‘My wife’s involvement in music spiced up our marriage’

TJ Bala: I was trying to realign my career, and along the line I had an accident in April 2008.  I was on my way to Lokoja with my band to play for His Excellency Alhaji Ibrahim Idris when he was to be re-sworn in as governor of Kogi State. On our way about 30 […]

TJ Bala: I was trying to realign my career, and along the line I had an accident in April 2008.  I was on my way to Lokoja with my band to play for His Excellency Alhaji Ibrahim Idris when he was to be re-sworn in as governor of Kogi State. On our way about 30 kilometres to Ibadan, I was involved in an accident. I was unconscious for five days and I came out of unconsciousness to find myself at Eko Hospital, Ikeja. I specially thank the Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ibrahim Idris for evacuating me from the scene and payment of our hospital bill. I also give thanks to other good Samaritans who stood by me like Hon.  Atai Aidoko and  Hajiya Aishetu Ali Ibrahim. Right now I am recuperating and working on a new album. I have remixed my former album to meet up with the current trend.

 WM: Why your brand of music? Any new project?

TJ Bala: I classified my music as Jameni music because it is a modification of the past mixed with the current trend of music traditionally. I want to be unique and not a copycat.

 WM: Which of your songs gave you the most challenge?

TJ Bala: All have challenges but at times the ones you think of least becomes people’s favourite. No shaking especially, I have to produce and reproduce over and over because of the three concepts that came to my mind.

WM: Which ones fetched you success or limelight?

TJ Bala: I had my recognition from my maiden album titled Sweet and Nice and Abuche crowned it all. I am amazed as it continues to sell every day since the date of release till date. So I thank God for that album.

WM: Does piracy affect you?

TJ Bala: I hardly take my album to places like Alaba where albums or works are dubbed and resold.

WM: Your wife is also a musician?

TJ Bala: Yes, my wife is also into music. It is a nice thing to happen to our marriage.  I discovered she had the talent and she deserved encouragement. I tried my best for her to realize her potentials. We thank God for this special gift. She is doing well in the market. The development has spiced up our marriage as we now work as a team on music projects.    If any of my kids show interest I will encourage them too. It is now in the family.

WM: How active are you in your association, PMAN?

TJ Bala: I am a member of the PMAN. We are trying our best as a union but government needs to help us to fight piracy. Artistes are not making enough money from their creative work.

WM: Your role models?     

TJ Bala: My role model is late Michael Jackson. He influenced me in many ways, especially through his dancing steps. My other role models are Sunny Ade and Fela.

WM:Any regrets?

TJ Bala: Yes, I used to take people by their face value but I have since discovered people are not as sincere or nice as they seem, so I am now very careful. God is assisting me.

WM: Your most memorable moment?

TJ Bala: My most memorable moment was when l released my first album. I am happy playing for state chief  executives, the president of Nigeria and my aspiration is to meet Nelson Mandela and shake his hand.