I sing mainly for lovers
By DAMIETE BRAIDE
Friday, June 3, 2005

Charles Oliseh

Photo: Sun News Publishing

Singer Charles Oliseh hails from Ndokwa East local government area of Delta State. He attended Agbado Model Primary School, Benin, Edo College and the University of Benin where he studied Geology and Marine Engineering. He is a member of Health Safety and Environmental Agency in Benin as well as an environmental geologist.

How I started
I started music way back in primary school. I used to do small shows with my friends. Later in secondary school, I participated in club shows. On gaining admission into the university, I continued the shows in addition to participating in concerts. Then I started writing songs, which made waves then. On graduation, a friend invited me to Lagos to record my songs, which I did, and since then, I’ve always played music.

Inspiration
My inspiration comes first from the Almighty God, because he gave me the talent, to reach out to people. I also get inspiration from friends who were instrumental to my music. I get inspiration from the society too.

Kind of music
I am into Rhythm and Blues, Hip-hop music, all of which appeal to the general public.

Albums released
I have just released my first album titled Will You Marry Me, though I have been writing for people, my album has seven tracks, Take me back, Capture my heart, My friend, One thing I know, Will you Marry me, Missing your touch and Worshipping you (gospel). My songs are basically on love, which reaches out to everybody, and the gospel track has to do with worship and praises.

Impact of music
My music has a lot to do with love in the different dimensions. I try to make people understand that life is all about it can offer, not just in a relationship alone, but to make people live amicably in the society.

Target audience
My target audience is the society in general, because my music cuts across every sphere of life. Anyone who listens to it would enjoy it based on his or her interest.

Sponsorship
My parents are my sponsors.

Challenges
Initially when I started, it was a bit easy, but when I got fully into it, it became a bore in a way. Another challenge is lack of inconsistency in the music industry, where the musician has to do everything on his own, without support from relevant bodies.

Childhood days
My growing up was quite simple, quiet and calm because I grew up in the midst of adults who really catered for me. I didn’t have the time to be adventurous.

Role model
My role model is God because He gave me the inspiration to do what I am doing now. I would also say Back street boys because their songs inspired me and influenced me a lot.

Happiest moment
My happiest moment was the first time I heard my music being played on Metro Fm about a month ago, Although I cannot describe how I felt, it was so encouraging because it was a reminder that I am moving forward.

Future plans
I want to have a record label of my own that would fight against piracy, I want to also go into publishing and have a music school to raise up coming artistes.
Advise for younger artistes
I want them to settle down, get their works branded so that there would be no limitations to their works and they can compete anywhere in the world and excel in their music.

Problems of Nigerian music
One of the problems of the Nigerian music is lack of sponsors, there are many talented artistes but because of lack of sponsorship, most of them waste away in the streets. If there are sponsors in the industry, there would be more improvements in the industry.

Piracy
I don’t know if it can be stopped because piracy exists even abroad. I want the Nigerian government and Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), to reduce it if it cannot be stopped completely.

Message to fans
My fans should prepare to get my next album soon. They should keep on supporting me at all times
Things to be remembered for
I want to be remembered for my songs that preach love, and seek to solve marital problems in our country today.

Most difficult times
When I went to radio stations to promote my works, I encountered bureaucracy, which was not really encouraging. But right now it is different because my songs are now on air on different radio stations.