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Gbeminiyi Ogunleye
1 month ago
Overview
MikeAremu: Milestones of A Middle-age Legend
There are few artists whose journey is as intricately woven with the essence of their craft as Mike Aremu. With a saxophone in hand, his life has been an odyssey of discovery, resilience, and evolution. As he approaches the milestone of 50, Aremu in a chat with AdedayoAdejobi, reflects on a life defined by the pursuit of both artistic and personal growth
“My music chose me; it continues to echo in every note, every concert, and every breath of life I take,” Mike Aremu began as we settled down for a chat. We were in his expansive living room where Aremu, a seasoned artist whose career has seen crescendos of highs and valleys of lows, reflected on a life lived not in the pursuit of fame alone, but in the devotion to an art form that transcends language and culture.
“Music is the most consistent element of my life—I cannot imagine living without it,” he confided. “It is no longer a choice but a calling, woven seamlessly into the tapestry of my existence.”
Raised in Kaduna, Nigeria, Aremu’s musical story began long before the world took notice, shaped by years of experimenting with instruments and a deep, unshakable connection to his faith.
“My love for music was born in the diverse landscapes of northern Kaduna State and Niger State in Nigeria,” he said. “There, in the quiet alleys and bustling streets, I found myself surrounded by a myriad of instruments. My childhood was marked by a curious pursuit, from the rhythmic tapping of local drums to the sharp tones of the trumpet. But it was the saxophone that captured my heart, not through the conventional route, but through a series of serendipitous events. My first encounter with the saxophone was a bittersweet moment—I was told not to touch it. The instrument was an unattainable treasure, yet my desire never waned.”
