‘Why I’m learning to sing in French’

Weekend Magazine: For starters, where were you born? Naydo: In Kaduna State. I started singing at the age of 3 on stage in church and I wrote my first song when I was 8, signed a record contract when I was 16. I’m an introvert, the youngest of 5 children, and I consider myself responsible, […]

Weekend Magazine: For starters, where were you born?

Naydo: In Kaduna State. I started singing at the age of 3 on stage in church and I wrote my first song when I was 8, signed a record contract when I was 16. I’m an introvert, the youngest of 5 children, and I consider myself responsible, focused and with a good sense of humour.

WM: How did you get into music?

Naydo: My family noticed the talent in me before I realized. So they made sure I was on stage as often as possible especially on Sunday’s in church. So I grew up and found myself in it and it’s been the most important thing I do in my life.

WM: How would you describe your genre?

Naydo: I grew up listening to Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Brandy, etc. So I’m definitely an R and B singer. But I’ve recently found myself falling in love with ballads, country, soul and a little bit of hip-hop music.

WM: What other things are you into apart from music?

Naydo: I’m currently studying French. I’d like to sing for the French people later in life.

WM: You have worked with stars like Jeremiah Gyang, Pherowshuz and more. But you now seem to be keeping a very low profile. Why?

Naydo: Yes I’ve worked with Jeremiah Gyang, Pherowshuz, Rugged Man, Funkiest Mallam, Kel, PeeLola and lots more. Last year, I worked alongside Sammy Okposo, Daddy Showkey, Waje, Tosin Martins, Six Foot Plus and many others. I have been working, busy recording songs and shooting videos. I just haven’t released my second album yet. But it’ll be soon.

WM: Anything to do with insinuations that the Nigerian music scene is overcrowded?

Naydo: I don’t think it’s too crowded because Nigeria is a big country, there are a lot of doctors, lawyers, bankers, etc. So I think it’s fair for singers and musicians to show what they’ve got too.

WM: Do you enjoy any support from family members?

Naydo: Definitely, yes! If it weren’t for my family, I would not be here in the first place. So they are my number one support group. They support me in all aspects of my life.

WM: Your new single, ‘Kai Yaro’ was done in Hausa. Does the language best transmit your message?

Naydo: English language best transmits my songs but I sang this song to represent northerners because I’m from Adamawa and grew up in Kaduna and Abuja. So I did it for my Northern fans, especially.

WM: Many consider Lagos to be the base for artistes. Are you thinking of joining them?

Naydo: I’ll be celebrating my first song “Whisper” next year as it’s almost 10 years since I’ve been in this industry. I can tell you that I love Abuja and I’m not moving from here. I visit Lagos sometimes but I’m based right here and I ain’t going to Lagos!

Compared to Lagos, music in this part of the country is lagging because there aren’t many people who believe what I believe, that music can grow here. And I believe so because Nigeria has got great and talented people here, as well.

WM: Many expected a lot from you after your jaw-dropping performance at COJA in 2003. How has it been since then?

Naydo: I’ve been singing at private occasions. I sang for the Late Stella Obasanjo’s children events, Titi Abubakar’s pet project Battle of Hope, birthdays, weddings, and of course the GEJ campaign.

WM: There are rumours that you might venture into Nollywood…

Naydo: No, I haven’t considered that option even if I’ve met a lot of people that want me to start acting. I’ll think about it after I release my next album.

WM: Which of your work has been most challenging to bring together?

Naydo: What I’m working on right now. My budget is almost a million dollars. Raising the money has been challenging. So I considered a different approach, which is getting Mr. President himself to sign an endorsement letter for me so that I can easily get sponsors. Though after singing and campaigning for him, people have made it difficult for me to reach him. So I’m waiting for a miracle.