Thereafter the good-looking 26-year-old, public administration graduate of University of Benin followed up with two more singles ‘Love You and Baby Sweet’ , featuring Timaya, to prove he’s not just another flash in the pan.
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In this encounter with Star Tracker, the musician talks about his career, music, his works and women:
How long have you been in the industry?
I have been in the industry for three years now. I got signed to Efam Eldosa records.
What were you doing before you were signed on officially?
I was a choirmaster in the church for thirteen years. My responsibility was to train and groom the choir.
Wasn’t the church a good platform to promote your music?
The church was a good platform for me to showcase my talent. I saw the church as a grooming place where I actually developed my skill and my talent. Now that I am a professional, I decided to choose where I would like to be, which is where my record label is leading me now. My record label didn’t sign me to be a gospel singer, but I can choose to spice my work with gospel music.
What would you say music has done for you?
It’s been wonderful going into music. I got signed by Efam Elhosa records and I get my wardrobe changed twice a year with many other benefits to go with it. I feel fulfilled musically seeing myself singing on stage and entertaining people.
Who do you look up to in the music industry?
I look up to the likes of Dbanj, 2face Idibia and Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
Why do you look up to them?
I like Dbanj’s dress sense and also his style which is unique. I want to carve out a style which people would say is unique.
What is your style?
First of all, when it comes to Nigerian music, a lot of artistes copy one another because they are trying to do what is trending and it makes them sound alike. What makes me unique is that I listen to them and at the end I am able to create my own style from it, sounding totally different.
Which foreign artistes would you like to work with?
I like John Legend, especially the way he sings. I have this RnB feel in me that I would love to bring out soon. I also like Mariah Carey. I would love to work with her. I think I am her male version in terms of vocals. She has this airy voice that I love. We will blend well
What do you do to train your voice?
Training my voice entails rehearsing constantly. I rehearse every morning. I have a studio at home. I also watch what I eat. I don’t take cold water because I notice I lose the airy part of my voice each time I do so. I am a singer, an entertainer and not just anybody that wants to sing.
Would you say you are satisfied with your journey so far with your record label?
I will say yes. First of all, I signed three years contract and recently I extended it to five years. I am very satisfied, cash wise and otherwise.
How do you hope to deliver your music to your fans?
As an artiste, I want to be able to pass a message in every song I sing. I want to be able to communicate, apart from the beat being very good. I also want to be able to say something that would transform and inspire people. In addition, do songs that will lift people, give them reasons to live and fight their ways out of depression.
Do you think pornography is a selling point in the industry?
Yes, it is a selling point, but it is not my own selling point. For instance, my video Shakara tells you about the beauty of a lady, what she has and how she flaunts it .The video is more like an interpretation of the song.
What inspired the Shakara video?
When I travelled to South Africa, there was a particular girl I met that I tried talking to, but she was putting up some attitudes and putting me off. She really had natural feminine endowments but her attitudes were a complete put-off. She was actually the person that inspired the Shakara song.
What did it cost you to feature Timaya in your song?
My manager spoke with Timaya’s manager and they asked us to send the song, they listened to it and one lovely evening Timaya sent for me and my manager to come and the next thing we just started voicing, we recorded and made some modifications.
How do you handle affection from the opposite sex?
Affection from the opposite sex is really crazy. As an artiste, that is one thing you have to fight all the time. I keep myself away from the temptations women bring and focus on my music. I am not saying I don’t have feelings for women.
I do but I keep myself in check. For instance, when shooting the ‘Shakara’ video I had a lot of challenges, with ladies dancing around me and touching me. That alone could arouse some guys but I got myself together.
