I’m grateful to be even nominated in the first place. It feels good to know people appreciate the effort and contribution and it serves as an encouragement to me and my crew that we are doing something right. Though I believe I would have achieved a lot more. I will push harder and harder.
You have a degree in Building from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Why choose music and not a professional career as an engineer?
What’s unprofessional about being a musician? You say that today, probably due to the fact that the Nigerian music industry is still in its developing phase. Well, I’ve always been passionate about music and entertainment as a whole. Sometimes there’s a desire to challenge oneself and understand how far you can go. I guess you could say it’s the pursuit of happiness. But I still practice Building and Architecture also.
Tell us about your new album…
The album is titled ‘Future is Now’. It’s scheduled to drop in the first quarter of this year, 2011. It’s basically pop/R&B. A blend of western instrumentation with indigenous music, lyrics, etc. The album has been in the works for about four years now). The album doesn’t stop at music alone, as it’s a holistic project due to the fact that it extends beyond the CD. It goes further to the video, the website, stage performances and all that. You’ll get a feel of Dipp all through the various media.
What inspired the title ‘Future is Now’?
I’m inspired by everything and everyone around me. My orientation growing up, religion, my thoughts and my personal goals. On a musical level, I was inspired by Micheal Jackson, Boyz II Men, Tevin Campbell, Sisqo, etc. on a visual level, I grew up drawing comics, watching cartoons and movies.
On an emotional level, just assume every other regular Nigerian trying to make sense of his existence, from hustling to heartbreak, from doubts to desire, from friends to foes, I have been inspired them all. I intend to lead by example as much as God enables me.
You mentioned comic books. So you’re a fan just like U.S President Barack Obama?
(Laughter) You could say so, yes.
What was your parents’ response to your career choice?
They have been very supportive. I believe a lot of Nigerian parents would object at first, considering the tone of the country and how difficult it is to make it in this field. But when they realise that’s where your true passion and happiness lies, they would always support you. I love my folks and they love me.
You are currently enjoying the limelight. What would you advise new artistes looking for success?
I’m just getting warmed-up, still learning from anybody that is willing to teach me anything. I’m still growing. All I can say is I’m not where I want to be but I’m grateful I’m not where I was. To the people hustling and pushing, all I can say is make we dey push dey go, one day dem go feel us! Oh, and always surround yourself with people who would encourage you positively, people like you, with the same vision and passion.
We are 150 Million people in Nigeria. Even half of that is enough for us as Nigerians to be content, proud and competitive with any foreign market in terms of revenue generation. We just need to believe in ourselves as Nigerians and our capacity, only then would we realise that we indeed have material and content exportable. It’s already happening, gradually.
I believe I’m on the right part to enlightening the minds of people around me that we can achieve all what we imagine. There’s still so much I can do. My video ‘Pop-Up Selecta’ was shot by Nigerians, in Nigeria. It took a good six months to script, storyboard, shoot and post-produce.
How do you handle your newfound celebrity status?
I always greet back. Sadly, I really was enjoying the fact that I wasn’t easily noticed, because I really like my privacy, as I could misbehave as much as I wanted. But now, I have to be extra-cautious. I handle it simply by respecting the people that meet me.
You have tons of female fans. What’s your idea of an ideal woman?
She should be basically centred on two things: the place you’re going to and the company I’m going with. For me, it could be as serious as taking a little trip to a secluded resort for a couple a days by the beach, candlelit dinner. Or It could be as simple as we both laying on a cosy couch in front of a big flat screen TV watching any episode of ‘The Vampire Diaries’ in our pyjamas.
