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My dad was a tailor, I was a mechanic—Singer, Khaid
Budding Nigerian artist Sulaimon Shekoni Solomon, known as Khaid, has shared insights into his upbringing. The Headies-nominated singer recounted growing up in a family of 10, including his parents and eight siblings. His father worked as a tailor, and his mother had roles as both a teacher and a hairstylist.
Khaid revealed that he did not pursue higher education after completing high school, citing a fear of writing the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination.
Instead, he delved into various hustles, working in occupations such as a mechanic, painter, and barber while pursuing his music career.
Khaid said, “I grew up in a family of eight kids. My dad was a tailor and my mum was a teacher as well as a hairstylist. I grew up in the Ojo area of Lagos State. My primary and secondary education was at Ola Greater Tomorrow School, Ojo. I started singing when I was in secondary school after which I dabbled in different street hustles. I was once a mechanic, painter and a barber.
I was influenced to do music from a very young age because my parents were music lovers. My dad loved fuji music and my mum listened to Michael Jackson. From constantly listening to Michael Jackson, I got exposed to more foreign music. That was where my love for trap music grew and I started making trap songs.”
“I was still a mechanic then when Sydney Talker sent me a message on Instagram. When I saw that he followed me and ‘liked’ some of my posts, I thought it was a fake account.
So, I did not bother to check it out. When I eventually checked it, I wanted to send him a message to thank him for following me. But I realised he already texted me. We kept talking until one day, I just told him I was in Lagos Island and asked if I could come see him. I went to his house and I came up with about six songs. After a freestyle session, I later got signed and we did the paperwork.”
Speaking on completing his education, Khaid said, “I still have plans to go to university. Immediately after I left secondary school, I did not want to go to university because I was scared of writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. Also, I was a mechanic at the time up until I got signed to a record label.”