Tèmítópé Fápanosìn, popularly known as themeitope fash (DESOXPROT), is a multidisciplinary artist from Iléşà, state of Oşun, Nigeria. In this Yetunde Ajanaku interview, he reflects on two defining performances that shape their musical journey and the message behind their last single, “Aládùn. It also talks about growth, vulnerability and remains faithful to their sound while encouraging young artists to adopt their singularity and trust God for direction.
Before music, in what path were you? When did you realize that this was your vocation?
Before music, it was art, and after the arts, it was music. So it's not just about music for me. I have always been an art enthusiast since my secondary school days as much as I have memory. From artistic drawing (I am not sure if I can still draw) until singing, acting, etc. Therefore, it is always known that there is a space for me in the arts and entertainment industry. Although I tried to venture in barbecue business after my first international trip as a commercial television model in 2014, but I failed.
Ìfẹẹ aládùn (sweet love) is such a moving title. What inspired the sound and the message behind this new version?
My previous single, titled “SínMíkár'elé (returns home with me)”, actually gave birth to “Fé aládùn (sweet love). I think my lovers felt that Sínmíkár'elé was a love song that is a bit limited to newly married couples or point of compromise. Then they requested a love song for the couples already married, especially the veterans in marriage. It is a way of expressing my reality and prophesying in the future for my marriage life, since I just married a few months ago.
You infused many Yoruba cultural elements in this project, from your outfit to the title. Was it intentional? What role does culture play in your art?
Yes, absolutely! It was intentional. My culture is my identity and my identity is my inheritance. I mean, I am a typical Yorùbá man, and I have no apologies about it. Expressing arts with cultural elements and discomfort makes me feel original and authentic. I do art (s) for me before anyone else and that I think art should be. If I can feel good about it, then it is worthy of broad acceptance and recognition compared to validations.
How does modern musical trends balances with the preservation of your unique style and message?
I think the modern term is relative when it comes to music. Trends are limited to times and stations because what is modern today could be traditional in the coming years. However, I intend to maintain a perennial leaf record with my art. Something that would survive even when I have gone. And I am about to achieve that through the music and praise of poetry.
It seems that you have a strong presence on the stage and a visual narrative, do you think the images are now as important as the sound in the current music industry?
Absolutely! I innovated an online poetry of Yorùbá (fashal evaluation sketch), an interpretation of spoken words that focuses on the interpretation, revelation and celebration of Yoruba's native names, not only because I feel that it is a divine vocation, but because the narrative is more effective and impressive when it has accompanied with visualities. So, in any form of artistic expressions, whether music or even fashion, sound is as important as images. They work hand in hand.
What would you say that it has been the most memorable moment in your musical career so far?
I have 2 memorable moments, the first time I performed an evaluation for the native name of Yoruba àjoké two years ago in one of my cured concerts where the audience got excited with my performance and led me to a purpose of purpose. My second moment was when I had to act in Emufest de Beautiful Nubia in 2024 and called me with other performance artists to introduce myself to the audience to obtain praise.
With “ìfẹẹ aládùn” what follows for themeitope fash after this launch?
Ìfé aládùn (sweet love) is a melody of love about intentionality in relationships or marriages.
Reaffirmation of marriage votes and the expression of deep affection through sound and words. With “Fé Aládùn, I hope to see that relationships prosper in genuine love and happiness. I hope you change the narrative about marriage in various perspectives. And I hope this calls the attention of people, brands or promoters towards my trade because there is still more to share.
What has the music industry taught you so far about patience, creativity or even failure?
So far, I have learned that no more significant races are found, they are consciously designed through consistency, the worker and resistance. For creativity, I learned to find my own expression to be original and authentic. I have learned that visibility opens by vulnerability, it is not a failure, it is proximity and it comes with a cost. The cost of impact is attention, the cost of care is pressure, while the cost of pressure is growth. I will continue to chase growth while the industry exists.
What advice would you give to the youngest talents that just begin and look at people like you?
The source of his gift and talent is God, connect with him. Spend more quiet time with God to obtain information and direction. Dare to be unique in your trade. There is a space for you and your own audience is waiting for you to go out. Give yourself in them and build your own empire. Adùn or o!
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