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eGistonline Magazine’s Imelda Egwim gets a one on one chat with the talented young Artiste who dishes out exclusive information on his thriving music career, his style of music as well as expectations from him.
How did you come about the name ‘Ketchup’?
I got the name Ketchup from friends because I have been known to bring life into a gathering. When my friends and I go out and they just sit around in the VIP playing with their phones, I’ll step into that sort of scenario and just spice up the place. We all know the huge difference ketchup makes to chips *laughs*
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Very interesting! Has music always been your first love or is it something you picked up along the way?
No. Music was not my first love, it was actually Dancing. I used to dance a whole lot back in high school (Federal Government College, Ijanikin) with Wande Coal *laughs, he is a very good dancer , you know* not as a team but individually. During the weekly Social nights, everyone would just display their stunts and the next school day you start feeling “ fly” when other students are talking about your moves. It was basically dance but you know dance goes with music. I started by miming to people’s songs, rewriting the lyrics etc and I didn’t have any special preference to beats - I can dance to practically any song (I am not just bragging), even to Celine Dion’s ‘My Heart Will Go On’. I continued my dancing even after high school in the University but I had to calm down because people rarely dance in the University ‘cos everyone is busy with having ‘swag’ and being ‘fresh’ but I still did some dancing at parties and all and then music came along. I decided to start writing my own songs 2 years ago when I met this producer “Micah” and I mumbled something in the mic and you know how these producers are - he did his magic and it made me think to myself “dude you sound good”. I was always of the notion that you needed mega lessons or take a course before you can sing so I was inclined to write another song “Nuvo” which Dj Jamjam featured in and it became a hit - everybody liked it. That was when it dawned on me how easy it was. It started like that and I didn’t have to throw a huge bash or make public declaration before my music career took off.
Moving on to formal tertiary education, what University did you attend?
I started off in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, where I got a Diploma in Local Studies and then went on to study Mass Communications but due to the issues of ASUU strike in Nigeria, I had to leave. I travelled to Malaysia where I furthered my Mass Communication study in Atlantic College, Kuala Lumpur. I was singing in Malaysia but then it occurred to me that I couldn’t really project my music properly to Nigerians while remaining in Malaysia so I took the initiative to return home.
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Yes I was gaining some grounds but people back here in Nigeria didn’t really know me till I came back. I am of the strong opinion any aspiring Artiste abroad who intends to make a name for themselves in Nigeria should come back home to successfully accomplish this - it’s like drafting a letter and posting it so the receiver can get it. If you are far off and you want people to accept you, they need to see you before you can pass your message across to them.You need to be back home to feel and understand the kind of Music people want to hear.
If not for music, what would Ketchup be doing?
If I were to stop singing, I‘d still keep dancing. I also do Voice acting *he demonstrates by mimicking 4 accents - Igbo, Yoruba, British & Jamaican* (all were done almost perfectly)
Any Celebrity Crushes?
Hmmm, it’s always changing. I have got numerous but the ones that stand out are Chidinma Ekile because of her ‘Lauryn Hill’ like good girl thingy - ain't saying she is a good girl though *laughs*,Lola Rae, Seyi Shay and a whole lot more in no particular order. It hasn’t got anything to do with complexion or height but I love my Nigerian girls, even the ones that advanced their colour shades “The Camouflaged ladies”.
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It’s actually the normal afro hip hop with a little touch of Jamaican twist to it.
What is the best advice you have ever given?
Don’t do it! A friend once wanted to get a car for some chick he was dating and I told him “Don’t do it” and trust me, it was worth it. I am not someone who has got too many words to spare. When I see something that is wrong, I hit the nail on the head. I don’t lie to make people comfortable.
What is the inspiration behind your hit single ‘Show me your Rozay’?
Everybody seems to sing about ‘how fly they are’ ‘Love’ ‘Money’ and the like so I opted for something different. I have been out on several occasions and when “Show me your rozay” comes on and the light is being focused on me - people that weren’t drinking Rose or champagne will feel biased and out of place. I didn’t mean the song to be that way. Then some peepz will be asking me“Where is my Rozay”? And I will answer “Show me your Rozay” as a comeback.
You mentioned that you write your own music, what are your inspirations?
When I go out, I look at things that tickle people, what peeks their interest and appeals to them. I don’t necessarily have to do a special prayers or Yoga to get inspired.
If I were to turn on your ipod, what music will I find?
I listen to all kinds of Music – rock music, Dido, Movado, Bob Marley, Vybz Kartel, Gorillaz, James Blunt, Popcaan and a whole lot more but basically the Jamaican ones do magic. I also love rap music even though I don’t rap.
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In 5 words……..Funny, Crazy, Nice, Happy person and ‘Don’t mess with me’.
Any mottos or watch words you live by?
SEENSIMAH! It’s a word I put together, it means “It doesn’t really matter how many times you have failed, it will just take a snap of your finger to work when it’s time”. I had been back in Nigeria for 2 years before I did Rozay, I used to go to Industry night and Shows a lot and stand at the back just observing whilst other artiste performed. I took my time and learned from failures and along the line I learnt it isn’t about what you sing , it’s about your actions (what you do besides the song), Humility and Loyalty. In the Music industry sometimes, the people you disregard might be the key to your Success. It doesn’t really depend on how hard you have tried or laboured, if it isn’t time, it won’t work.
Tell us something exclusive about you
Hmmmm, I am not really an alcoholic person contrary to public opinion. I can have a really good night out with my friends without drinking and we will just diss each other and mess around *laughs*.It does not always have to be about alcohol. I like girls a whole lot *emphasis on ‘A LOT’* - especially those with very big hips + good kissers. I don’t have a particular type because I don’t go with looks but instead I focus on Brains, Hips and the Lips *grins*
Is Ketchup single?
Ermmm, I am working hard on something really big *laughs*- that could mean I’m single and searching, it could also mean I‘m in a relationship and hoping to get married. I want to live a life by the beach with a wife with big hips and 2 kids, own 2 cars, 2 dogs and a monkey. I will name the monkey Abu, I don’t want all the money in the world.
Let’s talk about your next move, word on the street is that you are dropping a Single soon which will feature EME’s Banky W –what more should we be expecting from you?
*laughs* who leaked this word to the streets? Ok! Its true am working with Banky and it’s going to be dropping real soon, something totally different from what you guys hear everyday – my kind of sound, Calypso styling. I have come to find my own style now so that when you hear my music, you will know it is Ketchup because it will tickle your ears *grins*. I grew up listening to a lot of music because my dad loves the radio and we weren’t allowed to go play oustide so we were always indoors with him and I listened to Obey,Sunny ade, Jazz, Fela, Calypso and all. Watch out for the song with Banky, that’s all I am gonna say.
In closing, When will your album dropping?
Well I can’t really predict that because dropping an album involves a lot of hardwork. I don’t want to drop one and it will be just few people listening to it. I need to work on my fan base and get the love first, I have 2 albums I’m working on already, it’s just picking the right songs. I write songs and record a lot at my leisure when I am not busy with interviews and other activities.
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