better. At this very moment, I can point to some of the music competitions that I participated in. I always had to ask myself why I should be in the game one week longer than any of my fellow contestants. It led me to always shining my light in a different way that is undeniably unique.
You seem to be very passionate about telling beautiful and rich Nigerian love stories; Are your stories your reality?
First off, I believe that I am a vessel. It’s really not about me, these stories are being told through me. I am passionate about telling authentic Nigerian stories that echoes our realities as a people. They are definitely not limited love stories.
Your music tells passionate stories that stir up a person’s cultural side and make them picture love as such a soothing experience. What is your creative process like? Where would you say you draw your inspiration?
I live in a real world and then I try to document with the most striking words and melodies of the things that I have seen. It could be about events, people or myself. It varies really.
Your last album was said to be a masterpiece and was featured in several top 20 album listings for 2024. What approach should we be anticipating for your next set of projects? What is about to change?
It’s a good feeling to know that my work is being recognised and appreciated. It means the I have been able to strike a chord in their hearts. Nevertheless, my approach is not about making these listings. It’s more about continuing to make people feel something in moments. I have been doing this and it’s not about to change. I am currently exploring several ways to give this experience to everyone that gives their listening ears to the work I create.
What promises are you making to your fans and prospective fans especially now after signing with Sony Music Publishing and all the activities that are lined up for you this year?
Authenticity. I’m about giving sonic experiences that are like time stamps. You can always refer to that moment in the time of your life when you heard my song for the first time. Either on a record, in a film or at our live shows. I am really about experiences.
You speak a lot on what being a struggling artiste feels/looks like and amidst the steady growth of your career, you’ve maintained that you still have your struggles What does reaching the top look like to DOTTi The Deity?
Impact! How many lives have been impacted by the existence and the life work of DOTTi The Deity.
You’ve reached a good point in your career that many of your peers keep dreaming of, and we can see that you have even bigger goals now. What fuels your passion and growth?
My love and strive for excellence and culture definitely fuels my passion and growth.
You’re currently on a run of releasing one body of work yearly. The year just kicked off. Should the fans expect something major this year also?
For sure. In a couple days, I’m taking time away to Cotonou with my producer to work on a couple projects we have at hand. So, keep your eyes peeled.
Your debut album, ‘Madam dearest’ had feature appearances from mainstream artistes like Reminisce and Falz. What collaborations should we look forward next? Anything in the pipeline?
Well….yes. There are definitely a couple collaborations in the works and definitely more to come. I guess we’ll have to wait and see what the year brings our way.
What would you say you’re most proud of throughout your artistic journey?
I don’t know about a moment I am most proud cos there a lot of moments. But recently, somewhere in Dolphin Estate, I was taking a stroll. A woman saw me, she just burst into a song. A song of mine. I was very proud of myself in that moment.
Would be so kind enough as to tell us five fun facts about DOTTi that we will never see on the internet?
One is that I still sing in my church choir. Two is that, any form of rice, bring it. I’ll help you eat it.
Three is that I used to work in advertising. As a matter of fact, I still do. Four is that I love playing any form of football game except kicking the real thing. Five, I soon hope to start working with clay and become a potter.
If you were Igbo, what do you think your native name would be? It could even be a title…
I think it would be ‘Osi Mirin Atata’. I’m not sure of the spelling but it translates to a river that never runs dry.
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