Having learnt from the Master himself, the “Take Banana” crooner,
launched his single, “Omoba” which topped the chat at that time and officially
launched his music career. He went on release his debut album “Frenzy”. In this
encounter, he talks about his journey through music and his brother’s influence
on his career...
·
How
long have you been music?
I have been doing music since I was a little boy, because I was in the
church choir, but professionally I would say 2007/2008. That’s about nine to
ten years now.
·
How
did you come about your name D’Prince?
I have various reasons; first my native name is Ezenwa which means
“Prince”. Then the first single I released, was titled, “Omo Oba” which means
Prince as well. So it all pretty much explains itself from there (Laughs)
·
Tells
us about your “Frenzy” album
The Frenzy album was my debut album, which I was opportuned to record in
London as well as in Nigeria. It was a crazy period for everyone. The whole
experience recording and packaging the album was so crazy. It was during that
process that Jazzy and I came up with the name, “Frenzy”. The entire process of
recording back and forth inspired the title.
·
If
you weren’t an artist, what other line of work would you be in?
I studied Business Administration ICT in school, but I always wanted
to do something in the creative arts. If I wasn’t a musician, I probably would
have a sound engineer or something else, as long as it’s in the arts.
·
You owned
a night club called “Jonzing”, it’s no longer functional, tell us about that?
Well, my partners and I had issues which we resolved, in due time, we
intend re-opening the club. At the moment, we are working on rebranding. Jonzing
at time comprised of a club, bar and a restaurant. But due to some unforeseen
circumstances I can’t mention (laughs), we had to shut down.
·
As
the brother to Mavin CEO, would you say this has influenced your music career?
The truth is, it is privilege having your brother as your music
producer, because music is all about chemistry. You have to have chemistry with
the person who is making your music like your band members, your team. There is
nothing better than working with someone who knows you very well. Don Jazzy as
a brother and producer as well because of his knowledge and passion for music
·
What
challenges have you faced working with artists outside the Mavin crew?
We have a wide variety of artists in Mavin, singers and rapper alike. So
it’s on rare occasions we do collaborations with artists outside Mavin. I don’t
think we have faced any challenges, it’s just a matter of the opportunity
presenting itself for collaborations or having the time to meet with other
labels, but we are open to collaborations though.
·
Who are
your earlier musical influences?
Firstly, when I started falling in love with music, I would say it was
my love for Michael Jackson brand basically was something quite inspiring to me
and I can say it partially influenced me. I also liked to listen to Bob Marley
and Jaz Z, and back home I was also fascinated by Fela Kuti
·
Your family is big on entertainment; would you
say this has been your drive?
Oh most definitely! My dad used to own a production company back in
the day. He always wanted us to do music. He also encouraged us by getting us
music instruments and enrolled us in contest and musical showcases. So, it is
really a family thing and one way or another we carry on his legacy.
·
Have
you considered following your father’s footsteps by joining the Nigerian movie
industry?
I would love to do movies in the future. At the movement, I am putting
together a production team to work on a TV series, like a reality TV show. We would
also work on short movies. If given the chance I would also love to act, only a
role that I can interpret properly. Don’t be shocked to see me on the big
screen someday soon. Film is really not far from me.
·
How do
you relax?
In Nigeria, we don’t really have a lot of places to chill, so most
times, I just stay at home and watch movies and football, but when I am on holiday,
I leave the country
·
What’s
your favourite holiday spot?
I would say Miami
·
Can
you address the rumour of your relationship with Inorie Fotso?
Let me start by saying that, I don’t know anyone bearing that name. I don’t
know where this rumour sprang from. I have heard a lot about this rumour. Please,
I don’t know anyone by that name. I am not dating any Inorie, it’s all a hoax. So
let the general public, please take note
·
Do
you write your own lyrics?
Yes I do, but sometimes Don Jazzy does as well. He’s a great writer. We
go back and forth with ideas until we get it right. I am inspired generally by
life experiences and what’s happening at that moment. All these combined, I express
via my music.
·
How
does it feel to be a Brand ambassador for MTN and what does it entail?
I have been working for MTN for over years now. It’s been a wonderful
experience because I remember how it was when I got signed to MTN, the benefits
I have gotten personally; I have gone on tour round the country twice now. We were
also to get them to handle our digital content. As an ambassador, I am expected
to represent the brand properly wherever I go, both as an individual and as an
artist
·
As one
of the founding members of your record label, what would you say influenced the
change of name from Mo hits to Mavin Record?
Well, after the spilt, we had to come up with a new name while
rebranding. We took some time to explore and then finally, came up with “Mavin”.
Mavin is actually someone who is a genius in any field he chooses, he could be
anything he wants but be a Mavin at it, always bringing his “A” game in any
field he finds himself
·
What
challenges did you face after the name change?
Basically, we had to work on helping our fans to readjust to the
brand, because most of the guys they knew as Mo Hits left. What was left of us
had been changed for the better. Thankfully, it worked out for all and the
public managed to adjust Mavin.
·
What
has been the highlight of your musical career?
I won’t say I have worked with all the artists I would like to work
with, but so far, I have had various highlight too many to mention. The truth
is, just being able to perform on big stages around the world and being able to
use my voice to do something that intrigues people is everything to me. The opportunity
to reach people through this platform is awesome. For me the process is
actually still ongoing.
·
How
do you handle mistakes during performances?
It happens most times, if not all the time and thankfully people don’t
usually notice, because as professionals, we always have a smart way to cover
it up (laughs). Most times one is trying to perform a particular song and
perhaps the band is off beat, and sometimes we clash musically. We always have
to find a way to comeback and keep the attention of the audience.
·
Do you
have any ritual you perform before going on stage?
I just like to be in a quiet room, pray and be calm. I don’t like any
noise when I am about to go on stage
·
What
projects are you working on now, songs etc?
We are shooting a couple of videos we would be releasing soon. I am
also working on my sophomore soon. I can’t say much about it now (smiles)
·
What
advice do you have for up and coming artists?
Always believe in yourself, because nobody will help you if you don’t help
yourself. There’s a quote I live by, “The nearest place to find a helping hand
is at the end of your own arm”. Nobody will give you the best of what you want
for yourself, only you can do that
Credit-Allure Magazine
About TRENDY
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