Meet Nollywood and Veteran Artiste whose music find favor with an International Radio Stations from New York, California Texas, Florida, etc have the song on a repeat, which has finally caught the ears of Hollywood as we hear Zuka is in discussion for a Hollywood movie soundtrack with an African setting, he talks to Obaland Magazine Chidinma Tijani about his music career and more.
What drew you to the music industry? Who are you inspired by?
I was drawn to music naturally. I am from a generation that saw the likes of Chris Okotie, Jide Obi, Felix Liberty as music idols, thus got inspired to be like them.
What’s an average day like for you?
My average day is such that when I wake up in the morning, I do my spiritual contemplation and declare myself to divine spirit to use as a channel, I then lookout for things that come my way on how I can serve life. I go for my morning jogging and prepare for work.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
Sometimes there may be hidden meanings to the songs that I write. It depends on the audience that I want to reach. It may be spiritual, motivational, or social.
Do you collaborate with others? What is that process?
Yes, I do collaborate with people. If I want to reach a particular audience with a message, I work with someone that is already accepted by that demography.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans?
Most times, fans reach out to me to express how much they love me. But I know they mean my works. I respect and love them too. I also interact with some that suggest things I could do to improve on my act and I find that helpful too.
Have you ever dealt with performance anxiety?
Performance anxiety is what most artists face on a regular basis. I go into it knowing that whatever comes from my performance is an experience.
Tell me about your favorite performance venues?
My favorite performance was in San Diego, California. There where is a lot of people from different parts of the world and it was an opportunity to sell my culture and music style to a different world audience? The appreciation was so inspiring.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
People should keep doing what they are doing because doing it is the greatest teacher.
Tell us about your fight for Human Trafficking?
I want to use my brand to draw the attention UN and other relevant agencies to intensify their efforts on curbing and controlling human trafficking. I also want to draw attention to the fact many guys here in the diaspora are experiencing human trafficking without knowing it. Many come here in the name of marriage to obtain a green card and suffer all sorts of humiliations at the end become so frustrated in life. A lot of stories to be told as a diasporan myself. More of this is shown in soon to be released song Mama Yankee. A song I did with Fountain.
What did do during the lockdown? I heard you gave out palliative to fans through your handle?
During the lockdown, I did what I could both online and offline too. I extended my effort to some widows and other needs. I though feel uncomfortable saying this bc it is not in my nature to say the things I do for people, because we are just channels of God to use.
Are you leaving Film making for music?
Oh no, I am still very active on both. It’s like my calling.
Who are your favorite actors in Nollywood?
Presently my favorite actor is the fast-rising Joseph Daniel and And Yul Edochie.
Who are your Foreign best Movie Stars?
I still like Samuel Al Jackson and Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio.
