In a new interview with Vanguard, singer Praise ‘Praiz’ Adejo takes fans on journey on his career, his plans and more.
The ‘Rich and Famous; singer won the Best Artist in Africa: RnB & Soul at the 2015 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), and since has been waxing stronger. This year in Minnesota, USA, the state governor declared February 6 a ‘Praise Adejo Day’, to celebrate the singer’s contributions to music, and especially in positively affecting the state.
Now, in a new interview with Vanguard, the MTN Project Fame runner up talks about his dream of getting nominated for at least the Grammy Awards, marriage, industry feud.
See the excerpts:
On how much he has achieved in 2016:
It has been a great year for me and I’m grateful to God. My year started on a good note and by God’s grace, I believe it will get even better. It started with a major achievement – I was honoured by the Governor of Minnesota, United States with my own day.
Even when I’m dead and gone, 6th of February will remain Praiz Adejo Day in America. Just the way you have Martin Luther King Day. If you go to the government website in Minnesota, you’ll see it. The only individual who has gotten that recognition is the great Rollingstone in the UK. The greatest rock band at the time. I’m glad to be the first African to be honoured that way.
On what project he is currently working on
I’m about to drop another album and also an Extended Play (EP) before the album. The EP will give a platform to upcoming artistes who are really good at what they do, especially at my genre of music, RnB. They’ll sing with me and this will let people out there know that there are people who are even better than me. I’ll drop the EP to encourage upcoming artistes and also the album this year.
On how Nigeria has affected his works
I don’t think it has affected me because I have remained true to my art, even though I try to be versatile sometimes and it is paying off. I was on my own when famous international rapper, Obie Trice, who is associated with Eminem heard my ‘rich and famous song’ and said he wanted me to feature in his album. I didn’t feature Obie Trice, he featured me. People out there recognise the talent in this country more than we do.
On the career he would have delved into if he hadn’t found music
What would you have been doing if you weren’t into music? I would have been playing football. I actually wanted to become a footballer. I played club soccer. Celestine Babayaro was my senior. I played for the Islanders FC in Kaduna as a striker.
On how ‘Rich and Famous’ he is
Right now, I’m confident to say I’m rich and famous because I impact lives. I drive a Benz, I did not borrow money to buy it and I pay my bills. I also take care of my family and friends.
What he thinks about marriage
We’re in the era where marriages crash incessantly. It’s crazy. I never knew marriage to be this way. So I just try to take my eyes off these marriage break ups and focus on my parents. I don’t want to rush into marriage in as much as I know that time is running out.
What he thinks about the incessant beefs among artistes in the industry
‘Beef’ in the industry is not healthy. I don’t encourage it. Over time, I’ve come to realise that there’s no real love in the industry. But I don’t encourage bad blood.
Where he sees himself years from now
I see myself, at least, as a Grammy nominee. When the time is right, I’ll also like to start my own family and have properties. I’m family person
Leave a Reply