By Tony Ogaga
Are you an up-and-coming artist hungry for success? Are you dreaming of the stars? Tuface Idibia, who rose from humble beginnings in Jos, Plateau State, and is now arguably one of Nigeria’s most successful contemporary acts, has shared his success tips.
Tuface, a member of the defunct Plantashun Boiz, who alongside groups like The Remedies, kick-started the Afro hip hop revolution of the late 1990s that blossomed into the Nigerian contemporary sound, has identified humility and belief in oneself as key factors to being a successful musician.
Hear him: “The number one factor to success is that you have to be ready mentally, physically, spiritually and every other ‘ally’. You have to be ready to face challenges.”
“Number two is respect,” he continued, waving his hands expansively. “You must respect people because people are the backbones of your success and failure. Respect your fans and the people that contributed in one way or the other to your career, because there is no artiste that can come out and say he or she is an island.”
Not done, Tuface said: “You must have some level of humility as well. It’s not necessary that you greet everybody you see on the road; but you have to know that since you have put yourself out there, you must be humble. And finally, you need to have talent; talent is key because it is the foundation on which you will build your career as a musician.”
Once upon a dream…
As early as he can recollect, Tuface says his dream has always been to sing, and while growing up, he listened to the likes of Bob Marley and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. However, in 1997, after he relocated to Lagos with Blackface and they founded the Plantashun Boiz, he made up his mind to make a career out of singing.
Recalling how he has handled success over the years, Tuface said: “You know, there is this thing about life. If you have been planning and aiming for something, you wouldn’t be so surprised when you eventually get to that place. Like when I started music as a career, there was an intention to go all the way but the speed, magnitude and stardom that came with success was overwhelming at one point.
“And that was because when we were planning this, we never knew it will get this big, so we just had to re-adjust to the new level on ground. So, for me, I will say that I worked towards it. So, when it started happening, I wasn’t so surprised.”
Happiest moments
Indeed, Tuface has sold millions of records, won numerous awards and is indeed a music icon not just in Nigeria but also across the continent.
Speaking about his happiest moments, he explained: “There are so many first moments I could describe as my happiest. For me, it has been a string of firsts, and I am glad that I am a pioneer. Officially, I was the first artiste to be endorsed by a very big company and that was a very happy moment for me. I was the first to be declared by a big record label as the first artiste to sell above a million copies. I was the first to be on the popular Billboard charts.
“I was also the first Nigerian artiste to have his music played on MTV Base Africa. In fact, the list is endless; and my kids are huge sources of inspiration for me, even though, when they were coming and I was rejoicing that I was going to be a dad, some people were complaining; thanks to their mums and my wife.”
Is he still missing the Plantashun Boiz 12 years after the group broke up? “You know that once in a while you feel that way and nostalgia just overwhelms you and you are like ‘wow!’ It was really fun those days hanging out with Faze and Blackface, singing together, cracking jokes and living together in the hotel, and all the funny things we did.”
Any plan for a reunion anytime soon? “We have some plans to still do stuff, but right now, we haven’t fixed a particular date or anything concrete,” he confesses.
Saddest moments
Just like he has had his happy moments, the African Queen singer has also had his low moments.
“My saddest moment was when they were writing things about me some years ago while I was celebrating the kids coming. Some people were using it against me, and saying some hurtful things to put me down. Another sad moment was when I lost my dad. All of a sudden I realised that this man who used to carry us on his shoulders and take us out for shopping and all that was going to die. Although, I tried all I could but I couldn’t help him, and he died. I cried like a baby,” the musician lamented.
Are any of his kids taking after him? “Yeah… a couple of them are already showing some signs, but I am still monitoring them.”
Regrets
When Tuface looks back, is there anything he wishes he could have done differently? “I am not somebody that likes to regret. I feel that whatever that happens has happened. The only thing I think of is how to blend and turn things positively. I don’t just sit down; fold my hands and start regretting. Instead, I re-adjust and move on.”
Dreams
Despite his achievements, Tuface says he is not yet fulfilled: “I am somewhere now but not exactly the place and position I want to be. I still want to go far. I am still hungry to achieve other things as a business man and not just a musician.”
