Interview - Judah Of 1LA

When you think rock music in Nigeria you think 1 LastAutograph. In just about a year this power band has stolen our hearts and there is no stopping them. For 1LA it’s been quite an experience, from their very first gig in June 2014 till now they just keep shaking the airwaves. They are sure bone fide rock stars with inspiration from bands like Nirvana, of mice and men, you can’t expect any less from these guys.

So when we got the opportunity to have a one on one chat with lead singer Judah we took it without much ado to get to learn more about him and his band.

Rockaz World: First. Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

Danjuma: Well… there really isn’t much.. Growing up wasn’t so bad. I grew up in Lagos. Did my Primary school days were here.... High school in Jos. Went to a music school afterwards for two years in Jos... Started hunting for a band after.

RW: Around what year would that be?

Dj: Left Lagos 2004 for High school... Finished 2010... Enrolled in a music that same year... Finished 2012... Came back to Lagos last year

RW: So that would mean basically 1LastAutograph started last year?

Dj: Yea... She did.

RW: You were in luck having met such a nice crew. Were you ever into solo before you met your band?

Dj: I was never... I have always wanted a band. It wasn't that easy though.

RW: So how did you guys meet?

Dj: Met with Jaywalker at Badagry. We also had our first drummer too there, that’s Tolu..

Later on met Sam after second metal & romance... Of which we changed our drummer to Mario...

Then met ray through a friend... Mario was down at that point. Although we currently don't have a stable guitarist.

RW: You would soon enough. What was the inspiration behind All or Nothing?

Dj: Whoa… it’s more like saying most of us being who we are... We were tired of down talks and those who didn't believe in what we did... We really don’t care and we are still going all out against the odds

RW: That’s quite inspiring.... People should look up to that. The world would be much better.

Dj: Yea definitely.

RW: Yea...  Which bands inspire u most?

Dj: Of mice and men, Nirvana, A day to remember, System of a down....

RW: Cool bands... Little wonder your growls are close to prefect.

Dj: (laughs) Wouldn't say they are close to perfect yet. Still need to work on them

RW: I know you still need to work on your growls. But it’s obvious your voice is great and it has really held everyone captive… One of its kind in Nigeria I must say….. Did u ever know you had such a great voice?

Dj: Never! I would say you're just pulling my legs right now. Always thought I had such terrible vocals, but really, what I do is just connect with my heart..

RW: To be honest when I first heard all or nothing, couldn't believe it was 100% Nigerian. You guys nailed it.

Dj: Thanks for being honest.

RW: You are welcome.. So what are your thoughts on upcoming Nigerian rock artists?

Dj: We still upcoming, I mean we are not there yet, just privileged but I would say they should keep up with the hard work, keep on hoping, keep on dreaming big, keep on believing in themselves even when no one does. They should embrace failure with open arms and try harder. And we can all make that noise together.

RW: Sounds so all or nothing.

Dj: Yea. I know.

RW: Ok. How would u describe your style?

Dj: It’s a blend of punk, post hardcore and grunge... but from our new materials yet to be released, we moving towards Metal.

RW: When should we be expecting an Album, Eps?

Dj: Soon enough.

RW: Why did you guys come up with 1LA for your band name?

Dj: 1LA is more like saying, if you knew you were gonna die the next second, what are those things you would want to be done, things you will pen down, wrongs you will correct etc... More like puts us on the edge between life and death and that which really matters is much clearer.

RW: Ok... Thanks. Mr. Dj. It was nice having you on RW. And we hope to see more of 1LA...

Dj: Anytime. There’s much more coming.. We ain’t going anywhere.