Orezi — I don’t know the meaning of Shoki

 

Delta State-born musician, Esegine Allen aka Orezi, is behind the hit single, Shoki. He speaks about his career and debut album

What have you been up to in recent times?

I just released my debut album, titled Ghen Ghen, and the video for the lead single in the album, Baby Abeg. I hope to engage in some tours within and outside the country, to promote the album. It is top of the charts on iTunes.

Why did it take six years to release your debut album?

I did so much in order to get the album out. I moved from my former label to a new one and I had to start afresh. I had to come up with about two or three fresh singles and it took about a year to get that done. Also, I had to go for my mandatory National Youth Service Corps programme. We ran some checks to make sure I, my fans and the market were ready. Judging by the market statistics, releasing the album last week was the right time.

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Why did you move to another record label?

It was a mutual agreement. We found out we were not strong enough together. We had to partner with another label that was bigger and stronger in every means, from the finance to contacts and other means.

What inspired the Ghen Ghen album?

It talks about the transition in my life, from who I was to who I am right now. One of the singles, Asiko, talks about my days as an undergraduate at the University of Lagos, graduating and trying to gain acceptance for who I am in the society, without a godfather and it also revealed the fact that a lot of people did not believe in me. This is my time and everybody should listen to my album and songs, because I am the man of the moment. The album is laced with some party songs that depict my fun side, as well as some inspirational songs. I have a song for everyone in it.

Were you under pressure to release the album?

I was not under any pressure to release the album. Every successful human being is always under pressure to be successful. I can say I was only under pressure from my fans. Even my mother tells me that people describe me as a talented artiste who had yet to release an album. I did not succumb to the pressure; I took my time.

Do you feel you do not compete well with other artistes because you had yet to release an album since you started making music in 2009?

The competition is necessary and normal for the industry. I was never scared at all because I was already aware that the music business is quite competitive.

Why do some artistes see themselves as rivals?

It is sad that some people see themselves as competition. To an extent it is good since there is enough room for everyone to thrive. Some artistes do not want to help others because they think the person will be greater than them. Up-and-coming artistes who are based abroad regularly collborate with the already established ones because they are business-minded, but it is not obtainable in Nigeria.

Is your single Baby Abeg, inspired by a personal experience?

No, it is not. Although I had been in situations like that, I was quite open while I wrote the song. A lot of guys are in those shoes, when they ask a girl for a romantic relationship, so, I believe I was only speaking for people in similar situaton.

Why do you describe yourself as the Ghen Ghen guy?

People know that I love the slang and I invented it. It means something extraordinary, unique or awesome and it is significant to me. I am an extraordinary artiste different from everybody. The album was so named as it is a deviation from the norm.

How is your style different from others?

My lyrics and style of music are quite unique. My lyrics are also exclusive.

Which of your songs is the most accepted?

I would say Shoki. The acceptance was awesome and I still make money from it.

What does Shoki mean?

Shoki is just a dance step which I stumbled upon while I was relaxing at an African shrine. I felt it was interesting and I needed to make a record about it. I do not know what it means; I only know it is called Shoki.

How have you been able to handle the glamour of being in the spotlight since you became a musician?

I have friends and family who keep me in check. I don’t forget who I am and my background.

Has the fame translated into money?

Yes, it has, to an extent. I live in a house, I am comfortable, I drive cars, I take care of my loved ones, I eat what I want and travel to wherever I desire. Everything came from the music. I am not where I want to be yet, but I thank God for where I am at the moment. I want to be the most celebrated artiste in the continent.

Who do you look up to in the music industry?

I look up to a lot of people because I am a big fan of everyone that makes good music. I listen to 2face, Dbanj, PSquare and Don Jazzy because they talented.

Are you in a relationship?

I am single and ready to mingle. My ideal woman should be loving, caring, fear God, educated, pretty and intelligent. She must have a good sense of humour as well.

What course did you study in school?

I studied Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Lagos and I majored in Landscape Architecture. Music is something I have always loved and I felt the world deserved to hear me and what God has blessed me with. I tried to bottle it up for a while, but it did not work. I would not have been happy. Now I am happy and successful with it.

You were involved in a scandal in the past.

That was in 2012 when it was rumoured that I was arrested in Dubai for carrying drugs. I just moved on after that incident, and it did not affect my career. Besides that, I have been free from scandals. I am just an easygoing guy.

What changes do you want to see in the Nigerian music industry?

We do not have a perfect distribution network. The major way artistes generate a large chunk of their income is from shows. Considering our population, artistes should also make money from album sales. Piracy is pretty much minimal at the moment. The earlier the government realises that music is an avenue to generate revenue for our economy, and intervene, the better for us all.

What other things are you passionate about?

I want to model and act in the near future.

What does your fitness routine involve?

I work out with my fitness equipment at home.

How do you like to dress?

I like to dress comfortably and in what I like. I like to be noticed.