United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, MI popularly referred to as ‘the Chairman’ is one of the most inspiring hip-hop artistes in Nigeria. The talented rapper, who has been engaged in nationwide campaign against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, spoke with UCHE UDUMA about his latest song, ‘the Chairman,’ Chocolate City label’s operation in Kenya among other issues
How has it been working as United Nation’s Ambassador since 2012?
It is a great honour to be selected as a United Nations ambassador but there are still a lot of works for me to do. We are just getting started, the first part, I have spent more on orientation. I have learnt a lot and amassed lots of experience on the issue. Right now, the real work is starting off.
What are the issues we have with trafficking in person and smuggling of migrants?
It is a very serious issue, basically the problem of illegal migration is what most young people indulge in now, may be someone can tell his friends that he has an uncle that takes people to Europe and within three to four days you will be there. Only for you to go half way and be left stranded with no other option than to resort to crime, which will leave you exposed to xenophobic armed forces that hate Nigerians and want to kill them.
The women could be raped and shot; it is a very horrendous experience. Most people who survive it have same story of regrets. We are trying to sensitise people not to lose their lives. If you want to travel abroad, there are proper ways to go about it. Most importantly, if you want to secure your future, you need to work here in Nigeria and invest in Nigeria; you don’t need to go outside. These are some of the messages we are trying to pass across.
Your latest song ‘the chairman’ has been the rave of the moment, can you tell us about the song?
When people hear the song, they will say, why is MI bragging. I am not, the reason why I wrote the song is because everywhere I go, people call me chairman. I did an album titled ‘the chairman,’ I wrote the songs to enable people know how I got to where I am today because I know that a lot of young people are looking up to me. And I just want them to know that if you do what I did, you will get to where you are aiming at.
There was a rumour that your song, ‘The Chairman’ was meant to counter a song by Olamide, which says a certain chairman should take things easy and calm down?
It is so, so untrue I was chatting with Olamide last week (He brings out his phone to show the chat) you can see it for yourself, we were talking about doing music in Nigeria. So there is no beef between us, I do not have any beef with him. Olamide is such an exciting and vibrant young artist that I will personally fight anybody who tries to get at him.
Early this year, one of Chocolate City’s artistes, Jesse Jags pulled away from the record label, and recently Brymo said he will be pulling out too, do you see that as a threat to the record label?
Jesse’s case is unique because Jesse has worked very well for the label, he has done very well and Jesse did not leave chocolate city, he was released by Chocolate City to do a project that he wanted to do. The difference is that the information came from Jesse and not from Chocolate City, so everyone assumed that there was a problem. He has a project that he felt will be best for him at that period.
Now Brymo’s case is a little bit different because as much as he wants to leave Chocolate City, he has a contract he must fulfill. So, the situations are different and personally, I don’t think anybody leaving or staying is a threat to a record label. But I would just say that it is not a good idea for anybody to leave a contract, to be released is a different thing but to leave a contract, I do not think is a good idea, because there are very negative and serious implications to that.
So is chocolate city going to sue, if Brymo leaves his contract?
Like I said he has not left, these are legal stuffs and I should not even be talking about it. Somebody tweeting, saying that he has left the contract does not mean he has left the contract.
Chocolate city recently extended its operation to Kenya, can you tell us about the Kenyan version?
Yes we were in Kenya; we went to Kenya to extend our family. The family is growing well, we already have a fantastic artist called Vicroria Kimani, we may be looking at one or two more partnerships and we are excited about what Kenya offers, because it is such a beautiful place with great music, people with vibrant music and culture, we are just happy to be part of them.
So can you compare the music industry in Kenya with what we have in Nigeria?
The difference is that Nigeria music industry is a little faster than that of Kenya, but their music and their culture is so rich that we have a lot to learn from them too. So it is a good balance and I think the African story is one of unique cultures coming together to groove. We are going to learn from them and they are going to learn from us as well. So they are different but there is a whole lot of learning for the two countries.
How would you describe your kind of music?
I am a hip-hop artist and rapper. I am trying to make positive music; I call it Hip-Hope. I try to preach the message of hope. And let young people know that if they keep trying, they will make it.
So how has the X-factor experience been?
X factor experience has been wonderful, very great.
What were your early musical influences?
Panam Percy Paul, Ron Kenoly, Bob fits and any gospel music but along the line I fell in love with rap music. But the fact still remains that earlier in life, it was gospel music.
What would your fans be surprised to know about you?
My fans will be surprised to know that I am a good basketball player. People always laugh and remark that ‘short man like you?’ But I play basketball very well.
What is your typical day like?
There is no typical day in this business at all. Every day is different, every day I have to do something different. Some days, I will be at the back of UN car granting interview to one of the best reporters in Nigeria, another day I will be on board a flight to Kenya yet at other times I will be at home or in the studio. So there is no typical day’s routine.
What’s your favorite fashion piece?
It should be my watch, I really like my wrist watch.
What’s the most expensive fashion piece you have?
I don’t know, maybe a pair of shoe or something but I have some jeans that are pretty expensive. I bought some like a thousand dollars.
What message do you have for your fans out there?
Just be positive, work hard and trust in God.
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