Mr 2kay, real names Abinye David Jumbo, is one Nigerian music act that has held his own on the music scene for over a decade with a string of hits in his repertoire. In this interview by ROTIMI IGE, he speaks about his new projects, new single ‘Plenty’ and plans for music domination in 2022.
You have been away from the music scene for a while. Why?
I took a break to re-strategise and focus on other things than music that can bring plenty money to reinvest back into music, cause after I left my previous record label I had to go back to work on finances and the right team to make the vision a reality.
2020 may have slowed down entertainment engagements but most acts took their craft online. How have you spent the last 18 months?
I spent my last 18 months re-inventing my sound and learning new ways to make money in this new digital age.
What has the lockdown taught or impacted you?
The lockdown has taught me as an entertainer to have other streams of income apart from
entertainment. I have other businesses now that are doing well, apart from music.
You have a new single ‘Plenty’ now, tell us about it.
My new single is talking about hustle and lifestyle. It’s music for all because we all love good music and it’s a happy music that makes you want to move. It’s also an Amapiano vibe which is great for the festive season.
What else should your fans look forward to?
My fans should be loving forward to from the brand Mr 2kay and from my record label, more creative and talented acts to be introduced to the industry.
December is here and events are back in full swing. How prepared are you?
Fully prepared, In fact, more than prepared I am already getting many bookings and the team is fully activated.
It was reported that you have buried the hatchet with BurnaBoy. In your own words, is this real and can fans even look forward to a collaboration?
Yes! I have buried the hatchet long time ago but people are just getting to know now and this is evident in the joy we both had when we met a while ago, it’s real not fake.
African music is global now, how do you think artistes can leverage on present acceptance to showcase their talent to the world?
Artistes are already leveraging on this global acceptance because it is what we have been working so hard for, so it’s not like the acceptance took us unawares, it’s what we have been waiting for and it took us a long time to get here. In 2013/2014, my song ‘Bubugaga’ was one of the most played African song in the UK, this tells you we’ve come a long way.
The Nigerian music scene is now dominated by young talents, a new breed. How does this affect you or your music? Do you see it as competition?
I am a young Nigerian, I see it as no competition because we are all very vibrant. It’s just that we came in very early but that doesn’t mean we aren’t young, vibrant and talented.
We haven’t seen you perform live in a while. Should we expect anything from you before the end of the year?
Yes, there is definitely going to be a live performance session before the year runs out.
You seem to love wearing fashionable sunglasses. Why?
I’m a fashion killer and moreover I’m a correct Port Harcourt boy, you no dey see Timaya, you no dey see Burna, Tonto Dikeh or Timi Dakolo? Port Harcourt people are fashion-oriented and I am definitely a fashion ambassador.
Your favorite fashion accessory?
My favorite fashion accessory is my wristwatch.
What would you have become if not a musician?
A politician.
Just out of curiosity, what’s on your music playlists that people would not expect?
You may be surprised, but I have worship songs by Judikay, Mercy Chinwo, Ada Ehi etc.
and then