A musician is hoping that his music can improve people’s lives with its positive message.
Fortune Esosa Otakponmwen, of Brighton Hill, makes Afro-Beats and pop music which he releases on streaming platforms under the pseudonym DasAroco.
Fortune said he writes songs that encourage positivity.
Although the musician now lives in Basingstoke, he has stated that his 'heart is still in Reading'. His family currently resides in the Berkshire town.
He said: “It’s an inspirational type of music. My songs promote love, respect and being focussed on your life and what you want. It’s suitable for all ages, all types of people.”
Fortune has a large social media presence, with his top songs receiving more than 10,000 listens on Spotify. Most of his listeners are based in Nigeria, where Fortune grew up, and other African countries. With his latest song, Japa-Ejekalo, Fortune hopes he can reach listeners here in the UK as well.
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“It’s a song for everyone, not just Nigerians,” he said. The lyrics speak of following your own path to success, even when those around you aren’t as motivated. Fortune released a music video to accompany the song last week.
When he’s not making music, Fortune works as an IT professional in London, but prefers Basingstoke for its sense of community and creativity. He moved to the town from Reading in 2017.
Many of his songs like God Bless and About Time centre around Fortune’s Christian faith. He attends Praise Embassy Church in Lennox Road.
He said: “We play football and stuff together, but no one there really knows that I make music. I think they’d be really shocked to find out, it’s only really my family and friends that know about it.”
Fortune has yet to play a gig in Basingstoke, but is keen to do so once he has built up a local following.
You can listen to his music here: https://open.spotify.com/track/0TZCcmW6EmREmNVIa7Gtbf?si=AGWsnFazQGOQo41Suuv-Gw&nd=1&dlsi=277796d04239457f
- This article was written by Flora Symington
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