Djinee ‘I’ll sing in Hausa if…’

Weekend Magazine: How did you come about the stage-name Djinee? I got it from the mythical “genie” that makes peoples wishes come true. I was nicked-named that when I was young because they felt I always went out of my way to make people happy. I mostly used to put people’s happiness first. The video […]

Weekend Magazine: How did you come about the stage-name Djinee?

I got it from the mythical “genie” that makes peoples wishes come true. I was nicked-named that when I was young because they felt I always went out of my way to make people happy. I mostly used to put people’s happiness first.

The video for ‘Ego’ your major hit was emotional. Does that signify that you are emotional in real-life?

Well, I’m kind of an emotional person but not overly. I’m firm and I’ve got a conscience and most of my lyrics come from real-life experiences.

Does the titular female in the song ‘Ego’ exist?

(Laughing) No, she is a figment of my imagination. I’m a storyteller. For one to be in the entertainment industry, one has got to have a talent for storytelling or acting. I create characters and breathe life into them via my songs.

How did your passion for music start?

It started a long time ago, I could say since when I was a tiny tot. I always heard my dad play music from gramophones, turn tables and such. I started by listening. Naturally, the passion grew and I decided to try out what I have been hearing. I started singing in my primary school days and went on to join the choir in-between.

As I grew up, I hopped in and out of studios to get my songs out there, but I thank God today that I have been able to use my ability wisely.

How long have you been singing professionally?

Professionally, since 1998. But I didn’t get to make my proper breakthrough until 2005.

What is the greatest lesson being in showbiz has taught you, and what is the greatest asset it has given you?

Patience and orderliness, I would say. The greatest asset is relationships. The long-term relationships I’ve forged with some industry moguls and not forgetting my loyal fans who have loved me through thick and thin. I owe a lot to them.

Showbiz has been very challenging. A lot of people describe how difficult it is for them to break through and when I compare it to mine, it’s a piece of cake. Then there were no mobile phones. Which means the only way of communicating with anyone was by travelling to meet the person. The internet wasn’t common then. Now with all the music blogs and sites available you can promote your work by sitting in your house.

My biggest challenge wasn’t finance, like everyone will say. It was trying to convince the executives about my kind of sound, which wasn’t exactly the in-thing then.

As for my accomplishments, I’ll say that would be keeping my name on the radar and maintaining a loyal fan base, home and abroad. But I have a lot more to accomplish and so I don’t look back. I work like I haven’t started at all. I don’t “count my blessings” like people will say. I want to win Oscars and Grammys. I want to make exportable music, one that would be readily accepted globally.

Music isn’t all you do. What else do you practice?

I anchor TV shows and production. I also have my outfit that provides content for TV and radio. I have got my recording studio. So when I’m not in the studio recording, I am busy doing any of those. It seems like everyone and their grandma are into music now, so I have to take my time to make sure what I come out with next will have impact, and not just ‘flavour of the month’.

Has the thought of acting in a movie ever crossed your mind?

I’ve had a couple of scripts tossed my way, but I haven’t really settled into that frame of mind yet. I think I’d like to concentrate on my music/TV career and make the best of it before venturing into acting. I would not go into acting because every other musician is into it. For now I’m OK with what I do. If I have to act, I have to be ready for it.

When you started, did you have any fears about your kind of music being rejected by the public?

No. I am a musician, through and through. I sing and my voice is my major asset. I do not add effects electronically and I believe so much in my ability. I do not need a microphone or instrumental to sound good. I guess that’s the classical/opera training in me. So it gives me faith that as long as you hear my voice, you’ll listen. My voice is my asset.

Comparing life now and then, do you miss you private life?

I was never a ‘nobody’ and I don’t bask in stardom. I see this as me living my dream and doing what I love. Life hasn’t changed dramatically. Yes, I’m making a living like anyone else. And of course, there are some things I can’t do anymore and places I can’t go. But what makes my life pretty normal is the fact that I still keep a small unit of my old friends and that my values haven’t changed. I think I’m even a better man now. I’m more patient and I’ve learnt to control my temper because I’ll do anything to guard my career.

So do you think the Nigerian entertainment industry is now at a point when it pays more to be a TV anchor man?

I would not say that it’s just that I’m doing everything I know how to do. There’s Ashton Kutcher the actor who anchors MTV Punk’d. There’s Xzibit the rapper who hosts MTV Pimp My Ride and they are still doing their various parts in the entertainment industry. The Nigerian entertainment industry is coming up, and with the right support we will soon get to where Hollywood is.

Have you ever thought of singing in a different language like Hausa or Yoruba?

Well, I could when I get the inspiration to do that. Now that you’ve asked, who knows? Maybe I’ll give it a try.