In this interview, a popular Nigerian singer, Darey Art Alade revealed why he has not released new music. He also spoke on what he has been doing, apart from being behind the microphone, as well as his family life.
The year is coming to an end; how has it been for you?
The year has been a roller coaster. It has been tough on businesses. We all know what is happening with the foreign exchange rate, our currency and other factors. It has an impact on everyone, but despite that, we have continued to forge ahead. We have accessed our business, operating model and continue to be hopeful. We are ending the year on a high note due to this year’s edition of Entertainment Week, Lagos, which started last year. And this is the second edition.
You came to the consciousness of people as a singer but you shifted focus to become an event curator; what happened?
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It is just a natural evolution. All through my career I have always re-invented myself. This is just another frontier for me to express myself creatively. But more importantly to use the opportunity I have had, experience and network to empower other people to have a brighter career and future.
You are a co-partner in your company, Livespot360. Your wife is also a partner; how has it been, working with your wife?
We have always worked together. I don’t know how to answer the question. That is what we have ever done. Whether it is music or business, she is a core creative as well. She spearheads the business arm of things and I oversee the creative arm. It is a partnership that has and continues to yield results. We have no issues whatsoever.
Being a curator with your project, Love Like A Movie, you have brought international stars to Nigeria with the likes of Kelly Rowlands, Ciara, Cardi B and Kim Kardashian. How did you make it possible?
With anything groundbreaking, it takes a lot of teamwork and sacrifice, as well as efforts. We continue to strive to do our best to bring cutting-edge experience to entertainment in Nigeria and Africa as a whole, while maintaining international standards. It is just the way we have worked with passion over the years. Nothing has changed. Despite how difficult times are, we just have to adapt and continue to push ahead.
Your father was the legendary singer, Art Alade, but you succeeded in moving away from his shadow. How did you do that?
I was able to do that by just focusing on my strength, learning and leveraging on the great legacy that he left behind and just forging my own part. Luckily, within the same creative space, I have been able to improve my talent, learn and grow.
Would you say that being the third runner-up of Project Fame Africa helped to boost your career?
Yes, absolutely. Reality shows have always given opportunity to people like me. It gives more visibility and the opportunity to showcase your talent to a larger audience. However, the rest of it is left to you and your team, with the grace of God to continue from wherever the platform may have helped you or supported your growth.
What should your fans expect from you this December?
We are bringing the second edition of Entertainment Week, Lagos, which is the largest gathering of the creative ecosystem in the country, where we are offering many experiences, such as Master Classes, Green Room. We have panel sessions and creator’s hubs, among many other innovations. We also have segments where young talents can express themselves. We have a space for tech people to showcase their works; and we can provide possible funding for them. That is what Entertainment Week, Lagos does to bring the best of industry together to discuss challenges, and proper solutions so that we can affect policies that would become laws that would help the creative sector.
On the flip side of it we have fun, such as Club X. It is a fun experience with various types of parties. We have DJs and artistes there all through the month of December, including what we call Christmas Like A Movie, which will happen on Christmas Eve. There would be multiple meals. You will enjoy choir singing, things that would put you in the Christmas mood. There will also be comedy and music.
Have you quit music?
I still perform quite regularly with my band. When music is concerned, I have a lot of unreleased records. Am I recording new music? Not at the moment. I am more focused on using my platform and experience to help grow the industry, so I am consulting a lot now. I am providing a lot of opportunities and jobs for people in the creative industry now. We put in solutions for our clients who need our services, for example, media advertising, experiential marketing, and TV productions like Real Housewives of Lagos, which we produced. There are more cities coming for the Real Housewives as a franchise.
You started music at 15. Despite the fact that your father was a singer, what was your parents’ reaction to your career path?
It was great. I always had the support of my family. My mother would always support me when I went for auditions. She gave me money for transport. I had their support, so I was very fortunate. Till now, my siblings, including my immediate family – my wife and children – love what I do. They all support me, and I think it has helped me a great deal in growing my brand and myself as a musician, artiste and father, and husband.
Was that why you studied music in school?
Yes. I knew what I wanted to do and I just tried my best to arm myself with the tools and resources that I would need to excel and make a name in the industry.
Are your children toeing your path?
My son loves football a lot, so I believe he would become a professional footballer, God willing. My son also plays basketball, just like me, but football is his passion.
My daughter is very creative. She loves to dance and create with her hands, in terms of arts and craft.
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