OTAD: The New Voice of Beninese R&B in Île-de-France
I first discovered her on Instagram and was immediately drawn to her musical style, being a huge R&B fan myself. I was even more impressed when I found out she was Beninese, like me. We already had two things in common, so it felt natural to want to learn more about her journey.
“I started with song covers and even had another stage name, but I didn’t really identify with it anymore”
Hi OTAD, how are you? It’s such a pleasure to have you.
Hi Ilénia! I’m doing well, thank you, I hope you are too. The pleasure is all mine!
For those discovering your world, could you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your artistic journey?
I’m OTAD, a Beninese R&B artist based in Île-de-France (France). I blend different styles to create a musical universe that’s truly mine. I started with song covers, and even had another stage name, but I didn’t really identify myself with, anymore. So, I’ve decided to change it and have a name I can relate to, and create music that reflects what I love, rather than what others suggest.
Can you tell us how your love for music began and what pushed you to make it such an essential part of your life?
My love for music began with anime openings, before shifting toward French songs, especially with Taloula and the Génération Goldman artists during my school years. In high school, I discovered and embraced the vibe of American music, particularly R&B, soul, and blues. Passionate since forever, I’ve been seriously dedicated to music for about five years now. It all started after meeting a group of young artists around Lille Europe metro station. I found the inspiration to fully dive into this adventure.
“I want people to think, “Oh, I’ve been through that too,” or “I know that feeling,” or “I get what she’s talking about.”
Was there a specific moment when you had that click, that realization of “This is what I want to do with my life: make music”?
Yes, it was through covers by the artist Kiana Ledé that I truly realized the impact music could have on someone. For me, her covers had an almost healing effect; I couldn’t quite explain it. It was a click, just as you said. I told myself that I wanted my voice to be heard and to one day have that same kind of effect on at least one person.
If you had to describe your music in your own words, how would you define it? What kind of atmosphere or feeling do you want to convey through your songs?
Right now, I would describe my music as sincere, evolving, and introspective, because the subjects I explore are things most people experience: love, heartbreak, and moments of self-doubt. Through my songs, I want people to feel less alone, understood, and soothed, and maybe even find some answers within themselves. I want people to think, “Oh, I’ve been through that too,” or “I know that feeling,” or “I get what she’s talking about.”
Your art seems to carry a strong intention, especially as you explore love in all its forms: romantic, spiritual, and even self-love. What do you really want to convey to your audience through this exploration of human emotions?
I think I focus on love because I believe it’s the most beautiful thing one can feel, and we shouldn’t forget to give it to ourselves just as we give it to others. God Himself is love. We are His children in the sense that we are His creations, and if we are made in His image and likeness, then love should be taken more seriously because it’s an integral part of who we are.
ChatGPT a dit :
If you could leave one thing for your audience, a message or a particular feeling through your music, what would it be?
At this stage of my journey, it would be: love one another as you love yourselves.
Thank you for this interview, OTAD.
Thank you, Ilénia! See you soon!
You can find OTAD on:
Xoxo 💋
Ilénia
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