*This interview was conducted by the management of artist, Plaririe. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the staff of IRMIX Radio.
Question 1. When did you start singing?
I started at a very tender age. Not really sure when but my dad was a choirmaster and catechist in our local church. That played a role in shaping up my career. They said I would be commanding the choir as my dad stands to command during church service. It must have been fun then I guess.
Question. 2. Who inspired you to become an artist?
I got the inspiration from my dad I think. As I approached rebellious age with youthful exuberance, I tried to play and sing pop songs but my dad would have none of it and I have not been born again then. So being the son of a catechist and choirmaster singing pop is considered immoral. I owe huge huge thank you to my parents who steered my life to a saved born-again child of God. The inspiration flowed and retained itself until I was really ready to praise Him who made heaven and earth and all that is in it in songs.
Question 3 Who are your role models?
My role model is Christ Jesus who is the epitome of the true and holy will of God on mankind. The best friend above the bright blue sky. Everliving, ever faithful, ever worthy.
Question 4. Who is or are your favorite artist?
All artists who preach love for God and one another are my favorite artists. I love those artists who stand up against injustice by words, action and deed, especially those with deep love for the poorest of the poor in our land. Those are my favorite artist.
Question 5 Tell us about the current song you just released “Love Bells”.
The song, “Love bells“ is dedicated to my wife who is another best gift from God. She stood steadfastly by me through my life trials. She never wavered, always encouraging and urging me on with her prayers. I guess she knew before me that every situation or condition is temporary and must be allowed to run its cause before you move to the next level of life and to all husband and wives and lovers of the beautiful hand work of God. Love bells is a musical story of love, admiration and praise of God’s wonderful work in creation of man and woman. Like a sculptor, He made man out of the same dust trodden upon by man and first man slipping into oblivion at sight of first woman “ ……… God’s own work aha!”, declared “flesh of my flesh” meaning, “ He made you for me, me for you”, Exceedingly happy, he swung into action and inspected – “.. ….hands carefully sculptured!’ by the fingers of the most high himself and ultimately found himself at the center of her heart – overwhelmed, he swore ” ………. I will have you all”. I want to send a positive message to everyone that is going to listen to my song.” Love” is the last wish of our savior Christ Jesus. You got to have it, you got to live it!
Question. 6. What are some of the difficulties and challenges you face in your music career?
Staying in the Christian gospel genre has been a little challenging but with my wife always by my side, I will continue to sing songs that will glorify God.
Question. 7. What will you advice people who want to enter the music industry?
Learn an instrument. Go to school and learn a trade. Buy; sell trade electronics in a musical instruments store. Set up T-shirt and celebrity shoe and clothing store. I am trying to say they need something on the side to help them meet daily needs. Try as much as possible to be original to your calling. Don’t confuse the good and the bad. Do what you will look back to in the next 10 to 15 years and you will be proud. Remember that after the storm, calm reigns.
Question .8. How do you manage career with family?
I see career and family like marriage between husband and wife. Career necessitates family, when you have a career you got to get family to enjoy with you. If family comes first like in my situation, a sustaining career to cater for whatever size of family you have becomes imperative. They both go along well with another. I have travelled all 48 U.S states with my family on both vacation and business trips. My business involves a lot of travelling but due to the pandemic, I switched career.
Question. 9 Do you do anything else other than music to generate income?
I had a common carrier business spanning all 48 U.S. states plus Canada and a state in Mexico in general bulk chemical and herbicides sector with lots of investments in digital market but when the pandemic hit, I was forced to shutter the doors on bulk chemicals. A percentage of my musical earnings goes to charity and there is a plan to share the other percentage to upcoming artists in gospel and reggae genre.
Question. 10. Did you witness a season you couldn’t get inspiration?
No I don’t. Everything worthy of note is inspirational. You then sieve what will appeal most to your fans and larger audience. This thing flows from the Holy spirit and is never ceasing. It’s unending.
Question 11. What do you seek to achieve through your songs?
Very good question. At least, to have one person in the whole world repents of his or her sins after listening to my message. I call it message. That will be very fulfilling to me.
General: I went through some rawness and turns and tumbles of life. No job after high school and 6 years wasted trying to find and define who I am. Went back to University of PortHacourt and studied acting in the department of theater arts under our revered Prof. Ola Rotimi (God bless his soul) . There was nothing waiting for me.