The Nigerian music
industry scene is increasingly churning out new talents every second, everyday.
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| Kalu |
Though it seems to be
becoming more competitive with young talents springing up here and there to
showcase their acts to the public, the space is wide enough for everyone
desiring to participate. Therefore, Frank Kalu, one of such young gifted
talents bares his mind about sundry issues in the industry and his plans for
the future.
Frank, whose stage name is
Frankydzon, hails from Abriba in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State,
where he was born, but left there when he was about eight years, for Lagos.
Apart from music he said he could have gone into acting. This is because it is
also an entertainment medium. So, don’t be surprised if you see him acting in
future even as he plays music. Though he said his parents were at first against his musical interest,
when they observed his passion they decided to encourage him to excel.
While commenting on his
starting point into music, he said “I am the last born from a Christian family
of eight children. I
became interested in music from my family, especially from my uncle who is a
pastor in the church. We simply call him Pastor Chike for short. He was a
musical director in our church, so I got the much needed encouragement from
church where I also won my very first musical award when I was fifteen years
old.”
He calls his brand of
music ‘Afro hip pop,’ or hip-hop,’ a fast growing genre among many young
Nigerian musical artistes, adding that there are many artistes coming out and
doing well, which means the industry is rather growing and not retrogressing.
In terms of all
sorts of music being released by various artistes haphazardly, he says “There
are different and varied artistes, and as such, there are different brands of
music. Some of us do R&B, hip-pop, Afro, reggae, gospel and what have you.
All these brands are what most people are now appreciating and dancing to.”
Many people are however,
having the impression that most of the so called young and modern musicians are
jobless and looking for ways to make ends meet. Responding to this assertion,
Frank says “No, I don’t think they are doing so because of financial rewards.
It is the vogue today and many artistes are just keying into it. It is not just
about the money. After all, there are a handful of artistes that have good
lyrics like 2Face, Flavour, and a host of others.”
Stressing that he has
great passion for music, and not just because of money or to be famous, he said
he likes performing with some already established names in the industry, which
had led to his various performances at Eko Hotel, and Synergy at Festac, with
artistes such as Solid Star and many others.
Beaming enthusiastically,
he revealed that 2Face is his musical idol, who he looks forward to having
a collaboration performance with very soon.
He also pointed out that collaboration is good for
him as an upcoming artiste, because he wants to be popular. And by
collaborating with an artiste who is well known, it could make it easier for
him to be noticed and probably receive great acceptance. Hence, he sees
collaboration as a welcome development.
“I would like to
collaborate with 2Face, Flavor, Patoranking and Davido, because they are
serious about the industry and they do good music. I want to be at the top.
It is not all about the money, I just want to be up there doing good music for
my fans,” he submitted.
He also revealed
that he has no amorous relationship for now, as his mind is centered on
music only, though, according to him, many ladies have been trying to get his
attention, but as a mature adult who knows what he wants, he said he has a way
of handling the situation, and being focused is very important.
However, in the past,
people who like playing music were seen as unserious and illiterates, but
things have changed overtime. Many young Nigerian artists are educated these
days. In this wise, Frank said he had his primary school education at Sanya
Primary School and secondary education at Sanya Government Secondary School. He
also holds a diploma in Computer training. His current challenge is to get his
music on video, which he said he prays to get assistance for the project soon
because it is quite expensive. Video helps a lot in promoting an artiste. He
has just recorded his fourth studio single. Songs in the single include Jaiye, Ofor, Mukjo and Bunbun. Some of
his songs have also received relative air plays on some local radio stations.
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