Rising Music Star Ray Ramon On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Music Industry

An Interview With Eden Gold

Eden Gold
Authority Magazine
10 min readAug 13, 2024

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Embrace Your African Identity; It’s Your Unique Advantage.

As a part of our interview series with leaders, stars, and rising stars in the music industry, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Ray Ramon.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria in 1978, Ray Ramon, whose birth name is Olusegun Ajibola Ramon, has carved a remarkable path in music. Relocating to Australia in 2002 and becoming an Australian citizen in 2006, Ray has made a significant impact on the dance music scene.

Renowned as a triple threat — singer, songwriter, and music producer — Ray Ramon has distinguished himself with electrifying tracks like “Turn It Up ’N’ Burn It Down,” “Dance All Night,” and “Make That Move.” His work blends 80s nostalgia with contemporary dance-pop, resonating in both vibrant club environments and radio playlists worldwide.

Inspired by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, Ray’s musical style reflects a fusion of past and present influences. His international collaborations include notable figures such as DJ Dan Thomas from the UK, DJ Andromeda from House of Bass Power House, Diego Milesi of EVO Records Italy, and DJ Flaskman from the UK, showcasing his versatility across various musical contexts.

Ray’s dedication and talent have been recognized with numerous awards. He won Best Male Gospel Artist at the 2011 Afro/Australian Music and Movie Awards in Sydney. Subsequent accolades include Best Contemporary Christian Producer at the 2012 Indie Music Channel Awards in Hollywood for “I Had a Dream,” and Best R&B Video in 2013 for “Times.” His achievements continued with Best World Music Producer in 2014 for “Tenacity” featuring Spydaman, and Best Dance Act at the 2014 Afro/Australian Music & Movies Awards for “Falling For You.”

Ray’s impact in the dance music genre was further affirmed with Best Dance Song in 2015 for “Dance All Night,” and the Best Dance Single in 2018 for “Make That Move.” He was honored as Best Male Dance Artist at the 2019 Indie Music Channel Awards at the Grammy Museum for “Shake That Booty,” and continued his streak with the Best Male Dance Artist award in 2020, despite the pandemic’s challenges. His induction into the Indie Music Hall Of Fame in 2021 solidified his legacy.

Beyond his artistic achievements, Ray Ramon lives in Australia with his wife, Kirsten, and their five sons: Abiodun, Eligh, Levi, Cruz, and Zane. Known as “the hardest working man in showbiz,” as described by Mark the Shark, Music Director of Radio Express, USA, Ray’s journey remains a testament to his relentless dedication, creativity, and passion for music.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit about your “origin story”. Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

Thank you for having me. My name is Olusegun Ramon, but most people know me as Ray Ramon. I was born on February 10, 1978, in Lagos, Nigeria. My passion for music began early; I remember singing in school recitals during my primary school years. This interest led me to join the church choir, where I enjoyed singing, even though it was a brief stint before heading off to boarding school.

Growing up in Nigeria, my love for singing wasn’t always encouraged. Many African parents, including mine, placed a high value on academic success and often envisioned their children becoming doctors, engineers, or professionals in similar fields. Pursuing a career in music or playing soccer, another passion of mine, was often frowned upon. Despite these challenges, my passion for music persisted, ultimately shaping the artist I am today.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how did your journey begin?

As both my parents were workaholics, I often found myself at home with housemaids or older siblings looking after me and my younger siblings. One of my earliest and most vivid memories is being parked in front of the TV, watching Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and the making of “Thriller” on our VHS player. Despite being only five years old and finding some parts of it quite scary, I was completely captivated by the music and dancing. Michael Jackson’s performance sparked a passion within me, inspiring me to pursue a career in music. It was this early exposure to such an iconic artist that planted the seeds for my own musical journey.

Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

In 2008, I traveled to the UK to visit my sister in Dartford, Kent. During my stay, I visited Meopham and saw an ad that said, “Record here for 59 pounds.” Intrigued, I decided to check it out and met John Oram of the Oram Analogue Barn. Upon hearing my voice, John challenged me to write a song within 24 hours. I was to return the next day to record it with session musicians who would bring my thoughts and melodies to life. It was a mix of terror and excitement for me. John even played the drums on the track, which we titled “Leave Me Alone.” Remarkably, within 24 hours, the song was born, mastered, and sent to affiliate radio stations. This experience ignited my love for pop music and was a pivotal moment in my career.

It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

When I was first starting out, I attended the Indie Music Channel Awards at the House of Blues in Hollywood in 2006, where I won my second music award. During the event, I ended up talking to one of the singers from a group that had a hit song featured in the movie “Sister Act.” She seemed genuinely interested in getting to know me better, but I felt uncomfortable because my wife at the time, who is now my ex, was uneasy about it. As a result, I somewhat dismissed the singer, not realizing her significance. It wasn’t until I returned to the hotel room that I found out from the founder of the Indie Music Channel who she was and how important our conversation could have been. Lesson learned: always approach new connections with openness and respect, regardless of the circumstances. You never know who you might be talking to or what opportunities could arise from it.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

I thank God for the talent He’s given me to start with. I will always be eternally grateful to several key people who have helped me get to where I am today: my wife Kirsten, my sister Deola, and my music producer Dave Cherry. Kirsten has been an incredible support system, always going above and beyond to ensure that costumes and features were perfectly catered for. Her unwavering support and shared interest in my career have been invaluable. My sister Deola has been immensely generous, co-funding my projects and providing the financial backing needed to pursue my dreams. Lastly, Dave Cherry, my music producer, has played a crucial role in my success. He not only shared my vision but also translated it into relatable and impactful music. Their collective support, dedication, and belief in my talent have been instrumental in fueling, funding, and facilitating my music career.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

Currently, I’m working on several exciting projects. One of the most interesting is an international collaboration where I record my part and fuse it with an African-based artist in Nigeria to create soulful Afrobeat tracks, such as my newly released single “JEJE.” You can expect to hear another straight Afrobeat song from me before the end of the year. Additionally, I have a new track in the works that will feature Elisha once again, following the success of our earlier release, “You’ve Said Enough.” These collaborations allow me to blend my local dialect, Yoruba, into my songs, adding a rich cultural element that resonates deeply with me and bridges the gap between continents, bringing together diverse musical influences to create something truly unique.

We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in music, film, and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?

I believe diversity enriches storytelling, validates cultural identities and fuels creativity endlessly ultimately leading to a more inclusive and innovative society.

As a successful music star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated? How do you overcome obstacles in your career?

I stay motivated by focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on setbacks. Challenges are part of the journey, and maintaining a positive outlook helps me overcome obstacles. I prioritize staying focused and surrounding myself with supportive people, which helps me shift away from negativity and keep moving forward.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?

1 . Embrace Your African Identity; It’s Your Unique Advantage.

2 . Believe in Your Story; It’s What Makes You Relatable.

3 . Don’t Wait for Label Backing; Build Your Own Platform.

4 . Network with Purpose; Connections Are Key.

5 . Don’t Fear Being Different; Western Audiences Crave Authenticity.

Can you share some insights into your creative process? How do you approach songwriting? How do you approach musical collaborations?

Approach to Songwriting

My songwriting process is deeply intuitive and starts with the instrumental. The vibe of the music sets the tone for what I want to write about. I let the melody guide my emotions and thoughts, and from there, I craft a story that is both personal and thought-provoking. For instance, with ‘JEJE,’ the instrumental had a laid-back yet catchy feel that inspired me to write lyrics that were reflective and engaging, focusing on life’s ups and downs in a relatable way.

Once the vibe is set, I dive into creating a story. I aim to balance personal experiences with universal themes that listeners can connect with. The goal is to evoke emotions and provoke thoughts. For example, in ‘Move Your Body,’ I wanted to blend the joy of dancing with a deeper message about freeing oneself from life’s stresses. It’s about creating layers in the music that listeners can peel back and discover more with each listen.

Collaboration requires a balance of vision and openness. When I collaborated with Spydaman on ‘JEJE,’ I recorded my part first, setting the foundation for the track. We then exchanged ideas, going back and forth to refine the song. This process ensured that both of us were happy with the end result.

Your music has resonated with so many fans worldwide. What do you believe sets your music apart?

By staying true to my Nigerian heritage, telling thought-provoking stories, embracing collaborative synergy, balancing innovation with tradition, and directly engaging with my audience, I’ve crafted a unique musical identity that resonates with fans worldwide.

How do you connect with your audience?

I connect with my audience through active social media engagement, thoughtful songwriting, live performances, and direct communication, creating a strong and lasting bond with my fans.

With your busy schedule and demanding performances, how do you prioritize self-care and maintain a balance between your personal life and career in the music industry?

Balancing a busy schedule and demanding performances requires setting clear boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and making time for personal relationships. I ensure I allocate time for rest, exercise, and activities that rejuvenate me. My wife, Kirsten, is a significant support system, helping me maintain a healthy balance between my personal life and career. Regularly scheduling downtime and being mindful of my physical and mental health are crucial practices that keep me grounded and focused in the fast-paced music industry.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

If I could inspire a movement, it would be a global initiative to promote mental health awareness and support, particularly in the music and creative industries. This movement would aim to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues, providing accessible resources, counseling, and support networks for artists and creatives. By fostering a culture of openness and understanding, we can help individuals manage the pressures of their careers, enhance their well-being, and inspire others to prioritize mental health in their own lives.

Is There a Person in the World, or in the US Whom You Would Love to Have a Private Breakfast or Lunch With, and Why?

I would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with Quincy Jones. His incredible career as a producer, composer, and musician has not only shaped the music industry but also inspired countless artists, including myself. I admire his ability to blend different musical styles and his commitment to excellence. Having the opportunity to learn from his experiences, gain insights into his creative process, and discuss the future of music would be an invaluable experience.

How can our readers continue to follow your work online?

Readers can stay updated with my work by following me on my social media profiles and streaming platforms:

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rayramonmusic

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayramonmusic

- Website: http://rayramon.com

- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/22G2cUHlYK4jW9LbK2II1l

- Amazon Music: https://www.amazon.com/music/player/artists/B004QBH6NS

This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!

About The Interviewer: Eden Gold, is a youth speaker, keynote speaker, founder of the online program Life After High School, and host of the Real Life Adulting Podcast. Being America’s rising force for positive change, Eden is a catalyst for change in shaping the future of education. With a lifelong mission of impacting the lives of 1 billion young adults, Eden serves as a practical guide, aiding young adults in honing their self-confidence, challenging societal conventions, and crafting a strategic roadmap towards the fulfilling lives they envision.

Do you need a dynamic speaker, or want to learn more about Eden’s programs? Click here: https://bit.ly/EdenGold

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Eden Gold
Authority Magazine

Youth speaker, keynote speaker, founder of Life After High School, and host of the Real Life Adulting Podcast