TAKE 5: With Jeremy Victor Odhiambo

Jeremy Victor Odhiambo, aka Saliva Vic, is a radio presenter and producer on 2FM (87.7FM) PHOTO | COURTESY

What you need to know:

  • Music is the rhythm of Jeremy’s life - he raps for fun and for the ladies, but his best bars are reserved for Rihanna who was his wife in another life, so he claims.
  • The biggest obstacle I have had to overcome, I would say, is myself. This is something I have to do daily. I constantly suffer from this overwhelming sadness that leads to self-loathing, and it manifests itself in self destructive behaviour, so I have to keep fighting it with good vibes

1. “I don’t give interviews,” you say.  What’s that about?

I don’t do interviews because I don’t believe I am a person of interest. Not that I am not an interesting person, rather why would someone be interested in knowing about me?  I am just a voice on the radio. Plus, I prefer keeping to myself because like Vybz Kartel said, “Me nuh trust people” which means “I don’t trust people.”

2.On Jeremy’s Jewels you talk about life and things that are important to you, what people go through, and what you’ve been through. What do you think is the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome?

The biggest obstacle I have had to overcome, I would say, is myself. This is something I have to do daily. I constantly suffer from this overwhelming sadness that leads to self-loathing, and it manifests itself in self destructive behaviour, so I have to keep fighting it with good vibes. In fact, Jeremy’s Jewels is a play on words inspired by a babe who I considered my best and only friend, Julz. She would always spread good vibes to others even though she was barely surviving the sadness. That’s what I try to do for others daily. Let them know they are not alone.  

3. What is the biggest misconception you feel people have of you?

That I am mean. I have a scary face and tend to not really think before I say stuff, but really, I’m just a big old teddy bear.

4. You say often that you like old school hip hop. Who are your favourite local and international hip hop pioneers?

Locally, Ukoo Flani and Nannoma. Internationally .I’d have to say Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, A Tribe Called Quest, Gangstarr, Pete Rock and CL Smooth, Naughty By Nature and Notorious B.I.G.

5. How do you like to relax?

Sipping gin, binge watching a series or listening to a good album. Currently that is The Originals and Masta Ace’s The Falling Season respectively. I also spend a lot of time with my significant other, my ‘bae’. Enjoying nature also relaxes me.