How long have you been a singer?
I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. I have had one butchered lyrics here and there around the house, growing up. But I decided to really give it a go as a career back in secondary school. I recorded my first demo in 2012. So, I’d say, give or take, I have been singing for 11 years now.
When did you know that you could really sing?
I think I knew since I was a kid. I saw musicians on television and realised I sounded like them when I tried.
At what point did you realise you could sing professionally?
I think, around 2011. I was in the choir at my local church back then. I got compliments and encouragement every time I sang. That’s when I knew it wasn’t just my mom that liked my singing. My brother pushed me to take it seriously. I recorded my first song the year after.
Did you tell your parents about your decision to be a professional musician? What was their initial reaction?
I didn’t really come to them formally with it. I just recorded my first song and brought it home. My siblings and mom were really excited and proud to hear it. My dad was mostly nonchalant but he eventually came around.
You sing on social media and have garnered a lot of traction? How does it make you feel?
It makes me feel good of course. But not just that, it makes me feel like I matter and I’m making some kind of difference in my little corner of the world. It is fulfilling to hear someone tell me how my song helped them through a hard time. It’s always great to hear such feedback.
You do a lot of covers of popular songs. Do you have songs of your own?
Oh yeah, I do. I have a ton. Most of them have not been released, but there are some out there for sure. I’m basically holding onto a lot of songs so I can carefully plan their release with a worthy promotion plan and budget. There is a saying in the industry that one should not rush a masterpiece. So I’m taking my time with some of them, but I got about eight singles out under my new name, Ejiyk.
What song would you say made you popular?
I would say the ‘Stoopid Cupid’ album back when I used to go by the name Daddii was the hit. That album got critical acclaim from anyone I know that listened to it. It’s my strongest project so far.
What role does training play in your singing?
For me, I would say not much, to be honest. I have a lot of things I’m juggling musically as an independent artist. I self-produce, mix and master my works. I also design and shoot most of my videos so I don’t train a lot. Perhaps I’ll get more into that (training) when I have less on my plate.
How do you handle female fans?
Well, I’ve been heartbroken a few times and right now, I’m just trying to focus on my dreams and build my career. Everything else will find me when I’m ready. So yeah, I’ve had to master how to sidestep those distractions for now politely.
What inspires your art?
The hunger, I’ll say. Music is the only thing I’m sure of. It’s the only way I can truly express myself. Music is the single most important thing in my life so I just naturally give it my all. There’s no other way to do it.
What doors will you say stardom has opened for you?
I’ve met more like-minded people. I’ve met some pretty cool people and brands and I’ve learnt so much from them.
Are there any projects you are working on?
Yeah, I’m working on a song about friendship. I’ve been going back and forth with it to get it to that sweet spot where it’s not too much or not enough. As I said earlier, I got to take my time with my masterpieces. It’s why I make those covers: to keep my followers entertained while I ‘cook’.
