Your new song, Journey has been the talk in town for a few weeks now. You have also promised to give back to the people who can share their personal experiences and journeys in life. What exactly are you trying to achieve with this song?
It’s a new year and I am releasing my first song of the year, but there is more to it. When I look back at my journey in the last 20 years and how I have come out of every obstacle, I felt the need to use my story to inspire millions of people, who are equally experiencing some down time in their lives. Giving back to the people has always been part of me. So, the idea of giving back now is to encourage more people the best way I can. If we share our stories, we can learn from each other because life is about learning from it. I am happy that we could do this for the people. The song has been released and the responses have been very impressive. Let’s hope we can keep encouraging the people the best way we can. That’s the true essence of life and we should be seen to be doing the needful.
Talking about the Journey, what kind of message do you have in the song?
The Journey is a motivational song loaded with positive messages for everyone that cares to listen to it. Times are hard now, but we can’t afford to give up. We must keep pushing till something happens.
Does this have anything to do with your depression story that got many people worried?
It could have formed a part of the story. I am grateful to God that we have moved away from that phase to a better and newer stage. I am thankful to all those who reached out to me then. It was a difficult time but I am fine now. I am stronger and better than before.
For somebody whose rise to fame was not an easy ride, what comes to your mind each time you see people in difficult situations?
I feel very bad. There is a difference between seeing people going through hard times and knowing what it feels to be in that unfortunate condition. I went through a lot of hard times before I got to this level. Thank God for the talent and one’s determination never to give up. It breaks me down anytime I come across people going through difficult situations. I was once there and I can tell you that I know what it feels like. But come to think of it, how many people can you help? How much do you have that can go round at a particular time, but that should not deter one from doing what’s good for the people. I wished I could do more, but I won’t stop encouraging people in whatever capacity I am.
Maybe if you go into politics, you might have access to the resources that would help you reach out to more people. Has that thought over crossed your mind?
It is not a bad thing to go into politics if it will avail one the opportunity to make life more meaningful for the people. But will I go into politics? I think time will tell. Right now, the focus is on music and more music for my people. I can’t stop entertaining and blessing their souls with good music. Music is my way of life. It is one thing I never get tired of doing. So, it is music for now.
You are already starting the year on a big note. You have been at different shows and even political rallies in the last two weeks. How have you been coping with these engagements and concentrating on your craft at the same time?
This is what I am used to. As I said, music comes very easy for me by the grace of God. I can’t complain. God has blessed me with a special strength that I can go from one stage to another for the next 48 hours without resting. But that is not to say I am not resting. I still find time to rest and pray as much as I can because without God in one’s life, you are going nowhere. So, concentrating on my craft is not a difficult task for me.
Without any shadow of doubts, the Harrysong brand has become a major force in the industry. No concert is complete without your name as one of the headliners. Some people believe that this is the best time of your career. How do you react to this?
I really don’t want to attach any serious attention to this. We have always been working hard and entertaining the people. I said when I started back then that the Harrysong brand is a movement that nobody can stop, no matter how hard they try. If you say this is about my best moment in the industry, you may not be wrong and you may be wrong because I have had many best moments and I will still have more. I am not swayed by the moment, I am focused on getting better and staying relevant for many years to come. This is just the beginning of the journey.
Talking about your journey in the last few years, you will agree with me that every encounter in life is a step to another phase. This takes me to your time at the Five Star Music label where you had some good and rough moments. What is that one lesson you learnt from the whole drama?
The lesson is simple and straightforward. Who God has blessed, no man can curse. We should learn to love all, no matter the situation. We should always make peace and move on without any problem. I have moved on from that phase; let’s talk about my label and the progress we are making with Alter Plate.
So you hold no grudge against the label or the owners?
I have moved on. I don’t have problem with anybody.
It is more than two years since you floated your record label, Alter Plate, but the ovation that welcomed the company seems to have gone down. Are you sure you have handled things well?
Yes, we are doing fine with the label and everybody understands the strategy. We are working according to the plans on ground because I have a very solid team that keeps pushing us to reach for the stars.
What are you doing after this project?
As I said, we have a team of professionals that are working day and night to ensure that work does not stop. This is a journey that is not stopping, no matter what they do. We just want to keep pushing and hoping for the best.
You keep using the word they, would you mind to tell me who you are referring to?
There is no one in mind at this time. You and I have come a long way and you are aware of some of the struggles and battles, but we will keep loving and sharing happiness. Happiness, they say, is free.
At this point, what comes to your mind anytime you want to record a new song?
It is about how I feel at that time. Sometimes, the feeling just comes and another time, it could just be about an event that has just happened. But what I think about mostly is to create a timeless song. Check out all my songs, you can’t throw any of them away. This is because I don’t just record songs; I do proper research and ask questions. At this point, it is not about making just songs, but quality songs that people can relate with; songs that can elevate the minds of the people and motivate them to do what is right.
and then