Alternative / Neo Soul / Soft Rock Singer - Kafayat Quadri

Isn't it funny how you think you know someone so well, but you later find out that you just knew a "little bit" about the person? I  am saying this because of my friend, Kafayat. 

We were in secondary school together (no, I am not claiming friendship ooo) although she was a year my senior. Back then we categorized ourselves by our classes not our age, so even if you were like 19 and you were just a year above me in class and I was 14, yes, you were just "a year my senior". lol. 

Well, she played at a music concert we had in School, it was Redemption Song by Bob Marley and I remember wondering  how she learnt how to play one, and if I could ask her to teach me. I even went up to her one day, but didn't have the nerve to ask her. Gosh, I used to be so timid back then.

Anyway, after I left Saggy, I hardly kept in touch with anyone. (Maybe because I was shy, I really do not know, or do not want to know). It took another 8 or maybe 9 years before I stumbled upon Kafayat again. We happened to be neighbors (Everybody who lives on your street and the next street is a neighbor) in the same Estate. We got talking and she used to come visit me and my sisters. We exchanged information about ourselves, what we had done since leaving Saggy, where we worked, and all that normal stuff. In between she said "I also Sing" but being a doubting Thomas, I probably thought, "yeah, me too" and got rid of the information.

Until I read an article about her.

Then it hit me that she wasn't joking after all.

Here's a brief on her:

Kafayat Quadri was introduced to the Guitar at 6 years by her dad, a Land surveyor, who also taught her how to play a mouth organ. (He played tunes from famous musicians as well as used the talking drum).

She officially started playing the guitar at age 13, and her very fist performance was at FGGC Sagamu in 1996 at the school's Annual Musical Concert.

See what some people have to say about Kafayat:

“The Ultimate Face -Off’ . . . under the auspices of Wole Oguntokun’s Theatre@Terra . . . . It seemed only proper that the opening song was Kafayat Quadri’s ‘Asiko Tito’, a song on forgiveness.”

Ireyimika Oyegbami - 234NEXT

“Quadri is already becoming with her deviant attire and music that gives throwbacks to Tracy Chapman. For those who follow her performances at Theatre at Terra you would attest to her moving voice fitted over diverse themes and the notes from her guitar.”

Nigerian Entertainment Today - MUSON Jazz Festival 2009

“Kafayat Quadri is gaining the attention of Nigerian social media lovers. Listening to her grooves, I found myself nodding my head in approval. It is always great to see young people who are willing to stretch their wings, check out/learn and use alternative forms of music expressions rather than the regular over used ones. Her voice is simply great. Two thumbs up!”

Pamela Stitch - The Pamela Stitch Webazine

“Kafayat Quadri rawks! Her voice goes through a room, straight to you. ”

Temitayo Olofinula - Independent Writer

 Please visit her page for more - http://www.reverbnation.com/kafayatquadri

Way to go kafayat, I hope you also get to see this blog post!