"Nwa baby" hitmaker dismisses gay rumours

BUZZ: How did your music career begin?
Flavour: The start of my music career is really a typical story. I started playing the drums, then went on to sing and then learnt to play the keyboard all in my local church choir in Enugu, Nigeria.

How would you describe your music?
My music is a blend of high-life and hip-hop. I try to work in other genres too but I always want to stay close to the high-life and hip-hop blend.

Is there anything in particular that inspires your music?

My music is inspired by the essence of Africa – energy, fun, and life lessons.

Which musicians inspired you while growing up?

Many, there’s Oliver de Coque, there’s Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Lionel Richie.

Does your family support your music career?

Oh yes. My parents and my siblings are my greatest fans.

What do you consider to be your greatest musical achievement to date?

Well, my musical achievements have come at times when I am in different stages of my career. I cannot really single one achievement out and label it the “greatest musical achievement”. That said 2014 has been a blast for me so far. I have won awards at MAMAs, AFRIMMA and the like.

What is the music industry like in your country?

The Nigerian music industry is a work-in-progress in the sense that we have achieved so much and yet there is still plenty to do. I am glad to be part of it.

Is your music more of a career or passion?
It is a combination of both. I cannot honestly say that one feeling supersedes the other. Music is my passion but without the discipline involved in making a career out of it, one may not achieve much.

You’re quite an energetic performer, have you ever disappointed your fans at a concert?

I hope not! I always ensure that I bring all of myself to every concert. That’s career and passion “colliding”.

What’s the special ingredient you add to your songs to make them hits worldwide even though they are not in English?

I always say that music is a universal language. I strive to give my listeners the best; that calls to them because I speak to their innermost passion and desires and lift their moods.

Do you think Kenya will ever catch up with Nigeria in music?

I hope not! Because that will mean Nigeria would have to stand in one place. We can’t!

You were rumoured as gay partners with Peter Okoye of P-Square, how do you block rumours like these and stay focused on your music?

When you make a career out of your passion, staying focused is not a plan you make, it becomes how you live.

Your body, how often do you work out? And why is it such a priority to you?
I try to work out every day. It helps me stay healthy and refuels the energy that my music and performance needs.

What was the reaction when you were selected to be a part of this season’s Coke Studio?

In one word, excited! I was selected to participate in the first season but the schedule clashed with another event so it was wonderful to have another opportunity to be part of such a great event.

What did you think of the show?

It was fantastic! Well-organised and the team did well.

You were paired with Victoria Kimani, how was that?

It has been great. Victoria Kimani is such a great artiste. She is such fun to work with.

Which songs did you fuse and why?
On my part, my two songs “Ada Ada” and “Nwa Baby” were great hits and I wanted to see what the fusion with Victoria can bring to it. It was great!

What do you think of her music in general?

Victoria’s music is full of energy. It is, to my mind, what Africa is about.

What have you gained from Coke Studio and how will it affect/influence your future projects?

Coke Studio season 2 has been a learning experience. I have learnt that there is a lot that can be done with and to any song. That opens my mind to a lot of possibilities which will impact my future projects.

How do you think it will impact music in Africa?

Coke Studio will widen the minds of every player in the music industry in Africa. Coke Studio is about what Africa can achieve when we sit together and collaborate on projects.

Have you ever worked with any of the artistes featured in season two?

Oh yes! I have worked with Omawumi, Iyanya, Chidinma and Phyno.

Which artistes do you think should be featured in the next season?

Africa has a lot of talented artistes. I am sure the organisers will have their work cut out for them in selecting artistes. That said, I think it will be interesting to fuse some old artistes with upcoming artistes.

What message do you have for upcoming artistes in Africa?

They should stay focused, take their time in preparation and give it their best.