‘I’m fulfilled knowing that some of my productions helped globalise Afrobeats’

Opara Michael, better known as Tuzi, is a music producer and audio engineer who has worked with notable artistes in Nigeria on some of the biggest songs from the country. In this interview with ROTIMI IGE, he speaks about his passion for music and his creative process. Excerpts.

How did you discover music?

I discovered music at tender age of five. I grew up listening more to the traditional Nigerian music and was mostly intrigued by the instruments (drums, guitar rifts and all). I remember saying to myself I wanted to be like the people who could piece together such beauty.

Describe your creative process on any song.

The process of making Omah Lay’s ‘Can’t relate’ was a very interesting one. It started from his A and R sending me a message on WhatsApp with an Acapella version of the song and gave me the liberty to do whatever I wanted to do with it. This allowed the freedom to express myself and not be caged into anyone’s idea. I immediately called my guitarist to the studio and we made a beautiful music around the Acapella. I sent it back and they liked it. That is how ‘Can’t relate’ was made.

Afrobeats is now global. How does it feel knowing some of your productions contributed to it?

I feel a bit fulfilled knowing that some of my productions will go down in history as some of the groundbreakers in globalising Afrobeats.

The Nigerian entertainment industry is very competitive. How do you stay ahead of the pack?

I am able to create a corner for myself with my unique way of making music. True,  the industry is very competitive but I try my best to stay exceptional with my choice of sound, rhythm and melody. A lot of my success can also be attributed to my team and their brilliant ideas.

Critique opinions that producers are not given enough credits for their work.

The Afrobeats industry is a developing one and getting better by the day with people getting more and more experienced.  In my opinion, good work sells itself. I would not say artist give producers enough credit but if you put your mind to the work and focus on the business aspect you will realise that credit does not matter as much as the money.

What are your dreams for the entertainment industry?

I like where the industry is heading right now because I have been here long enough to see  how the various parts of the industry has been evolving. From the making of the music to the use of A and R and the proper involvement of lawyers and accountants and I continue to dream of an industry with a complete structure.

Which will say your biggest song has been?

My biggest song has been ‘Sensima’ by Skibii ft. Reekado Banks.

What’s new for Tuzi?

This year, lots of new music coming through. My personal project with and without artist coming through.

Tell us a bit your fashion sense.

I enjoy the compliment that comes with looking good. I cannot really talk about my fashion sense but few times I have received my compliments for looking good.