By Chrysanthus Ikeh
Praise Adejo popularly known as Praiz had an eventful 2014. The singer has been high flying with several notable performances, and in this interview with NET, Praiz talks about his double debut album, Rich and Famous, his proposed international collaboration with American R&B singer, John Legend as well as challenges before releasing his debut album and more.
Read on…
Why did it take you this long to release your debut album?
It’s because I was very particular about my style of music; the quality of my music and the content in order to put out good music. It’s more like putting up a great work of art.
Why did you release a double album?
The double album showcases my versatility; it shows the two sides of Praiz. The album is called Rich and Famous. The Rich album has the R&B songs and Famous album has the Pop songs we Africans like.
Did you think the R&B album won’t really do well, hence the double album concept?
First, I want to correct that impression: I got my first endorsement with an R&B song, ‘Rich and Famous’, so I disagree with you on that note.
Why have you decided to be a sort of Jack-of-all-trades doing all music genres?
To survive in the music industry, you need to be versatile. As a good musician you should have versatility in music, and you should able to pull off any performance. When you listen to the Rich and Famous album you would know I mean business.
It’s a two CD package because they are very versatile songs. If all the songs were to be on one CD, it would get boring, and it might sound confusing. So, it was best to have it on separate CDs; two different albums.
What are the challenges you’ve faced after Project Fame up until now that you’re dropping your debut album?
My major, memorable experience after Project Fame was a period were people have watched you on TV for like 3 months and you didn’t win; the benefits you will get is almost like nothing. Trying to live up to the expectations of people was like trying times for me. The talent was there, but resources to record and promote the music weren’t there. It was a hard one though, but I kept at it, went to shows; I even begged to perform at shows for free. So, right now I think I have paid my dues.
When did you start seeing visible positive changes in your music career?
For me, my music career has been progressing, but it got to a different level after my collaboration with M.I on ‘Epic’. That collaboration was a major boost for my career.
You are now ‘Rich and Famous’ when did the money really start coming in?
Do I look like I’m rich and famous? All glory to God though. I’m grateful to him at least that I can feed myself, my brothers, and pay my siblings’ school fees confidently and conveniently. I also pay my house rent, bought myself a car, and I travel whenever I want to travel so I’m grateful to God.
How many siblings do you have?
I have 4 siblings, and 3 are in the university.
What about your parents?
My parents are good and they are alive. They have done what they’re supposed to do as parents. They can afford to pay for my siblings’ bills, but it’s just my way of saying thank you to them for making me who I am today.
What about the woman in your life?
The only women in my life now are my mum and my sisters (laughs).
Do you think it’s a coincidence that after you sang ‘Rich and Famous, you became famous?
My mom used to tell me that you are what you say you are because your mouth is powerful. For me, ‘Rich and Famous’ is actually a prayer and even till tomorrow, I still keep singing the song even to myself because I want to be bigger than who I am today.
Did you think you would have been bigger than Iyanya if you had won the MTN Project Fame?
Only God knows, to be honest. If I had won, I will be bigger than who I am today, but I’m grateful to God because of who I am today. It’s so funny though, because when they call winners of Project Fame, my name will still come out like many people didn’t know I wasn’t the winner.
Do you see Iyanya as a competition?
I have never seen Iyanya as competition, never because we’re like brothers. Right from when he was nothing till he became someone prominent too. I was never envious of him because I believe in time; everybody has his or her time.
Most artistes these days seem to like Chidinma a lot. Do you have a crush on her too?
I don’t have a crush on Chidinma, but I like her because she’s just an amazing person.
You’re a professed fan of Banky W; why is he not featured on your album?
We were supposed to record a song together, but he wasn’t in the country and I was wrapping up my album because time was ticking.
Tell us about your relationship with your record label, X3M?
I’m a family person; the relationship between X3M and me is business but it goes beyond business. I doubt if anyone in this industry has gotten a contract such as my first contract. It was one that favoured me to the extreme, because it was more like having everything. Yes, I have everything but I can’t give you the details. It is a blessed deal and I’m grateful to X3M.
Why did you choose to remix the track, ‘Mercy’?
‘Mercy’ has (an) element. It was a blessed track, and I said then that if I was going to do collaboration, it was going to be with Diana King.
What is your take on the growth of the Nigerian music industry so far?
The Nigerian music industry is the biggest in Africa and I’m proud to be part of the industry. We are number one in Africa and the world has acknowledged it.
What do you think about entertainers going into politics?
Everybody has a choice. Everyone has aspirations and goals set for themselves, but for me, politics is not my thing.
If you weren’t doing music, what would you have done?
I would have been a footballer playing for Barcelona FC.
Are you planning to host a music concert anytime soon?
Yes, there would be a music concert. We are trying to finalise it to hold some time soon; something should be up by then. It’s going to be an epic Praiz concert.
What are the dream collaborations for Praiz?
My dream collaboration has to be Praiz featuring John Legend. For me, now, that’s my ultimate collaboration. I will also like to work with 2face because he is someone I admire. I respect his musical life span but John Legend will be my ultimate collaboration.
