My songs based on my experience – Obiwon

Weekend Magazine: You just released an album, how is it doing in the market right now? Obiora Obiwon: Real nice to the glory of God. We are delighted and encouraged that with the strength of the single Obi Mu O which doesn’t even have a video yet; people are buying the album and loving the […]

Weekend Magazine: You just released an album, how is it doing in the market right now?

Obiora Obiwon: Real nice to the glory of God. We are delighted and encouraged that with the strength of the single Obi Mu O which doesn’t even have a video yet; people are buying the album and loving the rest of the music in it, not minding my foray into contemporary gospel. It’s really looking up and good. I’m grateful.

WM:  How long did it take to finish the album?

Obiwon: I started recording in July last year and finished in August this year. However I’ve been writing the songs from 2007 and tidied up in this year.

 WM: Obi mu o has become a favourite with your fans and listeners, is it also your favourite and what inspired the song?

Obiwon: It is one of my favourites as well as Victorious, Birthday, Bless U Lady, Lift Your Hands, The Rebirth (Kene Gi)…I guess all the songs really and not just because I’m trying to hype the album, but because they all approached different themes and none seems to be like the other. Obi Mu O was inspired by a real experience. God’s given me true love and I should be headed to the altar next year by His grace.

WM: Have you started smiling to the banks?

Obiwon: The album is just two weeks and four days old on the streets! However the single Obi Mu O which has been on air for months now has sustained our brand and made sure we’re out there in events, weddings, etc. I’m glad.

 WM: You have been around the music scene for a couple of years now. Do you consider yourself an A- lister in the Nigerian music industry?

Obiwon: By industry standards I’m not and you know! However I have very loyal fans and I’m number one in their hearts. Their love and loyalty fuel me up so much and has kept my name on lips including the topmost notch of the industry. A-list is only a matter of time.

WM: How do you assess the Nigerian music industry?

Obiwon: It’s like a boy who’s just been given a new range rover car but he doesn’t know how to drive, therefore he just moves little distances at period. With that car he could really take off, however we’re even scared he might crash.

 WM: Who are your favourite Nigerian artistes?

Obiwon: Onyeka Onwenu, Celestine Ukwu, Christy Essien-Igbokwe, Tuface, Midnite Crew, 9ice, Faze, Asa, Ty Bello and many more. Couldn’t possibly name everyone here. I love unique styles, great voices with great messages.

 WM: Who is your musical role model on the International scene?

Obiwon: I grew up on a lot of Michael Jackson, Lionel Ritchie, Boyz II Men songs and lyrics. I also take a cue from R. Kelly’s inspirational songs and Donnie McClurkin is also awesome.

 WM: What is your take on the just concluded MAMA Awards?

Obiwon: It’s good bringing Africa together musically and I’m happy most especially for the Nigerian winners. It’s a great highlight. However I yearn to see the connection with the international exposure and recognition an MTV award is expected to bring for us here in Africa.

 WM: As a fan of Michael Jackson right from a tender age, how do you assess the post hummus Michael Jackson single just released into the market?

Obiwon: Strange enough I just heard the M.J song This is it this morning. It’s beautiful music and an instant classic. It further reiterates the amount of gift the man had. It’ll be impossible to forget him.

 WM:  How did you come to be known as the black prince of African music?

Obiwon: Hmm interesting, you’re just telling me. Never heard anyone address me that way for some time now. However Black Prince was my alias back in university days. There should be a connection with that and your gist somewhere along the line.

 WM: You studied Agric Extension and worked as a banker for a while, so why the divert to music?

Obiwon: Music has always been number one. I studied Agric. Extension when I couldn’t get Medicine at first, to get my parents off my back as regards Medicine and also to finish quickly with school. I worked in a bank for three years to sustain myself as a loner who came to Lagos to pursue his musical dreams and also to finance my first album. After that album got off the ground, there’s been no looking back.

 WM: How would you describe your kind of music?

Obiwon: Urban contemporary African gospel and R and B.

 WM: What are the challenges you have faced in your music career?

Obiwon: Doing it all alone has always been the major one. I’m under my own independent label Jdimusic which started off when no one would believe in me enough to sign me on.

 WM: Were there any objections from family or friends to your quitting your banking job and taking up music?

Obiwon: There were objections, there were jests from relatives, however, my mum was supportive from day one. I thank God I’m still out there and its all made sense now.

  WM: How many awards have you won?

Obiwon: Two actually: Best Male Vocal Performance Hip-Hop World Awards 2007and Male Voice of the Decade Nigerian Music Awards 2007.

 WM: How long have you been in music?

Obiwon: Four years professionally.

 WM: When is the wedding bell ringing?

Obiwon: First quarter of next year by God’s grace.

 WM: Asides music what other thing are you into?

Obiwon: The little financial experience I got enabled me to foray briefly into the stock market. However it’s been strictly music and entertainment business since I started recording this new album.

  WM: Which is your favourite song among all your songs and why?

Obiwon: Very difficult question. My most favourite song out of my songs is probably unrecorded and still in my head. However out of recorded ones it might be Victorious and The Rebirth (Kene Gi) of the new album. This is because those songs were highly inspired. I listen to them and I know I was just the vessel through which they came. I didn’t really have serious dedicated creative input into their original idea and concepts.

  WM: Are your songs based on experience?

Obiwon: On my debut Onyinye, Streetz of Lagos and Get ‘Em Off Me were based on experience. On this new album, all the 10 songs are based on personal experience.

  WM: Tell us about a memorable music experience you have had in your music career.

Obiwon: So many of them, but the ones that I impact on the most are testimonials from fans who’ve had their marriages or some other aspects of their lives better as a result of an experience with my song. That is so fulfilling.

  WM:  How has music helped you as a person?

Obiwon:  It’s the perfect get away from this imperfect world and I live for bringing joy, hope, light and life to humanity through the music I’ve been given.

WM:  One last take for your fans.

Obiwon: I couldn’t possibly do it without you guys. I’m back and better because you’ve always believed in me. Thank you so much and remember that living for the Almighty is all that matters.