Why I shoot videos in S/Africa – Dare Art-Alade

Dare Art-Alade: Firstly, thank you for this opportunity to spend some time with you. I am truly grateful and feel humbled and appreciated. To answer your questions, I definitely don’t feel any bitterness towards MTV or any of the nominees and winners. On the contrary, I am so very happy for my brother and colleague […]

Dare Art-Alade: Firstly, thank you for this opportunity to spend some time with you. I am truly grateful and feel humbled and appreciated. To answer your questions, I definitely don’t feel any bitterness towards MTV or any of the nominees and winners.

On the contrary, I am so very happy for my brother and colleague 2Face who has had a great career so far. We have collaborated and sometimes eat from the same plate! Upon my return home from Kenya, I posted on my facebook status that I am so happy for my brothers MI, D’banj, PSquare and the rest of them who all won awards and made me proud!!! I wonder where such news you claim would come from. Absolutely not from me!! (laughs)…

Why do you always shoot all your videos in South Africa even though you claim you are original Naija?

Firstly, to be “original Naija” is a feeling of pride and belief in oneself and our future as a nation of which I am a staunch activist. Being Nigerian is in our blood. Apart from the fact that I have shot several videos at home across the nation, from Lagos to Abuja, I have also kick-started the careers of some of Nigeria’s current “in-demand” directors and video producers. As a musician, I believe in diversification and variety. A change of scenery, cast, equipment can do nobody harm.

When did your love for music start?

My love for music started as early as I can remember. I think from the age of eight when I was part of a kiddies choir performing our version of USA for Africa’s “We Are the World”…ever since then, I knew I wanted to make and perform music!

How has the road been so far?

The journey has been full of ups and downs, but coming from where I come from and the beautiful people around me, I have learnt to only dwell on the positive. It’s not easy especially in a country like ours but I thank God for the mercies, awards, sales, performances and love shown to me so far. And allow me to use this medium to thank everyone I have ever come in contact with directly or indirectly!

Does music run in your family, that is, are your siblings also inclined to music like in the Fela dynasty?

I wouldn’t say we are like the Fela dynasty! But we all have ears for good music, although I am the only one practising music professionally in the family for now.

Have you had other trophies as yet to show for your creativity aside the Project Fame win?

Yes, I have. Over the last few years, I have gathered awards across the world including 2006 + 2009 Channel O awards for Best R&B, Best Male, NEA New York Best R&B, NMVA Best R&B, Best Video, etc. I am so grateful for the awards and promise to strive to make good enjoyable music.

Quite a number of people who have listened to your music and watched your videos think your place is not in the Nigerian music industry. What’s your take on that?

Music is universal, from Terry G to Fatai Rolling Dollar, from Sammy Okposo to Fela Kuti. I strive to make music that anybody and everybody can identify with. I aim for variety in my music and my songs have gone far around Nigeria and Africa, and now with the expertise of Soul Muzik, we are aiming for the rest of the world including North America. Sometimes, it seems we limit ourselves mentally, but I believe in the Nigerian spirit of resilience and excellence. We will get there! My place is definitely in Nigeria!

Do you feel appreciated enough for your efforts?

Yes, I do. This last album’s success has surprised many including my humble self. Although there is much room for improvement, we are constantly working on our craft. I feel privileged to be where I am now and will not relent. Not just yet!

Your father was a musicologist of repute (May his soul rest in peace). Did you get any tutelage from him, as would it be right to say you learned the art of music from him?

The late great Art Alade was an influential figure in my life. He impacted on me more than I can remember by me just being his son; but the earliest encounter I remember was me bringing home my music homework from secondary school (CMS Grammar School) and asking him about the duration of notes or something like that… I definitely learned a lot from him. He was my role model right from my early days.

Tell us about your experience with the National Troupe of Nigeria.

My experience with NTN was with the choir. Although short-lived, it gave me the bedrock of professionalism and dedication to music and performing with a team of seasoned veterans under the leadership of Femi Ogunrombi (Papa Ajasco fame) and directors of the NTN and National Theatre. From performing indigenous music to learning more about notations and other forms of music, it was a swell time with them!

When did your big break in music finally come and what was it like?

Not sure when I had a big break, because I’m still looking for that BIG break!  But I think Project Fame South Africa played a monumental role in who Darey is today. From performance to confidence and dexterity, it was a wonderful opportunity for me back then in 2004, but that is history now. I believe there are much bigger and better things to come…

Your song, “Original Naija” was used as the theme song for the first ever edition of Big Brother Africa. Tell us about the deal and your feelings then.

There wasn’t much of a ‘deal’ involved, but through Storm Records, my song was used as the theme. It gave the music identity and a whole lot of people grew to like it. I have Obi Asika and the Storm team to thank for that.

Some say your music tends towards opera, especially in ‘unDareyed. What is your take on that?

I would say they should have another listen. I have backgrounds in jazz, pop and classical, so there is bound to be variety. There is no operatic track on unDAREYed!!!

What is the influence of your wife on your music being among the few musicians who settled for a family quite early?

Her impact is invaluable and I thank her and Soul Muzik for all the love, belief and support over the years. Without her, I would be nothing.

You are among the few artists that made Abuja their home quite early. How is the music business in Abuja?

Music business in Abuja is coming up in a big way. Although Lagos has always been the melting pot for music and entertainment, we are doing our own bit and contributing to the Abuja entertainment scene…

What fond memory do you have of your famous father?

It was his playing on TV and making people happy and smiling. He always left anyone he met with a smile. Something I am trying hard to learn. He was truly a gem!

What is your next line of action after your last album?

I have just completed work on my next couple of albums and working on more materials as we speak.

You are a charming young man, married and obviously focused. How do you handle distractions that will definitely come from your female fans?

Female admiration is inevitable. I have a family and a loving wife. There is a balance and I am appreciative of all the female support so far.

Most of your fans felt bad that the judges robbed you of the Best R&B artist at the MTV Awards.

I wouldn’t want my friends to feel bad. There will be more opportunities by the grace of God. We will make it together…

Do your songs and videos ultimately put a smile on your face when you check your bank statement?

Not yet, but we are hoping and working towards it every day! When it happens, I will surely let you know…

Lastly, what has been your biggest challenge so far in your music career?

Piracy – cheats and lack of general infrastructure. They kill creativity on all levels from music makers to poets and software developers. Something must be done to revamp our situation in Nigeria.