Young, aspirational, and with a steadfast faith in his artistry, Tar1Q shares the plans for his long awaited 4Keeps Festival Initiative and how he expresses his journey and passion for storytelling through music. With Okada Airlines,he completes the third part of his story—capturing double entendres and reflections on his growth and evolution. As he describes it, the project takes listeners on a journey from familiar routes to global destinations, each track revealing more of who Tar1Q really is, as well as glimpses into historical connections and personal experiences.
If you could choose to be born into a different timeline, which era would be your pick?
Give me a sec; I want to double-check when Albert Einstein was born. But if I had to choose, I’d say the 1870s—that period when so many groundbreaking inventions were coming up, right before the 1900s, which brought even more technological change. It was a time of evolution, just like now. Either that or sometime in the future, when AI and other major innovations are really taking off. Those are the two most intriguing eras for me.
Are there any TikTok sounds you’re currently obsessed with?
Oh, there are two! One is a song by my friend Molly, called Shake It to the Max. He sings, “came in with a baddie, of course,’ and it’s been stuck in my head since. And if I’m allowed to be a little narcissistic, my own song Bus Stop is one I can’t stop listening to. Also, Hausapiano is stuck in my head, mostly because my producer’s sister loves it, and now it’s just there on repeat.
How did you get into making music?
Initially, I loved memorizing song lyrics and would always to be known as the guy whose knew the latest tracks. That led to writing my own songs and performing. I wasn’t perfect—I’d get shy—but I loved performing and feeling that rush from the crowd’s response. Eventually, I started making my own music, and the whole process became fulfilling. Performing your own songs is even better because the emotions are real.
How has your childhood influenced the person you are today?
Oh, we are worlds apart the Tar1Q of today and who I was as a child, completely different. It’s been a journey! I was born in Benin City, then moved to Lagos, then Delta, then back to Lagos. There was never much stability, so I didn’t feel like I fit in anywhere until I got to Holy Child in Asaba, where I was finally ‘the cool guy’—even became the punctuality prefect! But really, it was moving so much and learning to adapt that helped me find myself. I stopped worrying about fitting in, left it to God, and worked on figuring what works for me.
What was it like being the new kid so often?
It was rough! I mean, I was just a baby when I first moved, so I don’t remember a lot from then. However, I remember later experiences in Lagos and Delta. Being ‘the new kid’ in school, was complex . It involved growing into your own personality and other hand everyone’s trying to figure out if you’ve got ‘rizz,’ and battling the social stereotypes. When I moved to Delta, I tried to make it work by going by the name ‘Santos’ to add some flair. In the end, each place forced me to adapt in different ways, and all that movement prepared me for the life I live now.
Tell me about the juxtaposition of your Ep title Okada Airlines. How did those two terms come together ?
laughs. Okada Airlines was a real airline back in the day in Benin City—my dad worked there as a station manager before moving to the U.S. He met my mom there, so without it, I wouldn’t be here! They met there courted and had me . The airline was owned by Sir Igbinedion, who also owns Igbinedion University, but it closed in the early 2000s. I was looking for a title that symbolized movement because change has been a constant in my life. The title “Walk With Me, Let’s Fly” was a contender, but it felt too long. Okada Airlines was perfect, especially after I made the first song, Living Soul. It felt very fitting for as the EP title. Plus, ‘Okada’ and Airlines itself alludes to journey and routes. Okada’s are a visual representation of familiar routes , while Airlines for global and international routes. The project reflects my journey, from familiar paths to new destinations, touching on love, family, and most importantly self-discovery.
What inspires your music?
My environment, my experiences, and the people around me. If it’s a love song, there’s someone who put a smile on my face; if it’s a heartbreak song, well, someone definitely served me ‘breakfast.’ I write about my brothers, my friends, hustle, good life—all of it reflects my real life. Everything in my music connects back to what I feel and those around me.
Any collaborations you’re looking forward to?
plenty! I’m meticulous with my time and effort and often get so deep into my own music that I don’t always reach out. But there are definitely artists I’d love to work with—Kanye, Post Malone, Tems, and I’m a big fan of Zerrydl and Ruger. Fingers crossed.
You have a distinct style. What’s one wardrobe essential you’d recommend to everyone?
An animal skin belt! That’s why I cut my shirts and wear half-length tops—I want everyone to see it. The animal skin belt just adds a unique touch to everything.
If you could collaborate with any brand on an animal skin belt collection, who would it be?
Definitely Puma. I feel like we’d make something bold and original.
Where do you see yourself in the next four years?
By God’s grace, my music will reach its full potential, touching people and helping them feel understood. Most importantly the 4 Keeps Festival initiative is dear to me . I have always had a dream for avenues for young people to express themselves freely without restrictions or holding back any part of them. I want them to come forget about their worries have fun. The color coordination will be monochrome outfits strictly for entry. I also hope to 4Keeps Festival global, creating a day where young people can express themselves, come together, and just have fun. Hopefully, I’ll have a couple of Grammys, and maybe even found love by then. But the festival is very important for me and I will be kicking off the first leg this year,also the music, and pushing Afrobeat to new heights—that’s the mission.
Your fans seem really connected to you—what’s the most memorable comment you’ve read?
Two comes to mind. Someone shared a screenshot showing they’d listened to my song over 400 times. I don’t think even I listened to it that much! Another said my music was helping them through a hard time, which meant a lot. And there are so many others—a fan from Seychelles who checks in on me weekly to checkin on my well being, a mom from Austria who posted her baby dancing to Bus Stop. She said her baby loves the song . Another and this I get quite frequently but someone told me they had been going through a lot and my song got her through it. The way my fans connect with my music and it used as a medium to get people through tough times means the world to me.
Which shows have been memorable, and what future stages are you looking forward to?
I never would have thought that I would be loved so much the way I was in LASU.
LASU was big—people showed up even though school wasn’t in session. It was crazy seeing people come from their houses just so they could get to see me perform. I love performing and I really hope to take 4Keeps Festival global and headline many more stages. The information for the first leg of the 4Keeps Festival is out and I can’t wait to see you and every one of fans there , come out let’s have fun . It’s exciting to think about what’s ahead.
Speaking with Tariq was a bundle of inspiration mixed with enlightenment — from learning about Okada Airlines to his journey of self-discovery and transformation into the man he is today. His music stands out, deeply rooted in his personal beliefs and bold references to God. As a young artist and fashion enthusiast, he represents a continued hope for the Nigerian music industry, carrying forward a culture of excellence.
Listen to Okada Airlines here
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