Fast emerging R and B act, Chizoba Daniel Chika, who is popularly known as Sunkey discovered his music career at a young of 5. Born to Nigerian parents in Cameroon, Sunkey, who started his music career from the church, was few weeks ago, suspended from all church activities, following the nature of the visuals to his music video, Konfam. The singer speaks with SEGUN ADEBAYO on he intends to handle his suspension, among other issues.
You were said to have been suspended from your church following the release of the video to your hit song, Konfam, how true is this claim?
Yes, the claim is 100 per cent true. I was suspended from leading songs in church. That’s the true story.
As a ‘church boy’, did you consider your role in the church and what could happen when shooting the video?
I was making the visual side to a song I had made as my profession requires. I didn’t expect my role in the church to have a thing to do with it.
How did you feel when the church authorities said you had been suspended?
When the church communicated its decision to me, I felt really sad but, I just said to myself, Sunkey you will take this for the love of music. It was quite hard accepting the decision. So, I later became indifferent to it.
Have you always been a church boy or this was just another part of you that people are just seeing?
For me, I believe that no one can know another human completely, so those who knew me as a church boy got to see a different side to me. I think this is just me being truthful to my craft and taking my music to the dimension that I feel is best for me. As far as I know, this is what I have been chosen to do and it will continue to grow with God on my side.
For somebody who started from the church, what do you think about your music and the messages you are passing across to the people?
I always have a positive message to pass in every song I write or freestyle I make. There is always something to take home. Those who have listened to my songs over the years will attest to the fact that my messages are always positive and impactful. You can’t throw away any aspect of my song because they come with sensible messages that put my best element out there all the time.
How long have you been into music and what are your greatest challenges as someone who started from the church?
I started expressing myself musically from the age of five. There is nothing as frustrating as being restricted in expressing one’s gift in any way. Many Christians don’t understand that mediocrity is not to be celebrated. Some people hunger for more than good and actually wish to make a mark and a living off their talents and gifting. To me, music is absolutely spiritual and I’ve always said it is both a weapon and medicine. It can be likened to sorcery. I’ve known this from a very young age.
You have a voice that makes you unique and they also call you the ladies man, how are you working to make sure you are not distracted?
To remain focused I have a relationship with God and I always remind myself of where the gift came from so I don’t lose it. Whatevers level I have attained today in music was given to me by God. I wouldn’t have come this far if God was not involved in my rise to fame.
What inspired your music journey?
The truth is, I had embarked on this journey ever since I was about five year-old in my head. My dad made a vow to God to make an offering of every musical instrument he knows if I would be born safely. The truth is I have never been confused about what I wanted to become. All my life I was just working towards becoming a musician.
Do you see yourself returning to church to do music the church way again or it is over?
I am a Christian. I’ll always sing every now and then about God. Can it ever be over between me and God? The answer is no. God is my source. I’ll always remain His.
You already have three singles and one video. What next for you?
Y’all should expect another single from me, and perhaps a video and we would take it from there.
The music industry is peopled by young and talented artistes who are showing no sign of giving up on their dreams, how are you finding your feet?
My dad once told me that no matter how hard one tries, you can’t outrun the sky. That means that the sky is big enough for anyone who dares to fly. Funny enough, no two artistes are same. I am finding ways to show the peculiarity of my art. I’ll be fine with time. I am very sure that my time is now and the industry is yet to see the best of me.
How do you see the direction your record label is headed with your music?
So far so good, the label has been supportive of my music. All I can do is pray that they become more supportive as we progress in this journey. I only pray the label becomes better and stronger.
How did you get signed on the label?
A very close friend spoke to the label’s CEO about me and after listening to my first single “Issé “ and my covers of songs on Instagram and Facebook, they loved it and reached out. We took it up from there. All my life, I was building myself unconsciously for this against all odds. It’s not easy at all but I’ll be fine in a year at most.
You also sing in French, do you see that as a edge above others?
I’m bilingual (Francophone). I was born in Yaoundé (Cameroun). That’s where I lived a major part of my life. I came to Nigeria at the age of 15, and since then, I have never looked back.