Dipp: Nigeria’s Usher creating own identity

What was it like growing up in a house full of boys? It was and still is a wonderful experience. In my home, we were like a basketball team (because we are five boys). No doubt, I sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have a sister, but then again I did not […]

What was it like growing up in a house full of boys?

It was and still is a wonderful experience. In my home, we were like a basketball team (because we are five boys). No doubt, I sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have a sister, but then again I did not have to worry about a guy coming over to take her out on a date. I imagine it would have been very discomforting for me.

How did you go from Building Technology to music?

Well, you know how it is; we always want a formal education and a prestigious one. I was hoping to get Architecture, and I wound up with Building. I have no regrets though, because I enjoyed every minute of it. Personally, it was important for me to gain an education all the way. I do not see it as wasted effort or time, because it built me extremely well.

Music is my real passion, that’s why and how I am into it. You know the saying; “When your job is your passion, you will never work a day in your life”. For me, this is it. Not just music but the business behind the music from services to goods.

What was the experience like performing Dangerous with M.I.?

Well, what can I say? He is a very talented rapper and poet. It was a good experience.

Do you think M.I. overshadowed you in that piece?

(Laughter)  M.I is M.I! When he does his thing, he hardly goes unnoticed. However, we are two of a kind, and the song was a collaboration, so I believe we all played our parts very well.

Your album ‘The Future Is Now’ is described as indigenous and international renditions of the pop and R&B genre. What does this mean?

Listening to the album, you would agree that there is a fusion of the music we make indigenously and the progressions we hear from foreign lands. This is because I grew up listening to the veterans of R&B and pop music. Like BoyzIIMen, 112, Tevin Campbell and others like them. This, mixed with what we hear today is simply “Dipp”.

Some people are impressed with you, ‘but our guy dey use style combine Usher and P Square’ they would say. What do you say about it?

I have a profound respect for P Square and Usher; and it is very normal for anyone to compare my style with them, simply because we all dance, moreso, they were before me.

However, in my subsequent works which are underway, I believe, people will see the true DIPP. I guess with time we will be able to understand where I am heading to. Some people already feel it.

How are you handling ladies and side attraction of being an Usher look-alike?

(Laughing) You have to be careful how you say that! I treat my female fans with respect, because that’s how they deserve to be treated. I love my fans, they are partly why I’m here. Any lady who knows Dipp, knows …

But you are staying fit for them, according to you?

Oh my God.

That’s what you said in a previous interview and I quote: You were asked: With the way you move on stage, it shows that you are fit. How many times do you go to the gym to work out? Your response: Don’t have a constant routine ‘cause I try as much as I can. Let’s say three times a week. It really depends on whether I’m dancing or working out. Gotta stay fit for my ladies. Are you saying looking good for the ladies is the reason you stay healthy and fit?

I stay healthy and fit for many reasons: firstly, my health and I’m staying fit for ‘obvious reasons’.

Are you in a relationship?

That’s for me to know and you to find out!

What are your aspirations for the future?

To always exceed people’s expectations. To make my family, friends and fans proud at all times. I also want to be able to surprise myself and shock the industry with my music. Watch me!

You once said you wanted your album to be colossal, intense and breathtaking and to give the Nigerian music industry a face-lift. Would you say the album has achieved this?

Most definitely! As I said before, my project is holistic in nature, so you have not seen anything yet. It does not end with an album launch that is just the beginning. I owe this all to God.

How did winning the NMVA for Best Special Effects Video feel?

It felt great to be acknowledged and appreciated for the hard work my team put in. Shout out to the NMVA crew for the nominations and my fans for voting. They obviously know quality when they see and hear it. And definitely, shout out to effyzzieinc.

You do not mind not having a sister because you would not like men around her. How did you manage with the brothers of the women you have dated?

Well I have not had any problem with the brothers of girls I have dated. They were either younger than her or were very cool.

You talked about the business behind music from services to goods not working for you like the music itself. How do you manage with the industry and marketing your products?

Music to me is like software, it can sell like wildfire, just for the moment. However, the hardware for me is the buying and selling of the products that make it happen. These include studios, distribution networks. These will be here forever.

You entered for the Nigerian Idol competition. Do you think if you had sailed through, you would have made this much success?

Who knows? The truth is I was determined to make a name for myself, so it wouldn’t have mattered. Either way, I would have hustled hard. The acts ruling today did not necessarily start off from a reality show. Nonetheless, I respect the platform.

What are your plans for the near future?

I will be having an album concert soon. Plans are in progress for that to happen.

How did the dance part of your music come to be?

When you have a Michael Jackson (MJ) as your role model, it is difficult not to incorporate dance in your act. Dance has always been part of my music and act from as far as I can remember. Music and dance for me have never been separate.

Who else inspired you?

Ginuwine and Usher did, but the real person was MJ.

How do you to keep your energy up with your steps and singing?

Practice, practice and more practice!

How do you go about the choreography of your steps?

Mainly by simply listening to the tempo and rhythm of the beat. Also, I work with other people who are professional choreographers; the likes of Sugaboi, Ralph and Ezekiel, among others.