Abia State born artist, Emodee, is a budding potential and star to watch.
The young talented musician under Zizah Records label was in The Niche Headquarters in Lagos where he disclosed the challenges in the industry, his Christmas shows and plans for 2019 among others.
Assistant Politics Editor, Daniel Kanu anchored the interview.
As 2019 is gradually coming to an end, how did the year impact on your music?
Well it has not been easy but God is always there for me. You can see that the nation’s economy is not as Nigerians expect it should be. Most Nigerians are finding things hard. I hope the government could genuinely rise up to the economic challenge. Of course, big artists in our industry may not feel it but we do. As an artist the challenges are much but you must learn how to deal with them all. The industry has really changed and not the way it used to be. Now you need to be financially strong despite how talented you are. You need money for your promotion and all that. You just have to keep working and not get tired. Some time you are in a low spirit that one ought to have “blown” by now but when such negative thought flies in, that is a bad spirit, you must banish or you will begin to suffer discouragement.
Are you discouraged with the present state of the music industry in Nigeria?
I can’t be discouraged no matter what happens because I am where I think God has placed me. All I need is to work hard and be patient for my time to come.
Any end of the year show?
Of course many had been booked. I will have shows in Port Harcourt. I also have a big one in Umuahia, my state capital. The theme of Umuahia concert is ““Letter To Abia State”. It’s an awakening message for our governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, to raise the bar of leadership in the state.
He needs to do more, fix a lot of things for the people. Also its a message to the youth, calling for oneness for all Abians to unite so that in unity we can grow stronger and greater.
What are your likes?
I like making friends. I am the social type so I like socializing a lot. I like honest people, I like to groove, I also like being in the studio and listening to good music.
What of your dislike?
I hate dull moment, I hate gossips, I hate discrimination. I like someone that carries everybody along because that is my nature too. I like carrying people along because even if you have everything you did not create yourself and you are not going to bury yourself. Don’t feel that you are no one or the best that has happened to life.
Recall your saddest moment so far?
It was when my former label, Godek Records Studio, got burnt from fire outbreak. It was the moment everything was supposed to kick-off as regards my promo. I thought the world had ended but God showed up and today I am stronger and taking up challenges as they come.
Happiest moment?
After everything I have passed through, no matter the hardship I have not stopped working and God has never stopped showing me love because the grace has already been released upon me for making myself proud, (not making anybody proud but myself). My belief is that before other people will appreciate you, you have to make yourself happy.
What plans for 2019? Its going to be big in 2019 and my expectation is high. You know I am now with Zizah Records and they are working to take over the Nigeria music industry, going international too. Next year Zizah Records will be the label to beat because a lot of work has been done for proper positioning and there is no stopping us because God is already in-charge.
