Boxing Means Everything to Me, Small Doctor

Temitope Adekunle, known as Small Doctor.

Famous singer, Temitope Adekunle, also known as Small Doctor, shares his journey in music, love for boxing, football, Lionel Messi and more in this chat with PETER AKINBO.

What was your childhood like?

I was born in Kaduna, but I moved to Lagos when I was young. I grew up in Dopemu, Lagos, and went to primary and secondary schools in Agege. My childhood was not easy at all.

Did you always enjoy sports as a child?

Yes, for sure. You can say I am a sports person. Whether it’s boxing or football, I am all in.

Which sport do you love the most?

It’s boxing. Everyone knows I am crazy about boxing. Boxing is my life, just like football is for some people and basketball for others; boxing is mine. I am boxing.

What football team do you support?

I don’t follow football as much as boxing, but I support Barcelona.

Who do you consider the greatest of all time in sports?

Without a doubt, it’s Lionel Messi. Some might disagree, but Messi is the GOAT.

Who are your favorites outside of football?

For boxing, Mike Tyson is my all-time favorite. In Africa, my favorite is Quadri Aruna, the table tennis player. I admire him a lot; he has done great things for Nigeria and Africa.

What drives your passion for sports?

I have always been involved in sports, and I still take part in sporting events. It helps me connect with my fans. I always want to be part of it, and luckily, I get the chance to connect with my people.

You often say ‘Omo Iya teacher’ in your songs; is your mother a teacher?

Yes, she is a teacher. She runs a school.

Did your parents support your music career?

As a kid, I wanted to be an aeronautic engineer, and my parents supported that dream. But what I do now is what God planned for me, and nobody can change that. Good parents support their children in what they choose, as long as they are on the right path. My sister is well-educated and holds a good job, but we don’t all have to follow the same path.

What were your early days like in the music industry?

It was tough at the beginning. I know it’s not easy for musicians starting out, especially for those who are not from rich families. I was born into an average family and had to work hard. I will always be grateful to Pennywise, the producer who recorded my first song almost for free. He really believed in me. I also had to do many small jobs to pay for studio time back then.

How did you get the name Small Doctor?

My elder brother gave me that name. I loved a TV show called ‘Dr. Who.’ I would skip other things just to watch it. One day, my brother said since I loved the show and I am small, he would call me Doctor Small. Later, I changed it to Small Doctor because it sounds better and fans can relate to it.

Who is your music aimed at?

My music is for the streets. When I tell them something, they believe me, and I believe in them too.

Some say you freestyle too much in your songs without a message; do you agree?

I have never written a song. I just go to the studio and say what comes to mind. None of my hit songs were written down. Artists like Don Jazzy and Olamide know I do not write lyrics, and they don’t have a problem with that. Anyone who thinks my songs lack messages should think again; they will see that there are messages in them.

Some of those messages come through street slang and storytelling. Commercial music is popular in Nigeria now, and everyone wants to feed their family; you just have to make it special.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the entertainment industry?

I have learned to always be myself.