I’m back to reclaim my identity – Sarkin Basu

Hausa music sensation, Abdul Lukman, popularly known as Sarkin Basu, whose song, ‘Komai Na Mata Ne,’ shot to fame, has been scarce lately. Daily Trust tracked him down for a chat. Abdul Lukman did not abandon music, but only put aside his music career to fulfil his mother’s dream of becoming a graduate. The singer […]

Hausa music sensation, Abdul Lukman, popularly known as Sarkin Basu, whose song, ‘Komai Na Mata Ne,’ shot to fame, has been scarce lately. Daily Trust tracked him down for a chat.

Abdul Lukman did not abandon music, but only put aside his music career to fulfil his mother’s dream of becoming a graduate. The singer said with the success of his single, ‘Komai Na Mata Ne,’ his mother was sceptical that his stardom would allow him concentrate on his studies.
“When my song ‘Komai Na Mata Ne’ was released, I was studying for my Higher National Diploma (HND) in Tourism at the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi. At that time, I became a popular artiste whose performance was sought for almost everywhere,” he recalled.
“My fame attracted my mother’s attention and she became afraid that along the line, I would abandon my studies for music. So, she summoned me and advised that I slow down on my music career and concentrate on school. I saw the wisdom in that. Personally, I never thought I would become this popular with just one single and really I have been thinking too. Thank God I have successfully completed my studies and my NYSC programme. Now, it’s going to be purely music and I bet you, my fans will get to know me better,” he said.
It was also alleged that his long hiatus from the music industry had given many artistes the advantage of impersonating me at different concerts. The fact that he didn’t shoot a video to accompany the single helped the impostors to thrive.
“The song was so popular but only few people knew who really sang it because I do not have a video. So, some good for nothing artistes took that advantage and started parading themselves as me. It is a pity indeed, but now that I have completed my studies, much is going to be heard and seen from me,” Lukman stated.
“Though I have no prior skills in music, I write all my songs myself. Luckily for me my first single ‘Komai Na mata ne’ hit the air waves like wildfire, even though it was my first but the audience loved it anyway,” he added.
Already, to fully reclaim his identity, Sarkin Basu has dropped a video for his new single ‘Majala.’
“Similarly, to put those impersonators to shame, I have dropped a video of my new song ‘Malaja.’ I am happy that many people are now familiar with my face. With ample time by my side, I have made commitments to produce more unique songs and videos that will put them to shame,” he said.
The singer also revealed that he had finished all arrangements to drop his first video album that will contain all his songs. He revealed that it is time for his fans to get the best from him.
The hit song ‘Komai na Mata ne’ has been in the middle of several controversies as many tried to own the song. It is recalled that a movie producer had attempted to use the song without the owner’s consent and it took the intervention of some stakeholders in the entertainment industry to settle the issue.
Sarkin Basu said the sky is his limit in the music industry as he is set to bring about the needed change.
“I see myself at the helm of music affairs not only in Nigeria but in Africa. I also see myself as an ambassador of my region, my country and continent. My brand of music is that which will make heads swing, legs tap and the whole body vibrate with the touch of modern and local instruments combined to give soul pleasing sounds,” he said.