Hard times in Africa inspired my song ‘Obosso’-GillyT

Cameroonian rapper, Gilbert Takoeta, popularly known as GillyT recently dropped another single titled “Obosso”; meaning progressing and maintaining a focus.

The song is a brilliant motivational release, which is one of the best projects of the rapper who started writing and recording songs when he was a teenager.

After obtaining a BSc. Degree in Environmental Science from the University of Buea Cameroon, he moved to the United States of America where he obtained another degree in Process Engineering. He is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Petroleum Engineering and serving in the US military.

Read excerpts of GillyT interview with Vanguard below: How did you come about the stage name GillyT?

I have been called Gilly by friends and family from my childhood because it is the short form of my first name “Gilbert”, so I decided to go by the name and added the initial of my last name to it.

How long have you been doing music and what inspired your new song “Obosso”?

I’ve been writing and recording songs since in my early teenage age but decided to make music a career years ago. I grew up among friends who worked really hard to better their lives, I also thought of a lot of challenges young men face back in Africa and Obosso meaning “forward ever” in Douala (Cameroon) language came to mind as a word of encouragement to others.

How do you combine doing your masters in petroleum engineering, serving in the U.S military and doing music?

Saying its easy will be a lie. It takes a lot of discipline and hard work to cope with the kind of busy schedule I have, not to talk of taking out time to compose and record songs. Fortunately, I have a very strong and understanding support team who understand my schedule and work with me to enable me balance and achieve goal accomplishments. What’s the acceptance of your music like in your home country Cameroon?

My music is still in the penetration level in my country, and from the echoes, I am getting positive vibes.

Who are your role model in the industry in Africa & internationally?

I don’t really restrict artists to continents and country, but on an artist basis. All I like is good music, it doesn’t matter what part in the world its coming from. I grew up listening to Tupac and Rakim but I was in Africa. Any artist who makes good music is a role model to me.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Future is unpredictable, but always good to plan for. I think I’ll have the title DR. added to my name with a lot of good songs put out there to the world. What do you do to unwind? I hit the gym, play soccer and swim. I never cheat my weekend nights too, (laughs).

Are you in a relationship, married or single. Tell us how you cope with female fans?.

Huhh… good question but I like keeping my private life separate from my public life. I do treat every fan with much respect and love, and with that attitude, I get to stay very professional with female fans.

When should we expect an album from you?

Probably by this year ending or early 2017. I am working on it.

What’s next after your “Obosso” Campaign?

I have a couple of projects I’m working on and will not be letting the cat out the bag at this time.