Ever heard that voice tag ‘cracker cracker cracker’ on one of your favorite tune? He is behind Mayorkun’s ‘Sope’, Slimcase’s ‘Azaman’, Fireboy DML’s ‘Jealous’ and more.
Ayodeji Olowu popularly known as Cracker Mallo, was born and brought up in Lagos state, Nigeria. He received his primary education at Havilah Crest Private School, after which he received his secondary education at Murtala Muhammed Airport School. Ayodeji acquired a B.Sc in Building from the University of Lagos.
Crack Mallo is a music producer, singer and a songwriter. His first full credit production was for D’BANJ‘s hit single ‘Issa Banger’ featuring Slimcase and Mr Real.
Other hits under the producer’s belt include Otunba Lamba’ by Slim Case, ‘Sope’ by Mayorkun, ‘Antidote’ by Mr Real and ‘Azaman’ by Slimcase featuring Perruzi, Larry Gaga, 2baba and Dj Neptune.
In 2019, Cracker produced the single ‘Jealous’ by Fireboy DML, before he met Olamide Badoo.
How long have you been doing music?
I have been producing music for seven years; I started making music September 2012.
What does music mean to you?
First of all, music is my hobby and it is a language. The kind of music I make depends on how I feel at the moment.
What drives you to do more?
Everyday I wake up, I think about where I’m coming from, what I have faced in life, my challenges when I started; how people didn’t believe in me, how I need to make my life and family better. I always look forward to make better sound that will live forever.
Challenges you faced as a music producer?
A lot, one is making music because now it’s not just a hubby but also a job. They are times I might not be in the mood but I have to do it. Aside that you have to move and make connections which is a regular thing everyone face.
How long does it take you to produce a song?
It depends on the mood and sounds, sometimes I could create music less than 30 minutes, sometimes 24 hours but there’s no single answer for that.
Do you play any instrument?
I play the konga; I don’t play the guitar or piano.
Do you see yourself as the best producer in Nigeria?
I see myself as the best producer in the world.
Who are your mentors in the music industry?
When it comes to the sound, I will say Sarz on the beat and Timberland. When I was learning how to produce I listen to their works a lot but when it comes to personality I will say Olamide because he knows how to encourage people.
Talking about Olamide, how did you guys connect?
I met Olamide through Fireboy after we did jealous. That was the connection between us.
If you were given the power to change something in the Nigeria music industry, what would it be?
It will be the fact that a lot of people aren’t straight forward, a lot of people just want to ripp other people off. If you work, you should get rewarded for it.
Words for people who want to go into music production?
My advice for anyone who wants to be a music producer, you have to really mean it because it’s not as fun as it looks and you need God to keep you pushing.
