Talk about one of the veterans in the Nigerian music industry, Emperor Zig Zag falls in this category. He has been a performing artiste for quite an age and has taken the reggae genre of music to the highest level in the country. Saharaweeklyng.com caught up with him recently where he spoke about himself, music and other sundry issues. Excerpts:
Can we know more about you?
I am Emperor Zig Zag. I was known as Angel Zig Zag in the past.
When did you join the industry?
I came into the industry when I was a teenager
When did you actually start performing as an artiste?
I started performing as an upcoming star with the BlackMusic Festival organized by Somefun Entertainment. This were the biggest shows then we used to have Lekki Sunsplash and others.
When you performed what was it like?
It was one of the biggest shows ,I do not have an Album then, it was strictly by my talent.
What was the title of your album?
It was known as SpiritMan.
What do you think is happening to Raggea music in Nigeria?
All I know is that music is a moving trend and if you do not move with the trend you will fail
How did you come across music?
When I was in Secondary, I was crowned the King of Raggea. I was also crowned the fastest rapper and I was actually discovered by my principal.
What were the challenges you have faced then?
When I put my songs online, I do not attach money to it. There was a vaccum and a new style of songs filled the vaccum.
What was the first music you released?
Underground sound in 1997.it was released by Liberty Records but was remixed in 2001.
What advice do you have for musicians?
They should keep working hard, if you want to create a niche for yourself, you have to align by the present trend.
How do you get inspired?
When I was in nursery school, I was rated the best actor, acting is naturally in me, also creativity is in me.
With your intonation it seems you have been outside Nigeria?
No I have not, only within Nigeria.
What do you have to say to your fans?
Stay out of drugs, stay out of crime. The best gift you can give to anyone is education, send your children to school.
Tell us about your family structure?
I am single, I pray God gives me the right person.
How do you relax?
The only time I relax is when I am at home.