I will infuse more of my culture into my sound —Papaya

Budding artiste, Onyedika Obiora, popularly known as Fanzy Papaya, is coming into the music industry with so much inspiration drawn from the highlife music. Signed to Emvels Records, Papaya speaks with SEGUN ADEBAYO about his life, music and family.

 

You seem to be in love with highlife music, how long have you been a fan of highlife?

Highlife music is very deep in our culture. With the evolving of sounds and the new era of musicians from the east fusing new sounds into our cultural music, I think I will classify myself as an artiste that composes and performs modern or new school highlife and afro pop sometimes.

 

How much influence do you think highlife will have on your music?

The culture is evolving and so are the artistes and genres alike. Some of my brothers have brought sounds like Ogene to mainstream, same as the artistes from the South-West, who created the fuji sound. I intend to bring more of my cultural sounds on board to while not compromising on good music.

 

You are signed to Emvels Records and you seem to have finally got your career on the right path, what do you think?

I’m signed to Emvels Record; a big shout out to them; their structure is a plus.

 

You dropped a song recently, what kind of feedbacks are you getting from your fans?

The response has been positive and I am happy that we are on the right path. The song is entitled Janet and people really love it.

 

What are your plans for the year?

Everybody has his or her own plans. I and my family are working hard to make 2018 a remarkable and memorable year.We know it is going to be a busy year for us, so we are working day and night so that we can have a great year.With the support of my family at Emvels, we intend to release some good music, collaborations and visuals  to achieve something big.

 

What do you think about foreign collaborations that seem to be the order of the day in the music industry?

Honestly, I don’t believe in local or international image.In Nigeria, we have quite a number of great artistes. When you look at people like sound sultan, 2face, Mr raw, sunny Nneji, Donjazzy, Mr flavour,Wizboy, J Martins,  among others, who are doing well with their music.

 

When did you drop your first album?

I dropped it in 2015, in due course, I will come up with the second one because I really can’t wait.

 

When you are not doing music, what else do you do?

Apart from music, I try to live a positive life. I try to stay fit. I totally avoid substances and excessive alcohol as usual as negative people. I try to Improve myself daily by building my relationship with God and my family. I come from a city where many young people look up to me for inspiration. Young musicians, traders, apprentices, artisans and students, as well. So I have an obligation to keep my head up and as well offer some counselling and mentorship to the next generation.

 

They call you Fanzy Papaya, how did the name come to be?

My stage name is Fanzy Papaya;  I know most people always ask why I added papaya. When I was young, my mum, was very fond of me. I was her ‘handbag’ at a time. She called me the pet names Onye Ocha ’ or ‘paw-paw’, I grew up liking Paw Paw.

So when I needed something to make a very genuine and distinguished stage name, I remebered my mum, and how she supported my career, so I added the name banking on her blessings too and here we are today. I’m grateful for what the Fanzy Papaya brand has achieved so far and the journey ahead. My real name is Onyedika Obiora, from Uga in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.