It is going quite okay. We released it on my label, Bush Queen Records. It was a very introverted journey with all that was happening in the world. I am glad it is touching people. The album is self reflective, as we are all part of one consciousness. For me, self reflection is healing and (I am using the album) to heal the world at the same time. As humans, we are love personified. So, there is nothing to heal because love is perfect. We just forget at times.
I do not know (why it is so) but I have not really focused on Nigeria for some time now. I have not done some performances or even did promotion for my works (in Nigeria).
It is not deliberate. It is simply because I get most of my offers in Europe and other countries. In addition, my music attracts a lot of Africans in Diaspora, and returnees. It is a good thing because having an international status has also helped me in getting a target audience in Nigeria.
Besides, the international media has also been supportive of my career, and that has helped me to do tours. I am able to do longer tours in the United States of America, and Europe because of the support I have got so far. My tours are mostly during festival season in summer, which is pretty big in Europe.
(laughs) Still waters run deep. I can also be loud though.
I believe having gone through some things in life, it motivated me to love and care for myself. Sometimes, having a tough childhood could be a blessing. But, I will not advise any parent to behave badly to their children.
I have made peace with the situation, although certain traumas don’t go away until one grows older. One just has to work on the traumas and break the cycle.
I think it was a necessity for me to express certain critical social issues. I felt I needed to speak for many people who couldn’t do so. However, I have learnt that we go through certain things because we attract them, especially as Africans. We need to stop focusing on what is wrong with us.
My genre of music is afro hip hop. I do conscious music.
I have worked with a few, mostly before they became popular (laughs). I may want to have a collaboration with Wizkid. I think it is wonderful that Nigerians are gaining more popularity outside Africa. That was not the case some years ago. Artistes abroad have even picked up on the African vibe, learning about their roots and forgotten cultures. So, it is a good thing as per cultural exchange.
Actually I do (have an affiliation with Achebe). I worked closely with his family a few years shortly before he transitioned. I also met him, and he addressed his book personally to me. I was honoured (by that gesture), although the reason for them inviting me was because of the work I had done prior to my album, No Longer at Ease. I really appreciated them for inviting me and trusting in my work. Also, I was inspired by the book, which spoke of a Nigerian who was going to return home to ‘fight’ against corruption, but ended up being corrupt. I could somehow identify with the main character. Many times, I find myself trying to fight the system, not knowing that I am part of the system. So, fighting is not the answer; instead, the answer is compassion and self reflection, as I am part of the system. By changing me, the world changes.
In the past, I felt I was not good enough for the Nigerian audience. Some years back, I was on a tour with 2baba on his ‘2face and friends tour’. We did a few gigs around Nigeria, and I opened (the show) for him. It was intense, as it was just me and my guitar in Benin, Edo State.
I learnt never to bend in order to fit in anywhere, never to force or betray my soul to please anyone. I learnt to be myself. By being oneself, one can love oneself.
I love what I do. And, I will still do and be more.
You have performed on several stages across t
Performing on big stages with the (Bob) Marley family– Damian and even Nas (were memorable for me). Also, being able to meet with amazing artistes such as the Fugees and Lauryn Hill (was quite noteworthy for me too). I have also worked and shared great moments with Joss Stone, and have ‘chilled’ with Sean Paul and Erykah Badu.
Aside from all that, I have been able to travel to wonderful places. Being appreciated for my artistry is a blessing.
I will like to see more live performances, even with digital influence and artistes that do pure music. In addition, I will love to see good record companies that support artistes. I will also love to see bigger festivals in Nigeria and in Africa, which support our culture and heritage.
Wow, yes! But then, I go into stillness and stay for a while.
Of course. Just some weeks ago, someone thought I was 24 years old. I like it.
I feel quite comfortable in many places. I love Africa and I love to explore. I really like Ghana and Kenya. I have spent some time in Rwanda, and I think it is a good place. I am currently around Senegal, though I don’t really reside anywhere specifically.
I had to simply love myself. I shed a lot of tears and stillness. Also, I had a lot of reflection, digging, talking, asking, and most of all, the stillness and sitting with the emotion (helped me to be proud of who I am now).
The world has been going through a period of serious spiritual evolution and change. Some of us are overwhelmed. At some point, I felt a slight overwhelming feeling. However, this helped me to be more creative. So, I will say if anything is challenging, it is only a matter of perception and presence that changes our vision.
I wish I knew that I should not be a people pleaser. It drains one’s energy.
I will be giving my spiritual voice to the wellbeing of our nation and its citizens.
I have worked with Burna Boy before. Some years ago, he came to my gig in Victoria Island, Lagos. I already knew he was awesome. I wish him the best. He is great.
Jesus, John the Baptist and Buddha. I also read some really good books, which I model my life after.
The local market influences my fashion sense. Also, colours of fruits, vegetables and people inspire my style.
I unwind through my spiritual practice – stillness, nature and sleep. I make sure I get more than seven hours of sleep daily. I eat, nourish myself with fruits and food. I also take herbs, spices, and rest. In addition, I keep still, stay silent and meditate.
I paint and love art. I also love to learn new things, keep fit, cook, and practice yoga. I like to explore other cultures, and most of all, spend time with my little family.
