I want to be a CEO by 16 – Child rapper, AGE

Weekend Magazine: How did you start the gospel rap music, what was your inspiration? AGE: Let me do it in a short story. I woke up one morning and told my daddy I have a new song. He said “Okay let me take you to the studio.” Boom! I became a rapper.  WM: The year […]

Weekend Magazine: How did you start the gospel rap music, what was your inspiration?

AGE: Let me do it in a short story. I woke up one morning and told my daddy I have a new song. He said “Okay let me take you to the studio.” Boom! I became a rapper.

 WM: The year 2017 was a major breakthrough for you. How did you get to hear and apply for the Season 7 of God’s Children Great Talent (GCGT) that brought you to limelight?

AGE:  It was awesome for me. There were so many adventures that made it so.  I first heard about the GCGT in 2016 in an advert. I was asked to record a video and send. We did that but I don’t know what happened that the video did not eventually reach them.

Last year, I heard about it again, told my dad and he filled out the necessary forms. My first audition was in Abuja. It was long (because of the crowd) and that discouraged me. I remember telling my dad we should forget about it and go home because I didn’t think I could make it.

But I finally made it to the audition room and as I was rapping everything in my head disappeared and I didn’t know what to sing again. Suddenly, I just heard stop! I was very scared but the next thing I heard were three Yes! (From the judges) and once you get that you are qualified to the next round of audition that take you to regional. I was so excited. I passed the regional and got to the semi-finals. Although I did not win, I was made to understand that originally I was the winner.

 WM: How do you mean that originally you were the winner?

AGE: Over 5000 people came for the audition but I got to the finals. I was told that it didn’t mean that the person that won the competition was better than me and everyone that didn’t win took something home. I was made to understand that I am a winner although I still felt bad.

WM: Were you confident you were going to win. How did the Lagos audition go?

AGE:  It was tough in Lagos. We had a lot of practices, rehearsals and activities. We worked practically every day until the finals. The day of the finals was tension-filled for me. It was at Eko Hotel, I was very confident I was going to win but something happened during my first performance. I was either faster than the beat (I was performing) or the beat was faster than me. When it happened, I became discouraged, that was when I knew it was all over but my second performance was bam. Full of energy and it moved the crowd. I thank God I was among the best five.

 WM: How would you describe the influence of GCGT on you and your songs?

AGE: People would have still known me (without GCGT) but it would have been longer.  GCGT has been a stepping-stone for me. I was at Shoprite recently and a particular couple recognised me but I don’t know them. I went to the barber’s shop last time another person saw me and was like “this is AGE! I like your song ‘I am blessed.” When I ministered at the Redeemed Camp, I heard people say, “I am blessed, I am blessed!” I was amazed and I thank God for that. It has opened several doors for me.

 WM: How can you describe your rap music? What makes is stand out?

AGE: Mine is mine, I am me and no one else can copy my style. A lot of people say they want to be like me. Most of the rappers in the world are secular; very few are gospel. My music is special, it is unique, it is gospel and not worldly. A lot of artistes started from the church but deviated. I will remain in gospel even though it is not all the time I will sing about God but that does not mean I will deviate into the world. If I’m not singing gospel, the type of songs I will sing will be about my life and celebration but I won’t go into worldly music.

 WM: What should your fans expect from AGE this year?

AGE: We are coming up with a new song ‘Baba you be God.’ It should be ready before December. We are also planning a concert centred on youths and children. We are not limiting it to church and it won’t be worldly either. We are still in the planning stage.

 WM: Who are you looking to work with for your album and the concert?

AGE: I plan to feature Frank Edwards, Samsong, Chris Morgan, some of the GCGT Season7 finalists and Lil Krane.

WM: What is your lifelong ambition after school? Do you see yourself taking up a different career path?

AGE: I want to be a CEO by the time I am 16. I wish I would have enough money to promote my talent. I want to feature American gospel rappers.