Popular musician, GT the Guitar man, tells Ademola Olonilua about his style
When you started your career, you were fond of wearing hats, why did you stop?
Well back then, I was signed to a label and that was the image the label wanted to sell to the world and it worked. But change is the only constant thing in life. Now I am with a different team and we are constantly evolving the brand.
What informed your new look, wearing dreadlock?
The dreadlock was not planned. I have been spending a lot of time in the studio lately and hardly have the time to have a haircut. I would say that the hairdo came as a result of adjusting to my new lifestyle. Again, I find dreadlocks easy to maintain. Besides, people think it looks good on me, so I am still considering the look.
As a short person, how easy do you get clothes that are your size?
Well, I have a stylist who does my shopping for me. But then, I don’t find it difficult getting my stuffs as I know exactly what to go for.
Do you think there is a difference between style and fashion?
Yes there is; I think fashion is what is trending at the moment while style is individualistic. When you make a fashion error, you can give an excuse that it is your style but that doesn’t make it fashionable till the world agrees. So simply put, everyone has style but fashion is the generally accepted style.
What influences your style?
Well, I am generally a simple person, I just opt for something that’s colourful and fits. I am not a fan of too many accessories that shine and dangle on one’s body at all.
What is your fashion weakness?
Definitely colognes. When someone smells good, there is a way it draws you into any gathering. A good smell has an effect that makes you fall in love with someone you haven’t met.
What is that fashion item you cannot leave home without?
I never leave home without my guitar pendant. It was a gift from someone very dear; I don’t think it has left my neck for 24hrs in over four years. It is almost turning into my good luck charm.
What is the most expensive fashion item you own and how much did it cost?
I generally see things as a waste when they get too expensive especially when there are cheaper ones that can achieve the same purpose. I can’t buy a N2m wristwatch even if I have a ‘diamond well’ at the back of my house. But then, I bought a Patex Philippe wristwatch at a very ridiculous price and the funniest part is that I hardly wear it.
Are you a fan of bright colours?
Yes, I am a huge fan of bright colours. There is something about them that when you step into the room and you don’t just blend in, you are the main focus. I think it creates some subliminal response that makes heads turn.
What fashion item do you admire on a lady?
When it comes to ladies, there are a lot of things I love and admire. But I have a thing for ladies on high heels. Also, waist beads do some things that I can’t explain to me.
When shopping, what do you look out for?
A friend always comes along with me while shopping. He would be the one to suggest most items I should get. Aside that, I buy whatever catches my attention from jeans, shirts, sneakers, jackets. I also like African hand chains and beads.
What is your opinion on made in Nigeria brands?
I think Nigerian brands are doing great but the government needs to support the industry more. I think they have all it takes to compete internationally. There are a couple of them that I love, Rhobes is one of them, and they make all my jackets.
How often do you patronise made in Nigeria brands?
As often as I can, I am not particular about brands. If it looks good or serves the purpose and it is affordable, then I get it.
Has your acting career influenced your style?
Well somehow, there are times when you are made to play a character that is totally different from you and in the course of doing that, you are introduced to a lot of new traits that you can decide to imbibe or drop once the director says cut. But for me, my acting career actually takes a little of my attention compared to music.
What’s your take on tattoos?
I think it is cool if it is in the right places. I find a little tattoo on a lady’s inner thighs sexy and maybe someday I will like to have one on my neck. But I don’t have any yet. It is just not a priority at the moment but I have nothing against tattoos. When they are so many, it could be irritating and you begin to wonder if the person is a leopard with two legs.
What is the best fashion item gift you have got from a friend?
Well for me, I have received a lot of gifts from different people and they all are special. All gifts convey a simple message of ‘I care.’ But when someone gives something they don’t have in abundance, it can qualify as ‘best.’ Take for instance someone who has 10 cars and give you one, and someone who sacrificed his meal for you, the former is more expensive but I will appreciate the latter. That said, I don’t have a best gift.
When stepping out for an event, what do you bear in mind?
It depends on the event. Sometimes I dress to suit the event and other times, I can be a radical. I just try to look like an incredible handsome version of myself.
Share some common errors you see men make.
Well, there are quite a few. I find wearing socks in sandals laughable although I did it in secondary school. Another one is wearing oversized clothes.
What is the most embarrassing fashion error you have committed and would never forget about?
There was a day I was in a hurry and I didn’t realise I wore my shirt inside out. I found out on the red carpet.
While growing up, would you consider yourself as a fashionable kid?
No I wasn’t, even till now I don’t consider myself fashionable but my job requires me to always look good at all times. But when no one is watching, I am not.
Who would you say you took after, your father or your mother, in terms of fashion?
Both my parents were very fashionable.
Being a fashionable person, how often have you been hit on by women?
A lot; but I think that has more to do with my line of work than the fashion, because even when I am not looking my best fashion-wise, ladies still gush at my personality.
What are some hilarious pick-up lines you have heard from a lady?
I have heard a lot but the moment I hear ‘can you please teach me how to play the guitar.’ I know it is not going to end well. I run or if it is too tempting to resist, I call Jesus and ask for forgiveness.
How do you cope with lady fans?
Well, I love women a lot, so I don’t have difficulties coping with the attention. I try to draw the line but when I fall, be sure it is something worth falling for. Just imagine somebody like Halley Berry hitting on me. It must be a crime to say no and you know that’s the moment you call Jesus.
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