People have described your new song, Alright as unique. As somebody who is fast rising in the industry where many are still struggling to find their feet, what does this mean to you?
Alright is a conscious song. I did it because I realised that greed and self-centeredness is a disease that kills people; even though most of us don’t understand how. At a point in every man’s life he gets to realise that no matter who you are, you can never exist independently, therefore we need each other in the journey of life.
Your songs are always loaded with strong messages, which may explain why people are falling head over heel for your song…
In the song, I preached selflessness and care for our fellow humans. I like to sing about reality and that’s evident in the lyrics of the song. You can relate with every single line, and get the message. The song, for me, was to raise social consciousness for our actions towards each other.
You also had a song with Patoranking, one of the most-sought after music stars in Nigeria today. What was the feeling like?
To be honest that was one of my long term dream and to the glory of God, it came true that fast. I will say it happened like a miracle, and perhaps because we are namesakes.
What was it like working with Patoranking; what special thing did he add to the song?
Working with him on the song was a dream come true. I am thankful to him for deciding to jump on that massive record. Special thanks also to 03Media for making sure the project came out well. Not forgetting Mix Master Garzy for a wonderful production.
In a vastly competitive industry, what is the uniqueness and edge you intend to bring?
For me, the continued rise of my brand is very important to me. Yes, I am unique and you can easily tell through the type of music I make. I am a pacesetter and I always like to bring my best into everything I do, including my music. So, the fact that I am unique is enough to edge out anyone.
You grew up in Enugu, a state that has produced many popular music icons. How did that help your career?
Growing up was fun because I had and still have a strong relationship with my siblings. I am the third child out of seven children. I am from a Christian home, I was born in Enugu Ezike, In Enugu State and I had the most memorable time and moments of my life. From my formative years, up till when I relocated to Lagos State, life in the coal city was fun. Growing up in that city opened my eyes to quite a number of things that have helped my career today.
What was it like growing up there?
Growing up in my home town was quite educative, as well as cool because of the rich culture and tradition that abound there. Enugu is really a fun place to grow up in.
So how did music begin for you in Enugu?
As I love to say, music chose me. Though, I will attribute a contributing factor to my dad, being that he loved music so much, and also played one or two musical instruments. That was literally my first encounter with music. He also made me and my siblings listen to loads of Radio with music programmes. Before I completed my secondary education, I was already into music, although not professionally
At what point did you decide to do music professionally, and what was the motivation?
I decided to do music professionally in 2013, when I relocated fully to Lagos. My biggest motivation was my friends and my elder brother who introduced me to Knight House Records, he pushed me to get this far.
As an artiste, what inspires your kind of music?
What inspires my kind of music is my environment, societal happenings and mood.
Are there artistes that you love and influenced your music?
Yes, of course there are artistes that I love. By the way I love every artist that makes good music, but I grew up listening to the like of Bob Marley, Ras Kimono, Lucky Dube, 2face, Oliver decoque, Osita Osadebe and many others. In one way or the other they have an influence on my music.
How do you think the industry affects thriving talents like you?
The industry is one that is experiencing a massive growth and is highly competitive. We are at the point African sound is having worldwide acceptance, so for a thriving talent like me, it just makes me aware of the competitive nature of the industry and pushes me to exceed limits because one in every five person working the street is an artiste.
What has the support from your record label, Timbaze Music, been like?
Since I signed up with Timbaze Music, they have been super supportive in every aspect of my music business. Massive shoutout to them. I appreciate the support all the way.
Where do you see yourself as an artiste in three years from now?
I am a constant work in progress, so in three years from now, I know I will be at the apex and continue to be a better and constantly redefined version of myself, because that’s really what I am about; constant progress.
What would be your advice to other rising artistes?
To other rising artistes like me, I would advise; keep being you. Don’t allow anybody to bring you down or tell you otherwise, and please don’t join the bandwagon. Keep true to your art and it will surely pay. Rome was not built in a day; surely, there will be dark days but don’t give up. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.
and then