By Tobi Alli
In this interview, Danagog speaks on his life, his relationship with Davido and his budding career.
Can you describe your style of music?
Well, I won’t say my style is unique, but it’s not the usual: it is Afro-pop/hip-hop, it’s a fusion of African beats and a hip-hop, modernized to soothe the listener. I am trying to create a different platform of music.
Was this always your goal?
Yes, I have always looked out to be great in what I do and thank God, it has been an interesting journey so far, the story gets better by the day. No giving up, I will continue to give my all till the very end of it all.
What are your inspirations?
I get inspiration from various things and events, but often, inspiration comes from listening to good music, when I get positive vibes from a particular activity or someone around me, my team and of course, when I make profit. All these are very good sources of motivation and they inspire me as well.
What is your taste in music?
I love any sort or genre of music as long as it’s well coordinated; the production sounds good and its lyrically inciting. Good music should pass a message across to the listener, so I can listen to any song, as long as I understand the message it passes to me.
Who do you aspire to be like?
What made you want to do music?
The first time I fell in love with music was when I was a kid, living in Ile-Ife with my late grandma. She took me to nursery school every day playing King Sunny Ade, Sir Shina Peters, Michael Jackson and other great musicians and I watched their videos on local television after school hours while doing my homework. The love grew inside me and as I grew up, I realized I could actually do this.
Tell us something little known about you.
My most embarrassing moment was when I went to 4 Points by Sheraton in early 2013; I was supposed to perform at a private party. My name was on the guest list, but they didn’t admit me in at first. And when I eventually found my way in, when I got on stage to perform, people didn’t recognize me, I felt so embarrassed, I wasn’t recognized because I had cut my long hair.
My favorite food is definitely any local ‘swallow’ chops with vegetables; you can catch me buying Amala at my favorite spot.
I have a very silly obsession for video games, I can play games all day, even before shows I will be at the backstage playing games on my phone and I make my own clothes.
Who are your influences?
In this kind of artistry, the legends are of great influence on me. The likes of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, P.Diddy, King Sunny Ade, to mention a few, influence me greatly. They are the reason I believe I can do it. If they did it and succeeded, then I can do it better than they did, with hard work of course.
If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why?
It is a little too hard to compare myself with anyone, I stand for myself and I’m just doing my thing.
If you make it big, how do you intend to change the world?
I believe in love. When I make it big, I hope to preach and spread the message of love across the whole world. This is what the world doesn’t have right now. Countries are rising against themselves, they lost the love. Michael Jackson preached love, Fela lent his voice to preach love as well, so when I become that great person, I will speak to the world and preach the word ‘Love’ to everyone.
Who is your hero?
Jesus Christ the son of God. He died to save my soul. He is my hero!
What do you think your listeners will get out of your music?
Apart from the fact that listeners can dance and groove to the music, a lot of elements can be gained from listening to my songs. Good music should contain a good message for its listener, [and] my music contains positive messages, motivational quotes and while listening to it, it brings you happiness!
What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in life?
Leaving my family behind in America to chase my dreams here in Nigeria. My dad is a full time pastor in Atlanta, Georgia. I tried staying with him, but Davido stole me away from him, 2 weeks into my arrival in Atlanta. It was very painful, but it’s worth it. I’m glad Davido urged me to come pursue my dreams here in Nigeria.
What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in the music industry?
Waiting for my turn to be big in the industry and people getting used to my new look (I cut my long hair). It was a very long process that proved difficult initially, but I’ve scaled that hurdle now. To an extent, I am as popular as any artiste in Nigeria today.
How does it feel to be finally getting your break?
God is faithful. It feels good and I believe this is just the beginning of new things. The fact that I am Danagog today, I give thanks to God and my team. I have come this far in a short time; I perform at various shows within and outside Nigeria. I have fans in the diaspora, that’s huge.
What do you hope to do with your music?
I want to inspire and make people happy, perform to millions of fans across the world, sell millions of albums, and I hope to represent big brands and definitely give back to the society. I would love to help people, motivate the younger generation and inspire upcoming artistes when I make it.
What do you like most about being a music artiste?
Every new day is filled with surprises. I meet new people, go to new places and learn something new, musicians get to see the world in various angles, and thus we make music to speak to the world on various issues. Musicians are philosophers; it feels good being able to speak to the world.
How was your childhood?
It was a lot of fun; I grew up in Ile-Ife somewhere around the Royal family. Childhood memories are nostalgic, growing up was so much fun. That was the period of life when you have nothing to worry about [and] you live everyday with renewed optimism.
If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?
Do you do any volunteer work?
I help my community in my own way and I encourage young people around me to chase their dreams.
What’s the side of you that the public never sees?
My local side, I think I’m a local boy (laughs) but I’ve been around the world. I also have mad cooking skills; I dabble very well in the kitchen.
When are you completely satisfied with your work?
Well, I think I will be quite satisfied when my songs become anthem for all and sundry. When I find people reciting my songs and see them dance to my tunes. There is no greater joy than the one you feel when you see how you impact another person.
What’s the magic formula for success?
Pray hard, work hard and go hard!
Who would you date in the industry?
Hahahaha…I can’t identify anyone for now.
Let’s talk about how you joined HKN. How did you meet Davido?
I met Davido in 2010, we were industry friends, and I became a fan of his music right away. I joined the HKN family officially in March 2014.
How does it feel to be a member of the HKN family?
Feels better than being independent, I can tell you that from my sleep. Lots of great opportunities I am [now] opened to, being a member of the family. Thank God. We are all like brothers but we all play our parts when it’s time to work.
What is the song ‘Bamidele’ about?
It’s a love song that speaks of our (Davido and I) true love life experiences and what we plan to do for our future life partners.
African parents are quite strict and aren’t always supportive when it comes to music, so how did your parents take it when you told them you chose this path?
I never really told them anything. They found out and as every African parent would react, they didn’t like it, but my mom has watched me perform a few times and my Dad is supportive now. They both gave their blessings and I am glad.
Share your academic experience.
Bowen University – B.Sc. Computer Science & Info Tech N++ network certification, Youth Ambassador for A.D King Foundation, Atlanta U.S.A.
Do you see yourself leaving HKN when you are made?
HKN is a family and not the usual record label. I don’t see myself leaving; it’s HKN for life!
What is your relationship status?
I would like to keep my relationship private. Putting it out there might jeopardize it. Thank you
Should we expect anything from you soon?
Yes, new singles, collaborations (local & international) and more videos.
Who would you like to collaborate with on the local and foreign scene?
I would like to work with PSquare, Femi Kuti and Dj Khaled
What are you offering?
I have a team and we have learnt to properly package our ‘P’ (i.e. we’re making sure people can learn from us.)
‘Davido stole me from my dad’- Danagog
1 comment
Azuka definitely doesn’t like Davido and would ave disesd the show if it went well,I wasn’t at the show but am forced to believe tha Davido aint quite ready for album lunch. And the wealth in the family aint helping him think deep like most hustling up-coming acts.