By Chrysanthus Ikeh
In this interview with NET, Christopher Omenye aka Yung L talk about relationship with Ice Prince, Nigerian artistes, his upcoming project and how he dumped medicine for music.Your songs have been making waves in the industry. How do you feel about it?
I’m glad that people like it
How did you get into music?
I developed an interest in music by listening to radio at a very tender age, In 2002, my mom introduced me to a keyboardist who taught me how to play music instruments. From there, I dedicated myself fully to music.
How did you meet Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz and Ice Prince?
My keyboardist introduced me to Ice Prince, M.I and Jesse Jagz some years ago.
You seem close to Ice Prince, what’s your relationship like? Ice Prince is more like a brother to me.He has helped me a lot in my career. I do follow him to shows and interviews just to learn and see how things go in the industry. That was how I put up my first record, a freestyle ‘Red Rose’ after which I was nominated for Rookie of the year in 2012.I was surprised because I hadn’t put out the video for the song.
Tell us about Grip Boiz music crew?
Grip Boiz music crew was formed by me, Ice Prince, Endia and Justice in Jos. It was initially called Republicans, so when Ice Prince left for Lagos, I took charge of the group, then we changed the name to grip. We were dropping tracks every week and eventually became big in Jos, but presently we are based in Lagos.
Are there difficulties you face recording with the crew?
No. Weall live together. Me and Chopstix stay in the same house but different rooms, he wakes up, creates a beat, we freestyle on it, and that’s how we record. We don’t record under pressure.
When is your album likely to drop?
No particular date [is set] yet for the album, but the extended project (EP) ‘ Marley Project’ will drop this year. I’m presently working on both projects at the same time.
In such a competitive music industry, how do you plan to stand out?
They’ve been telling me that ever since I came into the game, but I have just been myself. I hardly listen to what is out there, I don’t worry about what others are doing and so far, I’ve been winning.
How did your parents feel about you leaving medical school for music?
My mom was cool about it. She didn’t dispute my decision, although she always wanted me to be a medical doctor. I spent three years studying medicine, but when it got to the fourth year I could not cope because all I could think about was music, [so] I called my mom [and told her] that it can’t work, [and] that I would switch to a four year course, which was accounting.
So have you graduated?
No, I’m in my final year
Should the fans be expecting more collaborations?
Presently, the only artistes I have collaborated with are M.I, Ice Prince and Jesse Jagz and the fans should expect a lot of collaborations from me soon.
Tell us what challenges you came across before finding fame?
I haven’t come across challenges; as such I’m still striving. I see myself as an upcoming artiste, who is focused and patiently waiting to get to the top.
How has being an artiste changed you?
Music has changed my life; I think the way I will die is while listening to one sweet song. Music is more powerful than water or light; music can change your mood, it can turn an enemy to a friend while listening to music and being on the same vibe. Music is everything to me, it has brought me to people I never imagined myself meeting before.
How would you rate Nigeria’s music industry right now?
There’s a lot of controversy in the industry, and I feel you have to be focused. You can’t get carried away.I feel that the Nigerian industry is moving ahead.
Do you think Nigerian artistes are playing positive role in society?
Artistes are meant to inspire, and we are trying. A perfect example is 2face; he has gotten to the level where you can call him a living legend, and generations to come will know 2face for his music. [With someone like] Michael Jackson, generations to come will still watch ‘Thriller’ , and even children that never met him still love his music and dance to his tracks. That’s why I love to do good music, because I hate it when people don’t remember my music; you have to remember my music because it is timeless
How do you manage your female fans?
I try to be as cordial as possible so I don’t have problems with their boyfriends, and for stalkers and extreme girls, I just try to stay away from them, but I love all of them, and I mean it. I love all my fans.