Olanrewaju Ogunmefun, better known by his stage name Vector, has offered a rare glimpse into the unorthodox childhood that forged his rebellious spirit and fueled his ascent in the music industry. The 38-year-old lyricist, known for his sharp wit and socially conscious verses, attributes his unique perspective to parents who prioritized freedom and self-expression above all else.
“My parents were free,” Vector stated, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of nostalgia and pride. They didn’t just talk about freedom; they lived it and breathed it into every aspect of our family life. It wasn’t always easy, but it shaped me in ways I’m only now beginning to fully appreciate.”
Born in Lagos in 1984, Vector grew up in a household that defied the traditional Nigerian family structure. His father, a civil servant with a passion for literature, and his mother, a free-spirited artist, created an environment where questioning the status quo was not just allowed but encouraged.
“Most kids I knew were scared to speak up at home,” Vector recalled. “But in our house, dinner conversations were like mini-debates. My parents wanted to hear what we thought about everything – politics, religion, culture. Nothing was off-limits.”
This open dialogue extended beyond the confines of their home. Vector’s parents often took him and his siblings to art exhibitions, poetry readings, and political rallies, exposing them to a diverse range of ideas and experiences from an early age.
“I remember being at a pro-democracy rally when I was about nine,” the rapper said, chuckling at the memory. “My mom had me on her shoulders, and I was shouting slogans I barely understood. But the energy, the passion for change –that stuck with me.”
Vector’s father, an avid reader, filled their home with books from around the world. This literary oasis became a playground for young Olanrewaju’s imagination. Dad would challenge us to pick any book and find a line that spoke to us. Then we’d have to defend why we chose it. It was like a game, but looking back, he was teaching us critical thinking and the power of words.
This emphasis on intellectual curiosity and free expression came at a cost. Vector admits that his family was often viewed as “odd” by their more conservative neighbors. “We were the weird ones on the block,” he said with a hint of pride. The kids whose parents let them paint on the walls, who played loud jazz at odd hours, who didn’t go to church every Sunday.
The rapper’s eyes clouded briefly as he reflected on the challenges this unconventional upbringing presented. “Don’t get me wrong; it wasn’t all rosy. There were times I wished for a ‘normal’ family, especially when other kids would tease me. But my parents always encouraged us to embrace our uniqueness.”
This embrace of individuality extended to education. While Vector attended traditional schools, his parents supplemented his learning with home-based projects and real-world experiences. “Mom would have us create entire worlds out of cardboard boxes, then write stories about the characters who lived there. Dad would take us on ‘field trips’ to different parts of Lagos, challenging us to observe and report back like journalists.
These early exercises in creativity and critical observation laid the groundwork for Vector’s future as an artist. “When I started writing rhymes, it felt natural. I had been training my whole life to see the world differently and express those observations.
Vector’s journey into music wasn’t without its obstacles. His parents’ emphasis on freedom meant that he had to find his own path, without the safety net many of his peers enjoyed. “They supported my passion, but they also made it clear that I had to figure out how to make it work. There was no plan B, no fallback career waiting for me.”
This sink-or-swim approach fostered a resilience that has become a hallmark of Vector’s career. From his early days battling in Lagos hip-hop circles to his rise as one of Nigeria’s premier rap artists, he has faced numerous challenges head-on, armed with the confidence instilled by his upbringing.
Every time I’ve faced a setback, I hear my dad’s voice: ‘What’s the lesson here? How can you use this?'” Vector said, his voice taking on a tone of reverence. That mindset has been my secret weapon.”
The impact of Vector’s unconventional childhood is evident in his music. Known for lyrics that challenge societal norms and political structures, he credits his parents for nurturing his critical eye. “They taught me to question everything, to look beneath the surface. That’s why I can’t just make music that doesn’t say anything. Every track has to have a message, a purpose.”
This commitment to meaningful art has sometimes put Vector at odds with an industry that often prioritizes commercial success over substance. But true to the lessons of his youth, he has remained steadfast in his artistic vision.
My parents showed me that true freedom comes with responsibility,” he explained. “I’m free to make whatever music I want, but I choose to use that freedom to speak truth to power, to challenge my listeners to think deeper.”
As our interview wound down, Vector reflected on how his childhood has influenced his own approach to parenting. “I want to give my kids the same gift my parents gave me – the freedom to be themselves. But I also want to prepare them for a world that doesn’t always celebrate that freedom.”
In a music landscape often dominated by materialism and superficiality, Vector stands out as an artist of substance and depth. His story serves as a testament to the power of an upbringing that values freedom, creativity, and critical thinking.
My parents were free,” Vector reiterated, his voice filled with gratitude. “And in giving me that freedom, they gave me everything. My music, my message, my whole worldview – it all started with two people who dared to raise their kids differently.”
As he continues to push the boundaries of Nigerian hip-hop and challenge his audience to think critically about the world around them, Vector carries with him the indelible imprint of a childhood where freedom wasn’t just a concept, but a way of life. In doing so, he not only honors his parents’ legacy but also paves the way for a new generation of artists unafraid to break the mold and speak their truth.
