HOW has it been touring the country as a judge on Sprite Triple Slam?    
Oh, it’s been good and jolly. I’ve been able to see many things, meet many people and discovered that talents do abound in our country. Not only in music, but also in sports, especially basketball. This country is truly blessed. It’s been said several times, I tell you, it’s the truth. We  should start to look into discovering and developing talents, rather than oil and refineries.

In which state did you experience some sort of surprise from fans?
Well, the first day of the show is usually laid-back, fans don’t troop out much because. Not much action really takes place then. The second day is usually more exciting because the fans are aware that something’s up. That has been the pattern in all states I already toured. I’d say Ado Ekiti and Calabar has surprised me the most. Then Zaria.

Ado’s case could be because they hardly get to see entertaining events regularly
It could be true, but Calabar also gets to see regular shows and the crowd was impressive. I guess its because of the event, particularly in Ado because promoters take events there regularly.

So, what makes this event a crowd-puller?
Definitely, its because the Triple Slam connects with the audience in a special way.

How special?
Unlike a concert where artistes are shielded from fans, we are expected to approach them, feel them, connect with them. It’s like an interactive thing, but the sponsors use music, basketball and dance to get the fans to participate with celebrities in the slam.We sit with them for hours, talk to them and so on. That’s why this is different from other tours that I have embarked on.

Experience as a solo performer
Fun. Big fun. I’m able to do what I had wanted to do right from day one.

And what was that?
To do all I can to see the acceptance and expansion of Nigerian hip-hop. You see, back then, it was all American music, but we, Trybesmen that is, made sure we used our language to sing. Reverse is the case now as Nigerian music now rock radios, clubs and music sites.

About Trybesmen, is it true you guys parted over money matters?
Yes and No. No in the sense that it wasn’t because we had problems agreeing on who got what then, we never fought over money. But I had a global vision for Trybesmen as regards Nigerian music. I dreamed big and planned to bring on Sasha, Blaze and many others, but others were like ‘how could we give this guys money earned by us.’ They preferred it was us alone, I wanted everybody in on it. So, you still could say it was money issues that ended the Trybe.

How did you guys raise money to pursue your dreams?
I am from a comfortable home. It was my money that was used to keep the group for the first five years.

Who suggested the name Trybesmen?
KB. He’s Yoruba. I speak Hausa very well, while Freestyle is form the East. Ours was what you called WAZOBIA, but that name didn’t jell with us. We all agreed to be known as Trybesmen.

What’s happening to the others now?
KB now works at Sony Ericsson but I don’t know what’s happening to Freestyle right now. Its been long since I heard from him. I’m sure he’s okay wherever he is.

And now that you’re on your own, what have you gained?
It’s not a matter of gain or loss, it’s just that I’m fulfilled. I’d always wanted to be an artiste, one that will help promote Nigerian music. That dream has come true now. When some of us, 2Face, OJB Jezreel and myself, among others, started what is now known as Nigerian hip hop, the vision was to get it the recognition it deserved. It took a lot of sacrifice on our part. Then, my vision was to sing only Nigerian songs and be cool with it. I had an accent then, but I discovered that people were drawn to me because of that. I wanted so much to lose it because many liked how I sounded like a foreigner when I’m not. So I started infusing Yoruba and pidgin into my music just to be Nigerian. The gain has been the acceptance of our music.

Why did you leave for US?
I love to be ahead, to be abreast of situations. After earning a degree in Architecture from Unilag, I decided I wanted more. The situation in Nigeria couldn’t allow me to stay though. I travelled to study and I have a degree in Multi Media. Now, I have set up my own outfit and I’m gradually working my way to the top.

Will you quit the scene?
Sooner or later. God willing, with good health, I still got five to ten years left for me in the music industry.

So, you’ll  go back to Architectural works?
No, I’ll go back to my studio.

Will your dad be pleased after spending much on you to become an architect?
He wanted an architect, I gave him the degree. My mum wanted As, I gave her in my GCE. I want music, I’m giving myself that. They are happy for me. Both have always known that I’ll end up  a musician. Besides, my parents took good care of us and we all have the free hand to choose our parts, but you must have that education first.

Life in US
Well, I didn’t suffer any lack if that’s what you mean. Like I said, I’m not from a poor home. We are not super rich either, but comfortable.

Life in Kaduna
Good. Swell. I liked the serenity that pervades the city, it allowd me to concentrate. An artiste needs to be in quite places so he or she can be still, be focused. If you have passion for anything, one should stay away from noisy environment. That is why I credit those who still make it in Lagos with all it’s surrounding noise

No nasty experience while there, is that what you want to tell us?
There was a nasty one of course. A near death experience in fact. I think it was in 1992 or 1993 during the Kaduna riot. We were in school when we heard that a religious riot had broken  out and we were afraid we could be caught in it. Out of fear, my friends, two of them, and I decided to escape from the hostel. We jumped the walls and started out on way  to what we assumed would be a safe place. It wasn’t long before we walked into some tough looking guys who asked us to recite a Surah from the Koran. I knew some, so I confidently recited one. Fortunately for us, my friends were not bothered. They assumed the guys studied the Koran and could cite one when in truth they did not. We could have been killed just like that. That is why my heart goes out to those who were killed in Jos, many were killed without cause.

Who is your lucky wife?
I am the lucky guy. She stuck with me for 11 years.

All those while, you were not tempted?
No.

Not even a go at any of your fans?
I’m not that type.

Was she your first?
She lasted the longest. She stood by me, that’s all that matters.

Do you take her on your tours?
Most of the time

Most shocking treatment ever got from a fan
That was when a guy walked up to me and said he wanted me to do his sister.

Do as in sleep with?
Yes. That I should sleep with his younger sister

Was she beautiful?
Yes.

Did you do her?
I told you I’m not that type of guy. I got sisters and will never want such a thing to happen to any of them.

So, what did you do?
I told the guy that he shouldn’t sell his sister cheap. It was disgusting and demeaning. I warned him to be careful as he could ruin his sister’s life by allowing artistes to sleep with her.

Was the sister there?
Yes. She just stood there blushing

What next?
To promote my album. I’ve already shot two videos, “Ota Mi” and “One Day.” I shot them myself. What you’ll see in both videos are my handiworks.

What’s “One Day” about?
That Nigerians are tired of hearing that it will be better one day. That day need to come now. What do we ask from our leaders if not the provision of security, good roads, power and jobs?

Is it aimed at politicians?
It’s for our leaders generally. In fact, it’s for those who deliberately fail to deliver on their promises. They are the ones pulling us back in this country.