I have plans to return to fishing —Harrysong

Popularly known as Harrysong, Tare Okiri Harrison is one of Nigeria’s topmost songwriters and recording artistes. Born in Warri, Delta State, he shares a Delta and Beyelsa heritage, became a musical sensation after the success of his 2013 tribute song to Nelson Mandela winning him the Most Downloaded Caller tune Award at The Headies of that year. In 2017, Harrysong broke up with his long term partner, KCee (of Five Star Music group) and has since then been working to establish his own franchise, Alterplate. In this interview with Newton-Ray Ukwuoma, he shares some of the trajectory of his music career.Excerpts:

 

 

Your songs have strong old school vibe?

Yes. That’s because I grew with old school music. I have been listening to them for as long as I can remember. Sounds from Oriental Brothers, Victor Owaifo, Lex Benson, Fela Anukulapo have been part of me for a long time, and I actually love these sounds. That is why there is a bit of reggae and blues going on in my music. It is fun and unique.

 

Were you in the choir also?

Yes, music has always been my life. I started music many years ago from the church where my mum was a choir director. I was one of the instrumentalists.During my days as a church boy, I learnt contemporary gospel music. It’s a long story but I’m grateful to God how far he has brought me.

 

Did you also acquire your skills in song-writing in the church?

Writing was what I started doing for a long time on my own.That’s one of the biggest things in my life. I love to write. I have been a writer all my life. I started working with a lot of people; I met Del B, my own producer right now. From there, Paul Play, from there, I met Omotola, Aki and Paw Paw and later Kcee.

 

How is it being the Chief Executive Officer of AlterPlate?

I am very happy with my current status. To the praise and the glory of God, I feel very good about my career at the moment.I could not have asked God for a blessing better than this. I have been doing music all my life. The only thing I know how to do is music.

 

How about fishing? I learnt that you used to be a fisherman?

(Laughs) Yes. I am half Delta, half Bayelsa and I grew up in Port Harcourt. It is natural. I used to be a fisherman, but music got the better part of me and here I am today.

 

Any plans to go back to fishing business?

Sure, God willing, I will go back to the business.

 

Why did you leave Five Star Music finally?

I don’t want talk about it. Honestly, I don’t want to drag their names out again. We  couldn’t resolve our differences certainly and it was like the best time to launch out on my own. All I can say is that it was not a bad move doing my own thing. And this is not to say there are not challenges. But I thank God.

 

You mention God very often, do you drink or smoke?

God has been strong to me, my brother. I have to. And many people might not believe it: I don’t drink and I don’t smoke. And it’s the truth.

 

Not even during your energic performances?

No. God gave me this ginger.I prepare for every performance like it’s my last, plus I work out a lot too.

 

What was life like as an up and coming artiste?

Life as an up and coming artiste was very rough and tough. I remember those days of Benson and Hedges concerts; we used to watch Plantashun Bois from afar. We struggled to get shows. Nobody wanted to invest in what they were not sure of. Who were you to share stage with people like Modenine, 2Face or Junior and Pretty! But we made it to this side through hard work, God’s grace and mercy.

 

Now that Alterplate has officially been launched, what is the next thing?

Alterplate Music Company has been launched officially; the next level is content production in proving what the platform, Alterplate is really and truly about.

 

What should we be expecting from Mr. Song?

Expect the best from me and also expect to see and feel versatility in full picture.

 

Any plans for a new album yet?

Yes, I will drop the album this year but not too sure when.

 

What should your fans expect from the album?

I’ll try to give them the best in the album; the team is really working hard to make sure we’ve one of the best albums this year.

 

List of producers you are going to be working with it and the artistes that are likely to be on the album?

We have a lot of hands on deck working on the album, Del B, Pastor Sam, Twinsbeatz and many more.

 

What inspires your writing generally?

It depends on what is inspiring me and what’s trending at that moment and I write in that direction.

 

Aside from you, do you have any other artist signed to Alterplate?

Yes, I have three artistes signed under Alterplate Music.

 

What is that thing that stands Alterplate out?

Alterplate music is different because of our sound definition.

 

Over the years, you’ve been a man of great substance to the industry, what is that thing that stands Mr. Song out from the crowd?

I work smart and I pray; that’s all.

 

You gave out one of your luxurious wristwatches to a fan. How does that make you feel?

It was almost very hard for me; but the guy was shouting very loud and was fighting his way up to me through the securities; shouting, ‘Harrysong I love you’.

I just couldn’t help but acknowledge him and leave a blessing with him. It’s a privilege for me as Harrysong to be blessing people.

 

Why do you think some talented Nigerian artistes fail at some point in their career?

Too many things can make a musician fail, such as laziness and blank vision, etc.

 

Who are your favourite all-time Nigerian musicians?

They are: Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Rex Lawson and Tuface Idibia. I love their legacy and inspirations.

 

Where do you see yourself and the Alterplate movement in five years from now?

I see Alterplate taking over the African/Nigerian music business. We should be inspiring the world by the grace of God. Please, keep praying for us. We love you all.

 

How do you maintain your voice?

I maintain my voice by resting and working on it with warm water and honey.