Encomium
Akin Shuga is the founder of the popular Shuga Band which has a new record label known as 800 Records under which Debbie Rise of Nigerian Idols was signed.
They had a video shoot of Married Today on November 2, 2014, at the Social Place, Victoria Island, Lagos. The video featured Comedian Tee A, Comedienne Princess, MC Abbey and Femi Jacobs, directed by Film Boy, the brain behind Waje’s No Be You and Iyanya’s Kukere.
Speaking with ENCOMIUM Weekly, unveiled the new artists act.
What inspired the song, Married Today?
People marry every day, so we are bringing a live performance into recording to make it much more acceptable. We want people to feel what happens when you have Shuga Band.
What informed the choice of Debbie Rise?
We settled for her because of the talent, humility, drive, and strength. Aside her energetic performance, she is extremely intelligent and creative. Her stage performance is outstanding. She believes she can influence the world with her brand of music.
What distinguishes you from other record labels?
It is not just a record label, we have an integrated marketing communication strategy. We ensure that all marketing communication tactics are put in place. We groom our artistes and make them a business brand. We have a niche, we have our audience, we have online market and we create a development strategy for the artiste.
It’s common knowledge that most of our established artistes can’t perform with a live band, will Debbie be performing live?
Debbie is a total artiste. She is very good in live performance. We encourage her to do more of live performance because she has what it takes.
Do you have an official contract with K-Solo?
K-Solo has done a lot of work for us. Presently, we have a production deal for the new project though we have other producers we are also working with.
‘800 Records label creates an all-round artiste’ – DEBBIE RISE
Deborah Orise, popularly known as Debbie Rise is a young energetic artistes with a unique style. Speaking with ENCOMIUM Weekly, the 1st runner up of Nigerian Idols season 3, revealed to us her plans for 800 Records.
Why entertainment and what is your ultimate goal as an artiste?
Everything revolves around passion. Entertainment is what I love. I love doing things that make people relax that is my dream, that is my drive. I love the entertainment business generally. I love fashion, I love dancing, I love acting, I just want you to enjoy yourself while watching me.
Who encouraged you to take to entertainment?
I grew up in a music home because my mom sings very well. They put me in this business and thank God I have this natural talent. I fell in love with it, music inspires me. Whenever I listen to music, I would sing along, I would want to dance.
How many songs have you?
I have done a couple of songs, I did Gagadu which was on TV during the World Cup. Right now, I have two singles, I have Match Up. I like songs that relate to real life. I have Laliga which means my lover. Most people are used to calling their loved ones honey, baby, sweetheart and all that, so I want people to start calling their loved ones Laliga! Laliga!! I created the word. I do contemporary songs and I like creativity.
How do you get inspiration?
It’s absolutely God, though I am also inspired by what happens around me but basically I get spontaneous ideas.
Why did you settle for 800 Records?
It’s about direction. We are going towards the same direction. We have the same vision and I love their focus. They take you beyond music artistry. What some record labels do is to produce songs, put it on radio and everybody knows it but what 800 Records does is groom you, they create a name for you.
It’s beyond just singing, they make you a brand. Imagine someone on a red carpet saying, oh my God, I look so Debbie Rise today, that is telling you that either she is looking very crazy or she is looking very energetic.
What are your plans for 800 Records label?
It all boils down to diligence. God has blessed me with a lot of dynamic talents and I am going to do everything to make sure that none of them dies. I am very flexible and I dance, putting all of the productively and creatively into becoming a unique entity.
What stands you out?
Divine combination which God gave me. I can rap, I can dance and I am very flexible. I can play the guitar and my performance is unique. My style and the dynamism of my talent stand me out.
Can you tell us about your background?
I am a graduate of Computer Science, Federal University of Technology, Yola. I have only sisters and my parents have been quite supportive.
