Weird MC (born Adesola Adesimbo Idowu) is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter, and producer. Known for her catchy English/Yoruba lyrics, androgynous appearance, and rumoured sexuality, Weird MC - also known as Shola Idowu and The Rappatainer - is one of Africa's token number of female rap artistes, and one of the few Nigerian women associated with Afrobeat.
Early life
Idowu, whose parents are from Ogun State, was born in England to conservative parents who did not encourage her to go into showbusiness, yet she was not discouraged. She had her secondary school education in Nigeria, where she made friends with four other girls, with whom she formed the hip-hop group Weirdos. Despite their popularity on the campus circuit, they failed to land a record deal, and soon disbanded.
Music career
Idowu gained admission into Ogun State University to study Law, but left a year later to focus on her music career. Influenced by Fela Kuti, Lauryn Hill, Da Roots, Miriam Makeba, Queen Latifah and Jimi Hendrix, Idowu travelled back to England where she competed in rap contests in London, including Club 291 contest, similar to America's Apollo, in which she came third. After working with music producer Kevin Best for two months, Idowu released the single Wanna Make You Jack/Let's Get Wet, which received positive reviews from music critics; it was also number one in the Choice FM charts. By now, Idowu had began to use the name by which she is now known - Weird MC, which was coined from the name of her former group
