How I want to break into the music industry —Young C

Fast-rising hip hop sensation, Kayode Iyanuoluwa Samuel otherwise known as Young C, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter with a diverse musical style. The budding artiste, who returned to Nigeria from South Africa to push his music career speaks with SEGUN ADEBAYO in this interview.

You have been back in Nigeria to push your music career, how do you intend to achieve this?
One thing I have come to understand about the music industry in Nigeria is that you just have to work hard by releasing songs after songs and work with the right team to actualise your goal. How well your team understands your vision will now determine how quick your success will be. I think I am in the best team, as we have moved up from where we used to be. This is something that makes me happy and optimistic.

Music in Nigeria has gone haywire. You have to be at your best to compete with the lads. What’s your plan to break into the industry?
I have so much confidence in my talent. It is a competitive industry but, I believe I am ready to put my best element forward. I am not coming to compete with anybody. The sky is big enough for anyone who wants to fly.

You released your first official single in 2016, how has it been since then?
It has been an amazing journey for me. I am particularly pleased with the way things have turned out for my career in the last few years. It may have been a challenging journey but things have also been good for me because I am not resting on the success or otherwise that comes with this job. I knew what I was getting into when I set out. So, at this point, what makes me happy is the steady progress of my career and the attention my songs have been getting, especially my new song. I have been in South Africa, pushing my songs and working on my craft. Now that I am back home, I feel well connected with my roots. This is where I belong and that’s why my career is very important to me now.

Would you say Nigerians are ready for your style of music now that you are back?
Well, from what I have gathered since I came back, I am confident about the reactions that have been coming in. I was never disconnected from my fans even when I was away in South Africa. I have always known that I am going to return to Nigeria one day and I am back now to the embrace of my fans. I am overwhelmed by the love and support that greeted my return to the country. The music industry in Nigeria is evolving and I want to be part of the growth and the success stories.

What was your music career like in SA?
Over there, they love Nigerian music so much. I think that helped me to connect with the Nigerian sounds from there. So it was not hard for me when I got back because I knew what the people love to listen to here. While in SA, I performed with various artistes such as AKA, Nasty C, Aewon Wolf, and many others.

You have a new single, Original Woman, how have the responses been?
It’s been nothing but a lot of great comments from fans. The song, in itself, tells a lot about originality of women. Women drive our business, so I am just trying to appreciate my fans through the song. The demands have been quite high since the release of the song in the past weeks, but I know it is going to be like that and I am ready to give my best all the time.

How big is your music career now and what is the most special thing about yourself that others don’t have?
My music career is growing and it is actually growing very fast. I can boldly say that I am on 60 per cent now; I have about 40 per cent more to cover. Will I cover that percentage in the next few years? That’s one thing I won’t be able to answer now but with the level of work we have been doing and the attention we are getting, trust me, God is on our side and we will not fail.