Why I sing gospel in
Igbo
From LUKMON BUSARI, Sokoto
Friday, March 21, 2008
Ichaka Muonso exponent, Prince Tony Agbo, is definitely
on his way to the next level of his musical career. About
a year ago, the Enugu State-born gospel artiste took worship
centres by the storm with his traditional style of music.
He sings mainly in Igbo, but with few rhymes and lines in
English.
As success begets many children, the young musician is also
exploring music and video productions to reach the top. The
first step, he told Daily Sun is to be artiste-friendly.
He achieved this recently with a promise not to rest on his
oars. Beaming with smiles, the musician disclosed what next
is coming the way of his fans despite all the challenges he’s
been facing.
Journey so far
After my debut, God has been so merciful to me. The door of
opportunities kept opening for me. Worship sessions in churches
and other worship joints seem incomplete without Ichaka Muonso.
This, of course, poses a challenge for me to do more than
my earlier efforts. I must not disappoint my fans.
Challenges
Since the release of the album, I have been receiving numerous
congratulatory messages. They advised me to inject more English
into my music, so that they can feel direct impact of the
messages. So, I am working vigorously to do this without tampering
with the traditional essence of my music. It became a challenge
to me and I have decided to come out with something unique
soon. Because my Igbo fans still want it that way, I would
sing the English version along with the Igbo lyrics. So, everyone
would understand me without having to employ an interpreter.
New project
Seeing the need to diversify, I have just concluded my studio-Tonayk
Studio- which is situated at Festac in Lagos. The studio is
into recording of songs and videos. It is established for
an average Nigerian artiste who cannot afford the expensive
studio session fees. In order to make it fulfilling, we procured
the best of equipment. There are also well trained in-house
engineers, producers and directors. A first time listener
to the quality of music produced there would be held spell-bound.
Specialization
We do not select our productions. Because we have the staff
and the machines, we produce all kinds of music including
Are-are, Fuji , Hip-hop, Ekpili, Afro and others. I established
the outfit first because of my love for music and also to
help others. I did not set it up for the financial gains.
Many talents are laying fallow simply because they cannot
afford session fees.
If not music
As a talented artiste, if I’m not into music, I would
have been an actor. I believe in doing something people would
appreciate. I don’t believe in building on someone else’s
works or talent, but to do something entirely new. I love
bringing out the originality in me.
Music career
When I first started, it was a real battle. My parents saw
musicians as thugs. So, when I told them I wanted to go into
music, they felt they have lost me. But when I came out with
my album, everyone in the family started giving me encouragement.
They are impatiently waiting for my second album now.
Inspiration
I get inspired by being alone. When there is no one to disturb
me, I see myself singing new songs. When singing in such a
condition, I feel blessed.
Role model
I look up to Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka. I love the way Holy
Spirit moves him. I like the way he commands words. I want
to be like him.
Nigerian music
It’s been marvelous seeing ourselves at this level.
Of course, we are growing day by day. Gone are the days when
you hear about musicians and the first thing that came to
your mind is the image of beggars. When I was younger, people
said musicians were always poor. After a couple of decades,
one could not believe that our music scene can be this better.
A lot has changed for us and many more wonders will still
happen to the industry.
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