I’m now the Kingmaker — Harrysong

Life is looking good for Alter Plate boss, Harrysong, after going through some troubling moments, which threatened his career for months. With a new album ready to be released in a few weeks, Harrysong, a Delta State-born songwriter, in this interview with SEGUN ADEBAYO, speaks on what his fans should expect from the album, among other issues.

 

You have come a long way and fought many battles before the big break came, which of those battles shook you most?

For me, it is not about the battle shook me because the truth is that all the battles came in different forms and times. What matters most is how those battles left me a stronger and determined man. It has made me a better and stronger man for my people today. If those things had not happened, I would not be in a position to help my people today.

 

How did you feel when everything appeared to be falling over? What helped your courage?

In the midst of the trials and temptations, what kept me going were purpose and the picture I saw when I was going to leave Delta State for Lagos State many years back. At that time, I had nothing but I saw hope and success ahead of me. I knew it was never going to come to be cheaply. I knew I was going to work hard to get it. So, all those moments, I kept looking at the big picture and the place I am going. Now, that we have overcome our troubles, we have to keep the focus in order to keep giving hope to the young ones.

 

Did you betray emotions those times?

I tried not to let it get to me, but it was hard. There were times that I looked back at where I was coming from and I wanted to quit but it was hard to quit because of the mileage I had covered and the many people that would fail, if I fail.

A lot has happened to you in the last one year. You quit your former record label, floated your own and you are about to drop your first studio album. How has it been?

The last one year has been tough but I thank God that we have moved on into something bigger. Life is not a bed of roses and it never will. As a man with a big vision, you should always embrace your challenges and make sure you are not cowed by any circumstances that may arise. For me, coming out of that troubling situation emboldened me and taught me different lessons about life. Every situation, no matter how rough or smooth, is a lesson that one should take in his stride. Despite the issues, we remain strong because of the vision ahead of us. We can’t afford to fail the people who have kept faith in us for more than 10 years. Those who have been part of the journey and those who joined the journey mid-way, they are all part of the success stories today. So, l will describe the experience as one that has positioned us for a greater calling.

 

What about the album, talks about it have been on for over a year. Now that you are finally ready, what should the people expect Harrysong and what inspired the Kingmaker title?

The title of the album was influenced by my calling and purpose in life. I am now the Kingmaker.

 

What’s your calling?

I believe I have remained very truthful to my calling. Using music to liberate the people is a calling. Using my talent to entertain the people is my purpose. Above that, there is more to the man Harrysong than the people are seeing now. I want them to keep paying attention to me; they will see more of me in another form. It is all to the glory of God.

 

Why did it take you this long to drop your first album after releasing several hit songs?

I have come to understand that people may not buy your album because you have dropped several hit songs. We have seen people in this industry who released many popular songs but when they attempted to quickly drop an album, they failed. It is not because people don’t love the songs on your album, you just have to understand the right time. I would have dropped the album last year, but circumstances forced me to shift it. I wanted to be sure that the industry was ready for me; they are ready for my first project. Having successful songs back to back does not guarantee a successful album.

 

Why do you think the industry is ready now?

I think my fans are ready now for the Kingmaker album because I can feel the joy and anticipation from every side I turn to. I didn’t get this kind of feeling before. Now, that people have been calling for the album release and many people are reaching out to us for sponsorship and partnership, it tells me that this is the best time.

 

At what point did you decide to float Alter Plate, your record label?

It has been a long time dream for me. We all dream to grow big to the point where you will be able to impact on others and change their lives for good through you. I tell people that Alter Plate is not a record label in that sense but a movement that will draw people’s attention to something bigger. Big in the sense that, it will empower the young minds to start thinking of their future and how to make every moment of their lives count rather than wasting their precious time on frivolities and negative sides of life. I just want to encourage people with my songs and through the music platform, one that is capable of changing their stories and turning lives around. This is what the Harry song brand represents. Giving people hope and encouraging them to keep believing in themselves. If I could make in life, I don’t think there is no else that can’t make. I am sure you know my story and how it all began.

 

Having a record label is one thing, sustaining it is another thing. We have seen how artistes, out of frustration, rushed to float record labels that failed to live up to expectations. Do you think you have matured to the point where you can handle this professionally?

If you have been paying attention to the things I have been doing in the last six months and you want to be fair, you would understand the fact that we are one big movement that nothing can stop. I have a team of professionals whose responsibility is to see to the affairs of the company while I pay attention to the music side of the business. I am not going to lay claim to everything and I won’t attempt to put myself above others, that will be a recipe for failure. I have been in the music business for years and I think I understand the dynamics of the terrain very well. I just want to approach each day as it comes and I will continue to work hard to help the company achieve success. Maturity in the business is not something that happens to you in one day. You must have paid your dues and position yourself in a way that you can wield some influence in the game. I believe I have come a long way in the industry and people know what they can get when they hear Harrysong. We will continue to build on that success and see where we go from there.

 

Can you remember that song which changed or turned around your life for good?

That should be I’m in Love. That song earned me my first millions.

 

Also Read:

 

My music career has leaped since I got to US —Sossi

Why we floated PTV records in Ibadan —Prince Tom

I’ll remain relevant for another decade —D’banj

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