Hitmarkers

Hitmakers

The dusty streets of Lagos hummed with life as 10-year-old Tobi Adewale walked through the bustling market, weaving past traders shouting prices and hawking their goods. His small frame was clothed in a slightly oversized white school shirt and navy blue shorts, his dark brown skin glowing under the afternoon sun. His hair was cropped short, and his deep brown eyes held a hunger for something greater than the life he knew.

Tobi lived in a one-room apartment with his mother and younger sister, Sade. His father had passed away when he was just five, leaving his mother to struggle as a petty trader selling groundnuts. But one thing kept Tobi going—music. He sang while fetching water, hummed while running errands, and wrote lyrics on the back of his schoolbooks. His dream was to be a star, but he had no idea how to start.

One day, an opportunity knocked. His school had been selected to participate in a national singing competition, and the teachers decided to send their best singers. Tobi, despite his humble background, had a voice that could silence even the noisiest classroom. The moment he opened his mouth, magic happened. His teacher, Mrs. Okonkwo, insisted he represent the school.

The Competition Begins

The day of the competition was a grand affair. The venue, a massive hall in Abuja, was filled with students from all over Nigeria. Some came in fancy clothes, wearing expensive shoes and designer watches. Tobi had nothing but his neatly pressed school uniform, his heart pounding as he stepped onto the big stage.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Then, he began to sing his original song:

Hawfa (How You Dey)

(Verse 1)

Hawfa, how you dey?

My life dey rush, but I go dey okay

Everyday na struggle, but we still dey pray

Mama tell me, "No give up, better days dey"

(Pre-Chorus)

Even when e hard, I go still dey shine

Even when e dark, I go find my light

People go laugh, say my dream na joke

But I no go stop, I go still dey hope

(Chorus)

Hawfa, how you dey?

I dey find my way

From the ghetto to the stage

Na my dream I dey chase

Hawfa, how you dey?

I go make am one day

From the hustle and the pain

I go shine, I go reign

(Verse 2)

Dem say I too small, I no sabi sing

Dem no know say talent no be by bling

I dey rise like sun, I dey grow like tree

Even if dem block me, I go still break free

(Bridge)

Mama don cry, but she no give up

Sister dey hungry, I must lift up

Music na my way, I no go stop

I no fit drop, I must reach the top

(Outro)

Hawfa, how you dey?

Na my time, I no go play

I go shine, I go reign

From the ghetto to the fame

Victory & Reward

As Tobi’s voice soared through the hall, the audience fell silent. Then, the claps started—soft at first, then thunderous applause erupted. The judges exchanged glances, nodding in approval.

When the final scores were announced, Tobi placed second with 88 points out of 100. The first-place winner was a rich boy from Abuja with expensive vocal training, but Tobi’s raw talent had won hearts.

For his achievement, he was awarded ₦500,000 and a scholarship to a music academy. His mother cried tears of joy, hugging him tightly. For the first time in his life, Tobi felt like his dreams were within reach.

This was just the beginning. Tobi Adewale, the poor boy with a golden voice, was now a Hitmaker.

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