This is my interview with Jaywon as published on Thisday Newspaper last week Friday. Enjoy it.
You released a new song recently, titled “Nkwa From Anambra”. It sounds like something you made for your Ibo fans.
Music is a way of connecting with anybody, wherever. The producer of the song, Luminary Young John is from Anambra State. He did the Ibo part, before I recorded my own part. I shot the video in London. It was directed by Charlz Bonja Archiebong for Flake City Films. The song has been getting a lot of positive responses, especially from the Eastern part of the country, like Port Harcourt, Enugu, Owerri…the love has been tremendous.
When an artist scores a hit with their songs or singles, it comes with an expectation that he/she will make a lot of money from it. How profitable has your music been, so far?
It’s been good. I thank God for my song, “This Year”. I did a couple of shows with it. The song was released in December 2012, but some people thought it was released in 2014, but a good song always sounds new, each time it is played. Now I’m trying to get myself back in the game and that’s why my new music video was shot under my own record label called, Next World Music. I registered it to run my music affairs. Basically things are getting better; things are looking beautiful and we thank God for the fans who are supporting us.
Talking about record labels, where are you with Kennis Music?
Kennis Music still remains my home record label; that’s where I started from and Baba Keke still remains a godfather to me – anytime, any day. It’s just that, there comes a time in a man’s life, when you have to stand for yourself, do stuffs for yourself and be ‘A Man’. Which is exactly what I’m doing now. I don’t have to wait for people to do everything for me. I was with Kennis for five years, and I maintained a good relationship with them. Now I’m on my own Next World Music; it’s small record label on which we released my new single “Nkwa From Anambra”, so we need all the support out there.
Your last album, ‘Jaywon Reloaded’ was released in 2011; when do you intend to drop another?
My next album will be released in the first quarter of 2015. After Kennis Music, I had to make a few adjustments here and there. So, right now, I have enough tracks to cover three albums, but we have to take time to pick the songs. The album will have various sounds like Highlife, Pop and so on.
On your song, “Madantin Remix”, we can tell you’ve worked with Olamide, Phyno and May D; which other collaborations should fans be expecting on the album?
I have also worked with Vector, YQ, Duncan Mighty, Eva Alordia, Yemi Alade… it’s a long list.
What do you think about the state of music and entertainment in Nigeria today?
I believe Nigeria is making a lot of progress when it comes to music and entertainment. I mean, Americans, Jamaicans are in love with our music right now. Recently, Dianna King worked with Praiz, and we have seen other international collaborations, and this is good. However, we must stop the segregation in our industry. We should support each other for the industry’s good. Dr. Dre came with Beats by Dre Headphones and everybody in America supported him. If Nikki Minaj comes up with something, they’ll support her. We need to imbibe this in Nigeria as well.
Asides from Jaywon that people see on TV, who do you see every time you look into the mirror?
I see myself as that next door boy, who is just looking for a way to survive; who is doing what he loves doing and who’s trying to be happy.
Tell us about the challenge(s) in your career so far?
I think it has been funds; money to do a lot of things. However, I’m the type of person that don’t see challenges. When I know I need money for something, I plan ahead and save for it.
In February this year, you were in the news for an endorsement deal with PZ’s Cool World, but we’re yet to see or hear any campaign to that effect. How come?
I was actually paid to record some promotional materials for Cool World. It was not a proper endorsement deal, like the media publicized it; and I don’t know why the materials have not been used.
It’s a good thing you have your own label now; perhaps, you will sign other artists as time goes on. So what would you say, is required to run a record label?
Well, Next World Music is just a little record label, which will showcase me and my music. To sign an artist is no joke; a lot of money for production and promotion is involved. I learnt everything I’m doing right now from my former label – shout out to Baba Keke Ogungbe and the whole team, yet, I don’t have what it takes to sign an artist right now. I can pick up an artist and support them, but not sign them. Maybe if I have a partner or investor, then we can expand.
So let’s say we go back five years before you signed with Kennis Music, will you sign the contract again?
Yes, I might, but I will get a proper lawyer to go through the contract and I’ll make sure we go over the contract and understand it properly before we sign it. However, the experience was needed and I thank God for that. Baba Keke still remains a father to me; we’ve not seen in a while, but when I see him, I’ll still prostrate for him because he’s like a father to me, and I can’t forget where I’m coming from.
Which is your favourite musical instrument?
It’s the keyboard. I can perform with just a keyboard; just play me a note and I’m good to go. I’m learning to play as well.
Describe your childhood and growing up.
I grew up in Kogi and Kwara State; schooled in Bida, Niger State and from there to Abuja, and then, to Lagos. I can say I started catering to myself when I came to Lagos. It was hard, but I was a dreamer who understood what it meant to work hard for what I wanted.
I had an interesting childhood. I am the third of four boys; I lost my dad 18 years ago, but my mom tried to give me everything. She literally did everything for me, including washing my clothes till I was about 20. I have to also confess that I was a very stubborn child. I remember when I was made a prefect in school (Government Secondary School, Egbe – Kogi State), they use to bring other disobedient students to me and I would deal with them. I would also beat some people in the hood and their parents would bring them to my house to report me. Above all, my growing up was interesting. I’ll say I had fun.
I know you’re active on some social media platforms; what’s the most painful thing anyone has said to you online?
There was one that almost trended at the time. The guy said “evil spirit dey follow Jaywon”. It really got to me. I was like, ‘what do you mean?’ I had to reply him that, ‘guy, na you and your generation evil spirit dey follow’. I mean, there’s Jesus spirit, there’s Allah’s spirit, why would you want to relate me with an evil spirit? That really got to me, but it’s one of those things.
You have collaborated with a good number of artists already, but who is at the top of your wish list right now?
King Sunny Ade. It will be an honour to work with him. I’ve actually started making moves towards actualizing it. Hopefully it will happen soon.
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