There’s no real love in our industry, Praiz laments

Most people thought Praise Adejo popularly known as Praiz was a pretender on the music scene until he released his ‘Rich and Famous’ album which won wide accolade from within and beyond Nigeria. And when the MTN ambassador was honoured with his ‘own day’ in faraway Minnesota, USA, it dawned on the industry that another star is born.

 

Is Praiz living his dream or has he finally arrived as one of the big ones? He speaks in this interview on the music industry and a lot of other issues:

So far, how has the year been for you?

It has been a great year for me and I’m grateful to God. My year started on a good note and by God’s grace, I believe it will get even better. It started with a major achievement – I was honoured by the Governor of Minnesota, United States with my own day.

Usually when people are honoured with their own day, it’s a big deal. But you were given that honour and most people didn’t notice or appreciate it….

I think it’s just too big for them to comprehend. Honestly, I didn’t see it coming. Everyday I wake up and stare at the plaque, wondering if it’s real. When I started, I never knew I would achieve this. I just wanted to win awards, make money and be comfortable. I didn’t think I would be honoured in a different way in a different continent altogether. I think it’s a lesson for Nigerians to learn to appreciate their own, we celebrate foreigners we don’t know in our own country and look down on our own.

So a particular day of the year is dedicated to you?

Yes, even when I’m dead and gone, 6th of February will remain Praiz Adejo Day in America. Just the way you have Martin Luther King Day. If you go to the government website in Minnesota, you’ll see it. The only individual who has gotten that recognition is the great Rollingstone in the UK. The greatest rock band at the time. I’m glad to be the first African to be honoured that way.

What did you do to deserve that honour?

I think it’s just God’s blessing. I guess God rewarded me for those good deeds I do that I don’t broadcast. You can’t buy or lobby for such proclamations. I tell people to keep being the best at what they do because you never know who’s watching.

What should your fans except from you soon musically?

I’m about to drop another album and also an Extended Play (EP) before the album. The EP will give a platform to upcoming artistes who are really good at what they do, especially at my genre of music, RnB. They’ll sing with me and this will let people out there know that there are people who are even better than me. I’ll drop the EP to encourage upcoming artistes and also the album this year.

You’ve stuck to doing R&B songs even though it’s not really appreciated in Nigeria, how have you managed?

The genre of music we love is influenced by the economic situation. We have so much hardship and most people would not want to just sit down and listen to slow music. People want to forget their problems, but that doesn’t mean that there are no people out there who appreciate R&B music. I got my endorsement deal with an R&B song and when I was about to get signed, they told me that the reason they were signing me up is because I’m different. I’m doing good by God’s grace. I do shows, I travel to places and people love my songs. I travel to Kenya and do shows in East Africa and I do my R&B, they love it and want me to come back. I just want to be true to myself. Recently, I released Oshe, Mercy and Sisi and these are not your typical R&B songs. They are Afrobeat sounds. I believe in being versatile. R.Kelly is the king of R&B but he does other genres as well.

To what extent has the Nigerian factor affected your brand?

I don’t think it has affected me because I have remained true to my art, even though I try to be versatile sometimes and it is paying off. I was on my own when famous international rapper, Obie Trice, who is associated with Eminem heard my ‘rich and famous song’ and said he wanted me to feature in his album. I didn’t feature Obie Trice, he featured me. People out there recognise the talent in this country more than we do.

What keeps you going?

I surround myself with real people. I try not to allow fame get into my head. I don’t have a lot of friends. The friends I have are my childhood friends. They grew up with me and if I’m messing up, they can easily call me to order. I like to surround myself with people who can push me to be better. My family has been very supportive and I also have a good management team. I’m blessed to have the right people around me.

What would you have been doing if you weren’t into music?

I would have been playing football. I actually wanted to become a footballer. I played club soccer. Celestine Babayaro was my senior. I played for the Islanders FC in Kaduna as a striker.

What influences the kind of songs you do?

My environment and experiences – either personal or indirect. I like to do songs that people can really relate to. I prefer to write or sing songs that are inspired by life’s situations.

You didn’t win Project Fame, but you don’t seem to be struggling…

I feel blessed not to be struggling. But the fact is that the hustling continues. I always tell people that my hustling story is a lesson for me. It teaches me that you need to be humble, consistent, persistent and prayerful.

You did a song ‘Rich and Famous’. How rich and famous are you?

Right now, I’m confident to say I’m rich and famous because I impact lives. I drive a Benz, I did not borrow money to buy it and I pay my bills. I also take care of my family and friends.

How soon will you be tying the knots?

We’re in the era where marriages crash incessantly. It’s crazy. I never knew marriage to be this way. So I just try to take my eyes off these marriage break ups and focus on my parents. I don’t want to rush into marriage in as much as I know that time is running out.

What are those qualities you look out for in a woman?

She has to be ambitious, understanding, patient and I also like someone who can engage me in a conversation. A lot of people do not know I’m a quiet person. I can be here and not just say anything.

I love someone who really loves God, who can pull me back on track when I get distracted.

You’ve not really done much collaborations, why is that so?

Personally, I’m very selective of the kind of collaborations I do. It has to be a high quality song. I don’t water down my standards. This year, I’ll be doing more African collaborations though. I have collaborations with Sarkodie from Ghana, Vanessi Mdee from Tanzania to name a few.

What do you think about the rift ‘beef’ among colleagues in the industry?

‘Beef’ in the industry is not healthy. I don’t encourage it. Over time, I’ve come to realise that there’s no real love in the industry. But I don’t encourage bad blood.

Couple of years from now, where do you hope to see yourself?

I see myself, at least, as a Grammy nominee. When the time is right, I’ll also like to start my own family and have properties. I’m a family person.