Nigerian street-pop singer Adekunle Temitope, popularly known as Small Doctor, has disclosed that none of his hit songs was written before entering the recording studio, saying he relies largely on spontaneous creativity when making music.
The singer made the revelation during an interview while responding to criticism that his songs are predominantly freestyle and lack meaningful messages.
Small Doctor said his unconventional approach to songwriting has never prevented him from connecting with listeners, insisting that his music contains messages that are often communicated through street language, everyday experiences and storytelling.
“I have never written songs. I just go into the studio and say it as it comes. None of my hit songs was written,” he said.
The singer also revealed that some of Nigeria’s prominent music figures with whom he has collaborated are familiar with his creative process and have no problem with his decision not to write lyrics before recording.
“Artists that I have worked with like Don Jazzy and Olamide know I don’t write lyrics, and I don’t think they have a problem with that,” he added.
‘There Are Messages in My Songs’
Addressing listeners who believe his music lacks substance, Small Doctor challenged them to pay closer attention to his lyrics and the stories contained in his songs.
“Anyone who says my songs do not pass messages should reflect on them again, and they will realise that there are messages in my songs,” he said.
The singer explained that his music is deliberately created for a street audience with whom he has developed a strong bond over the years.
“My music is made for the streets. If I tell them anything, they believe me, and I believe them as well,” he said.
His comments highlight the distinctive style that has helped establish him as one of the recognisable voices in Nigeria’s street-pop movement, where the use of indigenous expressions, slang and everyday experiences often forms a central part of the music.
From Petty Jobs to the Spotlight
Small Doctor also reflected on his early struggles in the music industry, revealing that he took on various petty jobs to raise money for recording sessions.
He said his background in an average family meant that he had to find ways of meeting some of his personal needs while simultaneously pursuing his musical ambitions.
The singer, however, credited Pennywise, the producer who recorded his first song for almost nothing, with giving him an important opportunity at the beginning of his career.
According to Small Doctor, Pennywise's willingness to support him at a time when he had limited financial resources demonstrated an early belief in his potential.
How ‘Small Doctor’ Became His Name
The singer also offered an insight into the origin of his stage name, explaining that it was coined by his elder brother.
He said the name was inspired partly by his affection for the television series Dr. Who and partly by his small physical stature while growing up.
According to him, he initially adopted the name “Doctor Small” but later reversed the words to “Small Doctor”, which he considered more appealing and easier for his audience to embrace.
Sports and His Fans
Beyond music, Small Doctor said his involvement in sports has also helped him maintain a strong connection with his supporters.
The singer identified former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson as his favourite sportsman, while naming Nigerian table tennis star Quadri Aruna as his favourite African sportsman.
For Small Doctor, his career journey reflects a combination of spontaneity, street identity and perseverance. From taking up small jobs to finance studio sessions to becoming a recognised name in Nigerian street-pop music, the singer has continued to rely on an approach to music that he says comes naturally to him—creating his songs in the moment rather than writing them down beforehand.