Damilola Fatunmise; Gilbert Ekezie
Fast rising artiste, Richie Somadina Okonkwo also known as Selassie, vowed never to take a paid job but to continue nurturing his musical talent. And now with a couple of singles to his credit, this decision seems to have paid off.
In this interview, the graduate of Geological Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana speaks about his career, lifestyle and future plans.
Why the name Selassie?
I chose the name Selassie because it is powerful. It belonged to one of the most powerful Africans of our time, the late Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, who led an exemplary life.
How did you start music?
I attended Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Ojo, Lagos. I was in the same class with a popular Nigerian rapper. Back then, we used to hold shows together and people got interested in us. When we finished school, I went to the university and immediately I graduated, I went back to do music, which I have passion for. Music chose me because when I was trying to become a musician, it was quite impossible to get money to excel in it. Being someone from a responsible family, I hesitated to continue pursuing music. But along the line, the calling was so strong that I could not resist it. Today, it has dawned on me that music is my calling and it is good that I am into it, because it has been wonderful so far.
What kind of music do you do?
The funny thing is that I have a style that has been identified by the urban street. It’s like my song, ‘Anywhere Belle Face’, a mixture of Lagos life and street hustle. I have a song, ‘Thunder Fire You’, which is Afrobeat; I have ‘RMB’, I have ‘One Chance’, which is rap, and some others. I spread myself to reach out to my fans, but my style is the same.
What are the tracks in Anywhere Belle Face?
Songs in the tape include ‘So Amazing’ (featuring Santa), ‘Off And On’, ‘Palaver’ (featuring OG Shittu), ‘Na So’, ‘One Chance’, and ‘Ginger’. Others are ‘Pop Star’, ‘Thunder Fire You’, and ‘Obianuju’, the promo track.
After Anywhere Belle Face what next?
I am currently promoting some of the songs in ‘Anywhere Belle Face’ as singles and I have shot a video for ‘Obianuju’, which is on the TV and Internet including follow up videos. I am also working on a song that will tell the story of Lagos life and hustle from the eyes of a young man living in Lagos. It is a story of survival. So, people should watch out for it. So far so good, I have learned a lot in music include how to captivate my audience. I am presently working on a lot of materials and my next project will blow the minds of my fans. When I did ‘Anywhere Belle Face’, I just came back from school. But now, I have learned how to set the music. I am now going to correct my mistakes in the second project.
How does your inspiration come?
Seventy percent of my songs come from day to day experiences. My songs are more or less narrative. I do not just say ‘I love you’, but I say why I love you. Basically, my songs are real life stories. There are so many things to sing about like danfo (commercial bus) drivers, politicians, conductors, street boys, students and day-to-day life. There are indeed a lot of materials to work with.
What is your greatest challenge in music?
I think the greatest challenge in music is infrastructure. There is no defined channel to promote music. Also, there is no regular power supply to work on new songs. Bad roads also contribute to the challenges of music. Sometimes, people cannot make it to shows due to the bad nature of roads. Piracy is also a cankerworm. It is difficult to sell music as a result of that. Another challenge is the embargo placed on the Nigerian credit cards. As result of this, you cannot find some music online. As it is, a lot of credit cards are not acceptable and we are losing a lot of money from sales and streaming.
Who do you look up to in music?
Oh, I look up to Wizkid. I like him because he does not stress himself and things work out for him very well. I also like Olamide because he is a hustler and he’s consistent. He has about eight albums to his credit. I do not think any artiste of his kind in Nigeria has such an output. Moreover, his songs are motivational.
Which female artistes do you like most?
Wow, I like Sese, Eziemela and Akpala. I also like Tiwa Savage; she is a queen.
How do you handle female fans who may want to have relationship with you?
This is an important aspect of a life of a musician. You see, without female fans, one cannot stand the test of time. They are the ones that propagate the music, therefore, one has to create a balance. But then, one has to be conscious not to compromise.
Can you do any other thing aside music?
I can do so many things aside music, most especially, entertainment-related ones. I have passion for photography and I write too. I have been told on several occasions that I am an excellent writer. I actually write lots of music. I am so gifted and cannot sacrifice part of the gifts for another.
You mean you cannot take a paid job?
No, I do not fancy that. I did well in school but did not really enjoy it. When I finished class by 6pm, by 8pm I was in the studio where I usually enjoyed myself with music. So, seeing myself in the music industry is something that gives me joy.
Do you ever think of furthering your education?
Not really. My parents have been asking me to go for Masters, but I told them there is no need for that. We are in a society where if one does not have the certificate, it becomes somehow. Doing music is my priority.
How much support do you get from your parents?
No doubt, my parents are my backbone. They are with me anytime, any day; they give me all the necessary support I need to succeed in music. Before I go out for any show, my mother would pray for me. So, it is wonderful. The parents’ support gives me confidence and makes me serious. They allowed me to pursue my dreams in spite of their reservations. I wish that other parents could be involved in their children’s lives as much as mine are.
How do you fund your music career?
Majority of the funds come from my parents who formed a company around me. They have been promoting me within their circles and everywhere. In fact, they are wonderful. I also get support from beneficial patriots and friends who like what I do.
Are you in any relationship?
I am not in any relationship. At this stage, I am really committed to my career. So, anybody that I am relating with now will be stressed out, because she cannot get the full me. Though, I have friends who are very close to me, I cannot call it the relationship you have in mind.
What are your ugly experiences as an artiste?
In Nigeria, everybody would want to rip you off or steal your materials. Sometimes after recording my songs, I will see it somewhere else. Another ugly experience was going for a show and not being allowed to perform because big artistes were there to perform too. But despite the challenges, we still strive. It is not easy. If one is not born to do music, he will be discouraged, especially when the money is not coming. But if one is really destined for music, he will surely persevere.
Where do you see yourself in the next three years?
Obviously, I will be on top of the game in the next three years. I have been working so hard to give the people what they want. I am a man of the people; I belong to the people and so will give the people what they want in music.