I work hard ‘cos I hate to fail —Orezi

It is stunning to think about how far Orezi has come in the music industry. Call him the man with a golden touch; you will probably be stating the obvious. From the moment he stepped into the scene, the Ghen Ghen guy, as he loves to be called, has found great success doing what he likes−music. Thoughtful and intelligent, Orezi, who has many hit songs to his credit, assures his fans that there is more to come in the New Year. He shares his music journey with
SEGUN ADEBAYO.

You seem to have finally arrived at that point where you don’t have to struggle hard for your voice and sound to be heard. How does it feel when you look at how and where you started from?

The truth about the success of my career is that I have always known what my strength is as an artiste. I understand from the moment I started music that vocals are very good and I was never going to have any problem with my sound anytime I grab the microphone. I can sing on any genre of music and that’s how you can recognise a talented artiste. You have to be dynamic as an artiste. No one should be able to box you to a corner because you can’t reach a certain level of music. I have always said it that I am not the type of artiste that is restricted to a particular genre of music. I can put my voice and sound in any genre of music.

You have been releasing hit songs back to back for over five years, what do you think has been working for Orezi?

You can’t take away the God factor in anything you do in life. God has been the source of everything I am today. I could not have come this far without the grace and mercy of God. When I started music, I asked God to help me conquer my fears and worries. From that moment, His grace has worked like magic in my life. People say I have been very fortunate with my music, but they rule out the fact that I work hard. I know God rewards hard work. Let me also add this that people are yet to see the best of Orezi. They have not seen anything. 2018 will even be a bigger year. More music is on the way. My fans are not even ready for what we are coming with next year.

Many people would not know the story beneath the glory they now see, how would you describe the journey from nothingness to greatness?

I can’t successfully tell the story of how God took me out of the doldrums to the where I am today through music. Music has been the main thing for me. The journey has been very tough and rough. I wish I could tell you everything that has happened to me on this music journey, but God has been good to me. I tell people that I don’t like telling my stories now because the journey is still very long. When I get to the point where my music could be heard in every part of the world, then I will relax a while to tell my story. For now, it is music and music, nothing more.

What is it about your music that people don’t seem to be getting tired of it?

My music connects with everyone. There are no limitations or restrictions when it comes to my music. People on the streets connect easily with my songs because they know I always come with fire. My music represents the boys and girls on the street hustling to survive. There is always a line that you can connect with in my song. You can’t listen to the songs and not feel like I am talking directly to you. That’s why you always hear inspiring words/lines in my songs despite being dance songs; it connects with everyone. People don’t get tired of good music. They don’t get tired of good sounds, no matter how long you have stayed away. Once they know what you can deliver, they will always be there for you. I am grateful to God for the grace to keep giving them what they want over the years.

You are not the type that releases songs regularly, but each time you come up with one, it is always a hit, how do you manage to achieve this?

You are right. The reason is because I always try to take my time and study the industry very well before I drop any song. I don’t just drop songs because I am under pressure to do so, even when the songs are ready. If I don’t feel the industry is ready for Orezi, I won’t drop the song. By the grace of God, my fans will hear more of me in the New Year.

What was that thing that gave you the belief that music is the way for you?

Music is what I enjoy doing without stress. I love writing songs and performing. I don’t think there is anything else I love doing like writing songs and performing. I write all my songs. If writing songs comes easily for me, why do I need anyone to write for me? Orezi is a complete asset. I write, I sing and I perform. The fact is that writing your own songs come with its advantage, because you already know the arrangement in your head as you are putting down the song.

Before the big break came, what was that thing that put you on your toes and kept reassuring you that music will pay?

The fact that I hate to fail has always been a big motivation for me. I have seen many artistes fail over the years, so I work hard every day and connect with the right people that will help me get better at my craft. I have always followed my passion, which is music. I just hate to hear the word fail. I hate to fail. I think that kept ringing in my head and it still rings. I think that has also helped me to stay relevant.

If you are to rate your success and acceptance of your music, where would you place yourself?

I have never seen myself as a successful artiste. That though has never crossed my mind. All I know is that I am an artiste, who likes to entertain the people with his music. Success is relative as far as I am concerned. I thank God for the level I have attained, and there’s still much more to achieve. By the grace of God, I would get there.

They call you the Ghen Ghen guy, what brought about that name?

Those days, when we were growing up watching action movies, when it got to that point when the real action was about to happen in the movie, you usually hear the sound like “gehn gehn’’. Ghen Ghen is the action guy, which is what I represent with my music.

Is it true that you were actually paid one million dollars when you wrote that song and what inspired the song?

That was one old story that you are trying to bring back its memories. Truth is that no one paid me one million dollars before I sang the song; it was just a normal line in a song.

Which of your songs fetched you the highest number of shows in one year and highest paid gigs?

I think that should “Shoki”, but I can’t really remember right now but “Shoki” started paying me the week it was released. I started getting calls to come perform at weddings and all. I am grateful to God for the success of the song and other songs after Shoki.

Coming down to the industry now, who would you refer to as your seniors?

The late Fela Anikulapo remains a big inspiration for me. King Sunny Ade is also another icon that I always look up to because of the achievements he has recorded and still recording with music. There is also Majek Fashek and of course, 2baba and D’banj, they’ve all done well for the industry. We are grateful for their contributions to the music industry and the impact they have made so far.

You shaded Dammy Krane recently over his comments on your person, have you forgiven him?

We’re all colleagues. We are all making music to keep our fans entertained. He’s like a brother and a friend to me. We are doing fine.

Why do people believe that you are jealous of his success?

People have the right to think of anything; it is their opinion.

What is Orezi working on now?

I should be releasing an EP before the end of the year so my fans should wait for it and also spread the news. We are already working to take over 2018. In the first quarter of the year, I will be dropping new materials that will dominate the airwaves. I can assure you that 2018 is Orezi’s year.