Illrymz, an aberration of ill rhymes—a slang for lyrical dexterity—was bestowed on Adebola, as he then was, at Kings College, Lagos, by his adoring peers. At the home of his Nigerian-Yoruba father and Persian mother—where he began modelling at age three—he is called Bardia. He signs off as Mr Olowu when faced with multi-million naira contracts to host and produce radio and television shows, VIP events, or to provide media content as the CEO of Contagious Collective. With over ten years of professional experience in media and entertainment, a Mass Communication degree from the University of Lagos, and a musical collaboration with three time Grammy Award nominee, Femi Kuti, the almost twenty-nine year old Bardia Adebola Olowu, famously known as Illrymz, is definitely a Boss.
In an interview with Amatesiro Dore, the Teacher Teacher hit-maker discussed his disregard for twentieth century education, career disappointments, improving finance, love ratings, non-existent scandals, and his secret Bucket List!

You developed and established a career in your chosen field before obtaining your first University degree, have your discovered the ideal path to success for this age?

Collectively, it’s been almost a decade since I made my foray into the media [industry]. Yes, I did focus on building alternate career paths within the media industry before taking on the journey of formal education. Most of our predecessors believe that certification is the only key to success; I’m proud to have broken that rule! Indeed an education is vital, but it’s only half the recipe. How do you measure success? Do you compare your achievements with that of your peers? Or do you measure it by the value that you place on your self? I’m still on a pilgrimage searching for success. Every time I feel I’ve attained it, I see a bigger goal, just in reach, and then the journey continues.

How much has time and chance played in your career development?

They say when the time is right, everything falls into place. This is true…to a degree. Fortunately for me, I’ve been blessed with a bundle of talents and the grace to unravel them at the right time. My career has developed in stages, with me taking on numerous roles: from being a Writer—to a Model—then an Editor, Radio Jingle Producer, Voice-Over Artiste, Recording Artist—to a TV & Radio Producer and Presenter, Event MC, and CEO of a Media Content Production Company. To answer your question, time and the faith to seize opportunities have played an all-to-important role in making me the man I am today.

As a Looks, Voice and Literary Artist, what are the financial realities of your profession?

Our industry isn’t standardized and the rates are quite poor. But I believe when WE—the consumers—start to request for quality and demand more from the media industry, rates would be more competitive. Talents, especially ON AIR Personalities, are left with the short end of the stick, 98% of the time. That is, don’t believe the hype…but that doesn’t mean I can’t buy you a meat pie or two sha! [Laughs]

As one of the most recognisable faces in Nigeria, how have you managed to live without scandals and controversies?

See the full interview on Vanguard Spark