What are your thoughts regarding the current state of the Nigerian music industry?
I think we aren’t doing badly presently but we can do more globally. Our industry has grown significantly but I think there is a lot of work to be done to make our materials more appealing; on a global scale.
As a young artiste, which artiste or producer would you love to work with?
I’ve always wanted to work with uniquely talented artists like the legendary 2baba, Flavour and Runtown. As for producers, I’d love to work with Masterkraft, Mystro and Young John.
When did you discover your musical talent?
I discovered my musical talent at the age of 11. I’m a self-taught drummer, and I started out at a church. I discovered I was good at it and the music thing stuck!
Who are your early musical influences?
I’d say UB40 and Michael Jackson. I was enamoured by the band’s reggae sound, while MJ made me fall in love with pop. I’d also consider 2face as an early influence.
You moved to South Africa in 2012, what was the experience like?
I moved to South Africa in 2012. It was a tough decision – having to leave my family was the hardest part.
What was your experience in South Africa like?
My experience there was great, although it had its ups and downs. I was basically living life as a hustler and had to learn to live independently. My family were thousands of miles away and I had no one there. It was tough and honestly, the experience made me stronger – it made me adaptable to any situation life presents – it made me the very person I am today.
So, when did you move back to Nigeria?
I returned back to Nigeria in August this year.
Did you make music during your stay in South Africa?
Yes, I did. During my stay in South Africa, I managed to record a lot of materials in my spare time. Although I didn’t put them all out.
How would you describe the musical audience over there?
Well, I’d say the audience there is remarkable. They love Nigerian sounds, owing to the fact that many of our artistes have managed to build solid fanbases there, thus making it easy to penetrate their mainstream music and its audience.
Have you released any material since you returned?
Not yet, but I’m currently working on a project from which new singles produced by some of the most respected industry producers would be released pretty soon.
What are your plans for the Nigerian entertainment industry?
My plans include; spreading and solidifying our culture across other African nations through music, and making our sound more appealing to international audiences.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Kaduna but my family relocated to Port Harcout following the devastating 2000 Kaduna riots, so, I spent the better part of my childhood in Kaduna, while I spent my adulthood in Port Harcourt.
What was growing up like?
Growing up wasn’t always rosy. I come from a middle-class family. There were good times and there were times we had to struggle to stay afloat. At some point, I had to hustle to make ends meet for my parents. So, things weren’t always easy.
What is your most memorable childhood experience?
This would be the period I had to sell buns for my mom. It was memorable because I had to focus on the positivity of it all and learned not to cling to the negativity that comes with life. I have really fun memories of that period of my life.
Any planned collaborations or projects fans should expect?
Right now, I’m focusing on completing my project, then releasing it. However, I plan to feature either Runtown or 2face on a single.
and then