“I was a mechanic” – Khaid opens up about early struggles

Khaid, the Nigerian artist whose real name is Sulaimon Shekoni Solomon, recently reminisced about his childhood struggles.

He shared that his father was a tailor while his mother worked as a hairstylist. Growing up in a family of ten, including his parents and eight siblings, Khaid faced various challenges.

He revealed that he did not complete his education because, upon graduating from high school, he was afraid to take the JAMB exam and therefore did not pursue further studies in university.

Following his high school days, Khaid embarked on a journey of hustling. He worked in various jobs such as a mechanic, painter, and barber, in order to make ends meet.

Despite these obstacles, Khaid’s talent and hard work have earned him a nomination for The Headies, an esteemed award in the music industry.

Khaid’s journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a recognized artist serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing the resilience and determination necessary to overcome difficulties and pursue one’s dreams.

Khaid said; “I grew up in a family of eight kids. My dad was a tailor and my mum was a teacher as well as a hairstylist. I grew up in the Ojo area of Lagos State.”

“My primary and secondary education was at Ola Greater Tomorrow School, Ojo. I started singing when I was in secondary school after which I dabbled in different street hustles. I was once a mechanic, a painter,, and barber.

“I was influenced to do music from a very young age because my parents were music lovers.”

“My dad loved fuji music and my mom listened to Michael Jackson. By constantly listening to Michael Jackson, I got exposed to more foreign music. That was where my love for trap music grew and I started making trap songs.”

“I was still a mechanic when Sydney Talker sent me a message on Instagram. When I saw that he followed me and ‘liked’ some of my posts, I thought it was a fake account.

“So, I did not bother to check it out. When I eventually checked it, I wanted to send him a message to thank him for following me. But I realized he already texted me.”

“We kept talking until one day, I just told him I was in Lagos Island and asked if I could come see him. I went to his house and I came up with about six songs. After a freestyle session, I later got signed and we did the paperwork.”

Speaking on completing his education, Khaid said; “I still have plans to go to university. Immediately after I left secondary school, I did not want to go to university because I was scared of writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. Also, I was a mechanic at the time up until I got signed to a record label.”