Why my new album remains unreleased – Jeremiah Gyang

When it was released, ‘Na Ba Ka’ became a hit. How did listeners’ reception make you feel? It made me feel very special. It became clear to me that I possessed more than I knew within me, and that I need to take it more seriously than I did then. It was the epiphany I […]

When it was released, ‘Na Ba Ka’ became a hit. How did listeners’ reception make you feel?

It made me feel very special. It became clear to me that I possessed more than I knew within me, and that I need to take it more seriously than I did then. It was the epiphany I needed that changed a paradigm in my thinking.

You say you are passionate about the soul in music. Do you see soulless music being made in Nigeria and what is your take on it?

I do. I don’t like it, but if real artistes don’t step up, if the good men of the land don’t step up, the musical tyranny will continue, and the innocent will continue to be the victims.

You have been very quiet. What have you been up to?

I have been busy developing myself, getting married, (laughs) and learning more about life.

How was the experience working with Asa on the ‘Comforter’ song?

Asa is my friend. We have great studio chemistry. We always like jamming on our guitars when we meet each other. Now when it was time to record, it all came naturally. She has an amazing way of quietly challenging you. I had to rewrite my entire verse and practice again the whole night in an attempt to make the bar. I still didn’t!

Is there a video out yet for the song?

No, there isn’t one for now. Hopefully, soon enough, we will make one. Maybe even another song.

It is being said you are working with her again on songs for her third album. How is that coming along?

I don’t really think I fit those shoes yet. To imagine it is really overwhelming. She’s such an amazing talent, way ahead of her time.

Are there any chances of a Chocolate City reunion?

In a lifetime where people come across each other for different reasons, when they go apart, it is in many cases very emotional when they reunite. I totally love reunions and besides, we are both in Nigeria.

How true is it that you are shooting a scene with Bimbo Akintola for a Nollywood movie?

How can I run away from Nollywood? How can any actress be more loved than Bimbo? These two names in there cannot do without each other. A collaboration from Bimbo and I will result in a fantastic outcome because, and you may not know, she is an amazing singer too.

Everyone has been waiting for your next release. When is it coming?

That I do not know, either. I am working so hard but most importantly, I am taking my time. I want to be fully in my element when the songs are complete. I really need to do this right.

How has it been, being married?

I pray this sweet thing on every single person I know. It is a very necessary thing everyone should come to. Being alone is really not good, but do not rush in on my account. Also, don’t say “I am taking my time” either. Just ask and you shall receive.

How do you manage your career and the home front?

It comes very naturally. My wife knows my job as well as she knows me, because I and my job are already one. It’s my purpose, and she gets it. On the other hand, I know my wife. I understand her needs. The most important thing for me is that I love her so deeply. The only thing that keeps me happy and balanced is when she is happy. It now then means that nothing can work well at my job when she is not happy. Wow, it is already beginning to sound complex, but it is really that simple.

You grew up in Jos. How does today’s Jos with all the killings and crisis, impact on you as one who grew up in a serene society and as an artiste?

I hate violence. Nigeria, are there still any of you out there that remember the civil war? Stop these kids from this stupidity. My mind feels violated. I pray it changes. The excuses we give seem to always have their roots in ambiguity. Both sides lose before realising what they have done to themselves.

Jos-groomed artistes seem somewhat quiet to all of this. Don’t you think you all could make a difference to keep the situation in check?

We do more than you can think for those that harkens to our voices. For now, sadly, it may not be obvious. We generally do not have a very good social welfare structure in Jos yet, as is prevalent in most parts of Nigeria. Artistes should be standing on that as a foundation, but in this case, artistes make up a lot of the foundation. The time will surely come.

What is it about Jos that produces such fine artistes?

You know how when you plant a seed, you go to bed, you wake up, you do not know how, but you see it sprout. It is what I think about this matter. We do not know how it happens, but we always wake up to flowers blooming and blossoming gardens. I should definitely put a mark on when someone finds out what it is.

You once said nothing is worth abandoning your music career for…

If you cannot love yourself, you cannot love anyone else. If I abandon my music, I have abandoned myself; therefore she will have no one to love. My music and I are internally one. My music has many expressions, one of which is my job. That in turn does not place my job on the same pedestal as my music. I will give family priority over my job anytime. When I do that, my music abides in me. She knows this.