Tuface mentored me, shaped my career – Eddy Ratty

By Damilola Fatunmise

Endurance Osamede, popularly known by his stage name Eddy Ratty, is one of Nigeria’s fast-rising music talents. He is a protégé of the legendary Innocent Idibia, also known as Tuface and 2Baba. Eddy of Ratty is steadily carving a niche for himself in the nation’s vibrant music scene.

In this interview with Sunday Sun, the budding star opens up about his musical journey, the challenges he has faced, and his aspirations for the future.

Enjoy!

Can you tell us more about your background?

I was born and raised in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. My parents are from Benin City, and I spent my early years immersed in the rich cultural heritage of the region. In 2017, I relocated to Lagos to pursue my passion for music and expand my career opportunities. Since then, I’ve been actively involved in the Nigerian music scene, focusing on creating and performing Afrobeat music that resonates locally and internationally.

What prompted your stage name, Eddy Ratty?

The name “Eddy Ratty” is a fusion of my first name, “Eddy,” and “Ratty,” which reflects my energetic, bold, and authentic persona. It signifies my journey and individuality as an artiste, capturing the grit and creativity I bring to my music.

How long have you been singing?

I have been actively performing and producing music professionally since 2017, steadily building a diverse portfolio that resonates both locally and internationally.

How many singles, albums, or EPs have you released?

I have released multiple singles and notable projects, including the following albums: My Kind of Vibe (2022) – a breakthrough project distributed internationally via Freeme Music, showcasing my artistic range and collaborations with top producers like Rexxie; and Awakening, Badman Thing. My EP: Badman Thing (2023). Singles: Gbido (2024), My Strength (2024), My Only Lover, Sweetie Tomato, and others.

What’s your genre of music?

I primarily create Afrobeats, blending traditional Nigerian rhythms with contemporary sounds, producing music that is culturally rich and globally appealing.

What inspires you as a musician?

I draw inspiration from everyday life, personal experiences, and the vibrant culture of Nigeria. My music reflects themes of love, resilience, and celebration. Collaborations with artistes like Edem and producers such as Rexxie push me to innovate while staying true to my Nigerian roots. My goal is to create music that connects emotionally with listeners worldwide.

Who are the top music stars you look up to?

I admire artistes like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, who have successfully taken African music to global stages. I am also personally mentored by Innocent “2Baba” Idibia, one of Africa’s most influential musicians. His guidance has been invaluable in shaping my career, artistic direction, and professional discipline. Their achievements inspire me to pursue international reach while staying true to my Nigerian roots.

Who are those you want to collaborate with and why?

I aspire to collaborate with a range of talented artists who inspire me and whose styles complement my own. These include 2Baba, Rema, Wizkid, Davido, Olamide, Burna Boy, Shallipopi, and other emerging and established musicians. Collaborating with them will allow me to experiment with diverse musical styles, expand my audience, and create music that resonates both locally and internationally. These partnerships would also provide valuable learning experiences, helping me grow as an artist and contribute meaningfully to the global Afrobeats scene.

As a rising music star, what are some of challenges you are facing?

One of the challenges I face is the limited availability of resources and funding. Just like other emerging artistes, we struggle to finance our music production, videos, and marketing. Without backing, it can take longer to get noticed. Again, the music industry is highly competitive. Standing out among thousands of talented artists requires not only skill but strategic promotion and connections. There’s often pressure to make music that sells quickly versus music that expresses one’s true artistic vision. Finding that balance can be tough. Then, dealing with criticism, rejection, or slow growth can take a mental toll, especially when balancing personal life with career ambitions. It is a lot, but the passion I have for music has been sustaining me.

What are your plans as a musician?

Looking ahead, I plan to release more albums and singles that highlight the diversity and richness of Afrobeats, perform internationally, and collaborate with artistes across different genres. I also aim to mentor emerging musicians, strengthen cross-cultural collaborations, and contribute to the global appreciation of Nigerian music, helping Afrobeats continue its rise on the world stage.