Who is Fresh VDM, the producer behind OBO's instant hit 'FIA'

From his early life in Togo, to meeting Dremo by chance, here's the story of the producer of 'FIA'.

Fresh VDM and Davido during a production session.  (Instagram/Fresh_VDM)

For many, the name Fresh VDM, came into mainstream consciousness with the release of Davido’s instant hit ‘FIA.’ The producer who created the record shows in the video, sitting by a piano, rocking a denim jacket and black shades.

But he should have had his moment earlier. Fresh VDM has been working long before he scored the instant

With his signature tag ‘Damn Fresh On The Beat’ and fast paced tone, laced neatly with Anglo-Francophone influences, Bello Emmanuel Adeshina aka Fresh VDM (formerly, Fresh) has strategically and silently built an impressive production catalogue featuring the likes of Davido, Olamide, Burna Boy, Mayorkun, Ycee, Dremo. His latest with the DMW superstar, ‘FIA’ might just be the catalyst for even bigger recognition and finer success. The single is currently at 135 on the iTunes USA pop charts (after rising to 38) while the video is the 2nd trending YoubTube video in the country.

Fresh VDM and Davido on set for 'FIA' video shoot.  (Instagram/Fresh_VDM)

Born to Nigerian pastors living in Togo, Fresh VDM at age 6 had familiarized himself with certain musical instruments; becoming an accomplished piano player - which will later earn him the nickname, Fresh Fingers -drummer and tenor soloist in the choir.

Growing up, Fresh VDM was opportune to have a diverse music orientation, listening to Gospel music icons – Ron Kennoly, Makoma, Yinka Ayefele, Makossa legends – Awilo, Koffi Olomide as well as Nigeria’s Juju king, King Sunny Ade. This will go on to give the young lad a unique taste in music.

In the early 2000s, he and his parents moved back to Nigeria, where he started his secondary school education at Vale College, Ibadan, Oyo State. The illustrious city came with its own musical influences on the precocious Fresh VDM; even as he went on to bag a degree in International Relations and Diplomacy at the city’s prestigious Lead City University.

In 2010, while in the university, Fresh VDM developed an interest in music production and seamlessly combining the different West African cultures he had been earlier exposed to, he crafted his own distinctive sound calledVery Disturbing Music (VDM) – the acronym that forms a second part of his producer name.

Dremo and Fresh VDM met in school.  (Instagram/Fresh_VDM)

Through a chance encounter in 2011, Fresh VDM began working with Dremo – who, at the time, was signed to A.P.G records in Ibadan. The musical chemistry between the two will go on to produce songs like Normal Levelzand OBT, creating a growing reputation for the duo locally.

Upon Dremo’s record deal with Davido Music worldwide (DMW) in April 2016, Fresh VDM began working closely with the newly formed imprint. This resulted in producing the label’s debut joint smash, Back to Back featuringDavido, Mayorkun, Dremo and Ichaba and subsequent effort – Prayer featuring Mayorkun and Davido in February 2017.

He went on to score production credits on hits such as Mayorkun’s 'Yawa' and 'Love You Tire' featuring Mr Eazi, Dremo’s '1, 2 Bang'featuring Davido and 'Iro Nla.'

It was only a matter of time till word spread about his inimitable sound and undeniable talent, catching the attention of Burna Boy. This resulted in a career defining moment of producing Mandem – the Spaceship singer’smellow tribute to his UK supporters on his return to the European country in 2016 after a long absence.

Fresh VDM and Davido during a production session.  (Instagram/Fresh_VDM)

This led to opportunities for more working relationships with heavyweights such asOlamide, Ycee and a host of other top artistes.

The summer of 2017 presented another notable milestone working on Yonda’s single, 'Las Vegas' and its remix featuring Burna Boy which became an underground buzz and drew positive attention from music lovers and critics.

His other recently released productions include DJ Ecool’s 'Kilode' and 'Cheii '- both featuring Dremo.