‘I have a right to sing Nigerian songs’

What led you into a career in music?Amar Hathiramani: It feels like music chose me. It was by default. I’ve always been musically inclined, so to speak. I tried my hands at being a DJ when I was 14 years old. DJ Waxxy was my mentor at that time and he encouraged me. But I […]

What led you into a career in music?
Amar Hathiramani: It feels like music chose me. It was by default. I’ve always been musically inclined, so to speak. I tried my hands at being a DJ when I was 14 years old. DJ Waxxy was my mentor at that time and he encouraged me. But I never aspired to be a musician. In school my roommate was good freestyler and plenty boys around me were doing music. But still it was something I never imagined for myself at that time. When I was in Barbados around 2007 I watched some videos of “freestlyes” and was not impressed with the lyrics. I felt I could put better lines together, and so I started with an idea called “Naija slangs”. When I came back I nurtured the idea and hit the studio. Music is something I love doing.
 Why did you opt to do Nigerian music?
Amar: I love Nigerian music and culture. The music is evolving and is very promising. We’re going to see some amazing talents reach the world from Nigeria and artistes should aspire to be bigger than the biggest. I’m a fan of so many artistes and it fits into my kind of music.
What have been your challenges so far in the Nigerian music industry?
Amar: The music industry is very competitive. There are a lot of boys trying to make a mark. I’m independent and putting my head in the industry, I have had my hands burnt, so finding the right team had been hard as well. Pushing music independently is hard because it requires 110% blood, sweat and tears, talent, a team and money to see it through. If any ingredient is short ‘your stew no go complete’.
Secondly I’m different in appearance. Being non-African puts me at a whole different level because some people think I’m trying to be something I’m not. They misjudge me because of my colour. So the whole journey of me becoming the artiste that I am had to find its way to blossom. People are sceptical. They think I’m a marketing gimmick. I believe my music will speak for itself.  
What kind of music should Nigerians expect from you?
Amar: The type they can relate to, my own thoughts, emotions and experiences. Remind people that Nigeria is bigger than one continent that we are global. If Obama can be president, I can do Nigerian music. In fact, I have a right to sing Nigerian songs as long as I have a passion for it and represent the country well.