“The passion I have for music is inherited from my late dad and elder brother” Ernalo
A Candid Conversation with the Rising Rap Star
For those who understands it, Afro-pop is more than rhythm. It is resistance, reality, and raw expression. And in Nigeria’s ever-evolving afro-pop landscape, a new voice is cutting through the noise with purpose and passion. That voice belongs to Ernalo a.k.a. Taiwo Olanrewaju Kasali, a rap artist whose lyrics aren’t just lines but lifelines drawn from real experiences, street wisdom, and deep cultural pulse. 
In this special sit-down with Khoemizona Babalola for Openletter, Ernalo pulls no punches. From his gritty beginnings to his lyrical philosophy, from his battle with stereotypes to his dreams of global stages, he tells it all with refreshing honesty and electrifying presence. If you’re a fan of afro-pop, authenticity, or simply stories that move, this interview will hit all the right notes.
Let’s meet you.
My name is Enarlo. I’m an artist and rapper. I love music and that’s why I’m pushing hard to be successful in music.
What’s the core of your rap?
As a Nigerian, I’ve listened to a couple of rappers and feel that there is a gap the majority of them haven’t filled, which is what I’m here to do. I’m not a western rapper, I’m a Nigerian rapper. I have a good command of my mother tongue and I can as well use it to rap fluently.
I rap in English Language to rap anyway. But there’s one unique thing about my style, I can bet it is different from every kind of rap you have listened to. I want everybody to be able to accept rap music. If you check right now, people tend to listen to singers more than rappers, so I am bridging that gap so that everybody will not mind listening to my songs.
So what is that unique thing you’re doing that is making your rap acceptable?
My flow is audible, clear and not “rap core” as you have in a lot of rap piece.
You sound so lettered unlike some regular rap artistes I’ve met. How schooled are you?
I am a graduate. I graduated from Unilag, University of Lgaos, where I studied Psychology in Education.
How long have you been doing music? What pushed you into music?
It’s a God-given talent and I’ve been into it since my childhood. I didn’t just decide to do music. I’ve found out that each and every time in my life, I find myself doing music. It has been a passion and I can’t stop. I decided to continue to push since it is obvious music chose me.
How did you discover that you have the talent to sing?
Actually, when I listened to a couple of musicians’ efforts in the past and present, I naturally sing along liking what they do. I got attracted to it so much that I got stuck and unconsciously started writing my own songs. On seeing that I’m progressing with it, the zeal to go ahead spurred and here we are.
How many singles have you done so far?
I have couples of singles. Infact, I have enough singles that can make up an album, although I haven’t released any album yet.
What image does your music portrays?
Right now, Afro-beat or afro-pop as some call it is in vogue, but the style I’m bringing in I haven’t actually given it a name. It’s an infusion of hip-hop, Fuji, Apala, and juju. It is more of the afro-pop fro me; when you listen to my songs, you will find out that there are elders’ touches in them.
When should we expect your album?
I will drop the album once the resources are available.
What are the challenges that you’re facing in your music career?
I should have dropped an album by now if not for funds and some other challenges.
How do you finance your music?
I run a small business from which I pay for my studio sessions. I’m a professional barber and I’ve been doing that for years even before I got admitted in the university.
Who are your influencers?
My father though never a professional singer, Pasuma, Idris Abdulkareem; I love 50 cents a lot too and recently Burna Boy.
Industry challenges that you think the government should look into?
I think the government isn’t doing enough for the entertainment industry generally, but surely they can assist in helping upcoming artists in getting recognition through airplays in particular. The expenses are just too high.
What’s the future like for you in music?
I’m seeing a big picture because I have some songs that can project me into the mainstream. I know very soon, everybody will know Enarlo. I have the capacity and I’m ready for it and.
What do you think can happen that will stop you from doing music?
Nothing! There’s nothing else I do better than music. If I had wanted to get a paid job, that I would have done with my certificate. I’ve tried other things, but the passion is just there. It is not financially-encouraging because I’m not making money from it right for now, but the courage to move on is as strong as ever. Your boy rugged!
Can you say in any way that your upbringing influenced your music?
I was raised in a family that loves music, so I can say that my upbringing influenced my music. My dad was a die-hard music lover, while my elder brother is passionate about music too. The passion I have for music is inherited from my late dad and elder brother. It is just me, it is in all my siblings just that I am the performer. Ernalo, The Voice, The Vibe, The Vision!
Ernalo is quite and interesting fellow, not your typical rapper. He is proudly African storyteller with a mic and a cultural messenger wrapped in rhythm. One thing stands tall concerning him, he is here not just to entertain, but to awaken and represent by adding his own chapter to the book of Nigerian entertainment industry.
At www.openletter.com.ng, we salute encourage either established or budding creatives who are unapologetically African like Ernalo. Kindly, share with your circle of influence.
