Xtranger now a stranger to music

So, the bottom line is that my passion for event management and organisation was greater than singing. Asides from other personal reasons, I know that singing has to do with a lot of fame, and I decided I’m not interested in going all the way anymore. I was very cautious of several things affecting my […]

So, the bottom line is that my passion for event management and organisation was greater than singing. Asides from other personal reasons, I know that singing has to do with a lot of fame, and I decided I’m not interested in going all the way anymore. I was very cautious of several things affecting my future and personality and which are things you could hardly erase if you get to the limelight aspect as an artiste.

I liked the event management aspect of my talents and I decided to put together an organisation that would manage and develop talents and promote musicians. The demand and attention was so much that I needed to choose between my two career paths, then I found myself doing more of event management than singing.

So are you trying to say that you are no more into music as a career?

Xtranger: Like I said earlier, I cannot get away from music. I still do studio sessions and regular humming but I do not sing on stage anymore. Though I will not say I have quit. But I will be right to say that I have kept that aside for now.

Why do you call yourself xtranger?

Xtranger: That name started in April 11th , 1988, during my secondary school days. It was ‘Stranger’ but I decided to replace the ‘S’ with an ‘X’. You know they say it marks a spot and it indicates the unknown. I gave myself that name to give myself an identity, not copying somebody else. You know in entertainment you need to have a unique identity and my name marked the identity of a newcomer, out of the ordinary.

What did you study in school?

Xtranger: Business Management. Most people will wonder why the diversion. You see, entertainment is a hobby. It was something that I could not do without. The bottom line is that I loved to sing. And I know that people in music find it hard to do away with once they are in it.

What inspires you?

Xtranger: Most times my inspiration comes from situations and circumstances around me and most especially from my life experiences.

What was your highest point in the music industry?

Xtranger: The response of the audience to my kind of music was my highest in the music industry and that charged me to want to do more. But events and circumstances changed that whole idea of wanting to do more in the music industry. And like I said, with every high point in the music industry, came a disadvantage to me.

What do you have to say about the Nigerian music industry?

Xtranger: The Nigerian music industry has developed a trillion times and is fast becoming one of the fastest growing entertainment industries in the world. It is making a dynamic difference in Africa. Nigerians have begun to appreciate their own music now more than ever. Most events and occasions you go to, 99% of the music offered there is purely Nigerian and it is awesome. Because if you take a look at America’s entertainment industry, over 50% of their resources comes from their talents and Nigeria will get to that point someday.

I see the music industry carrying the image and brand of Nigeria from point A to the next level.

Have you ever dabbled into acting before or thought of doing so?

Xtranger:  I am an actor and have acted in about 5 movies, including the film ‘Private Part’ and currently in a soap opera running on a popular television station right now. I have been a TV presenter for four years with NTA as a contracted staff. I used to run the Charly Boy Show and all that is acting. Anyone who sings or does the likes of it has the tendency of becoming an actor.

Any chance of a return to music soon, or a new album coming out?

Xtranger: To be honest, I do not know. The idea crossed my mind today but I am not working on anything musical for now. I’m just helping others to release their albums. What I do is that I present the October 1st Índependence Show every year, where I sing and also present all kinds of talents to celebrate the day in Abuja.

What would you have done if you had not gone into event management or music?

Xtranger: Nothing. Because this is what I feel is my calling. Come to think about it, I have never really thought of that aspect of my life. I cannot seem to think of what I would have been doing if I was not into music or event management.

Who are your role models in the industry?

Xtranger: Well, internationally, I would say the likes of Buju Banton, Junior Kelly, late Robert Marley. Locally, I do not know where he is now, but Majek Fashek was a great talent.

Tell us a little about your private life…

Xtranger: I’m happily hooked and married ( laughing) and we have been blessed with a beautiful daughter who we’ve named Kella. Fatherhood has been one of the most interesting aspects of my life. My life has changed since I became a father as I have this personal attachment to my daughter. She took almost everything from me and nothing from her mother.

Do you have any regrets venturing into the music industry?

Xtranager: Yes, I do. The fact that I am famous sometimes has and still affects my marriage. My wife finds it very difficult in my communication and association with the opposite sex and my travelling and my attending events. Most of the challenges I face in my marriage now were borne as a result of fame. Naturally, as a woman, she does not have any problem with the entertainment thing but the fame aspect of it.

Fame, I must say, has really affected me because even years after, people still make up ridiculous stories like ‘where does he make his money from’ or ‘does he have a sugar mummy somewhere’ amongst other nasty stories that are spun out of ignorance.

How did you meet your wife?

Xtranger: I met her in the course of my struggle to attain fame. My wife is a very interesting, caring and loving person and has great belief in everything that I am doing and knows that I am a goal-getter. Naturally, every woman has the feminine aspect of her and it is the responsibility of the man to channel whatever circumstances judiciously.

How was growing up like?

Xtranger: Growing up was challenging because we were dreaming to become stars as our priority. But now the whole thing is different as people are only concerned about fame, glory and money.

I have had several embarrassing moments on the streets but I have learnt over time to be careful and learnt to tolerate every one of them as it is the price that comes along with fame. When embarrassment comes I see it as a stepping stone. And hey, I grew up on the streets so I know when these things happen.

What’s next for you now?

Xtranger: Right now, with my company, Names on Platinum, I intend to be one of the most dynamic and influential entertainment companies in Africa. I am on the road getting to one point and we are growing and to the glory of God everything will be okay.

Should your fans expect something new from you?

Xtranger: I’m begging for understanding from my fans. And now that you have asked, I will definitely do a song, sort of like a parting gift for my fans which will be in form of storytelling, explaining to them my reasons for staying off music for a while. They should not worry, as my name will continue to be in the entertainment industry for a long time to come.