Encomium
SEVEN year-old Oziomachukwu Favour Mojekwu, a.k.a Ozzy Bosco is no longer new in music circle. In this interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly, the kid entertainer explained his role as Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) ambassador.
His mother, Chief Elizabeth Noyelu
m Mojekwu spoke on how she discovered her son’s talent and much more…
How did your journey into the music industry begin?
I ventured into music at the age of four in 2011.
How will you describe the experience?
It has been great and God has been nice to me.
How does it feel to be the youngest music act enjoying a huge fan base?
I feel good and I thank God for everything.
Do you write and compose your songs yourself?
Sometimes I write the songs all by myself.
What gives you the inspiration to write songs?
God gives me all the inspiration that I need.
How do you combine music and school without stress?
I work very hard in school and at home but above all, God has been helping me.
How do you feel anytime you are on stage performing?
I feel on top of the world because I enjoy what I do.
How many artistes have you worked with so far?
I have been privileged to work with so many of them. I have worked with the likes of Olamide, Terry G, Wizkid, M.I, Lamboghiny, Flavour, Tee Mac and Midnight Crew.
You are the face of Tigo children’s drink and also a LAWMA ambassador, how do you feel?
I feel on top of the world and all glory belongs to God.
Being LAWMA ambassador, what do you think is expected of you?
To educate all the children in Lagos State on how to keep Lagos clean at all times.
How much is the deal worth and for how long?
(Mom cuts in) I can’t disclose the figure but I know the deal is a continuous project until he covers 57 local governments in Lagos State. It is a bi-monthly affair because every two months he will bring out children that would work with him to sanitise Lagos State.
What do you aspire to become?
To be the best entertainer in the whole wide world.
A lot of kids started well in music but dropped, how do you intend keeping up?
I really do not know why they do not keep up with music, but I know I will continue to do music all my life because I enjoy it.
How rewarding has music been for you?
The reward has been fantastic and it looks like I’m taking over the world.
What do you have to say to your fans?
Hello, my lovely fans I love you and I am the youngest African super star. Keep watching out for me.
‘OZZY BOSCO started dancing at three months’ – MOM
How did you discover Ozzy Bosco’s talent?
Ozzy Bosco also known as Wonder kid was discovered at three months old. At that time, we know we have an entertainer in our home. At three months, he danced to any kind of music or any melodious sound. We also danced in my bedroom before going to bed. While he danced at the age of one, you could see the swag in his steps. From then we knew he would be an entertainer but what we did not know was the extent he would go.
How challenging was it bringing him up musically?
Most things we do are challenging including life itself. It has been challenging because he is a kid and there are no kids out there doing what he is doing that he can easily learn from. It has been challenging because other artistes are busy doing their own thing. They do not have time for him but at the same time, some of them have been supporting him. They also feature in his songs unconditionally. I have been so grateful to some who had his time, especially his mentor, Lamboghiny who stood by us till today. Also, Tee Mac has always been there for him and he calls himself Daddy Bosco. As busy as he is, he spares time to follow him anywhere he is performing because of the love he has for him. I thank God and those who have been there because they have eased the pressure. It’s so much of a financial burden on anybody who wants to mentor Ozzy because he is an extraordinary artiste. But it has been a beautiful challenge. I am using this opportunity to call upon corporate organizations and government to be involved in mentoring children, being involved in what the child wants to do other than to read and write. Because when they grow and see that they have something to fall back on, he or she cannot be a kidnapper or an armed robber. So, we have to catch them young. Like M.D LAWMA said, “If you want to change a nation, start with the children.” Because with that we can be sure of a better place for everyone to live.
Do you have a background in music as well?
Yes, my mother was a wonderful singer with an angelic voice. For me, I do occasionally sing in the church but I won’t say Ozzy picked that from me. I was never a professional singer. God has blessed him with more than his fair share of talent.
How rewarding has it been for you financially or otherwise?
If it is in terms of money, not at all but it has been rewarding both spiritually and emotionally. Fortunately for him, we have a group that mentors him and at the age of seven, he has done 108 stage performances, 18 awards and nine singles.
How did you coin his name, Ozzy Bosco?
(Ozzy cuts in) I gave myself the stage name. While in London, Ozzy and my sister got back from church and he ran downstairs telling her (my sister) that he has a new name which is Ozzy Bosco. When he returned and people started asking him about his name, he said, ‘My name is Ozzy Bosco.’ So, when he came into limelight at the age of four and we were looking for a name, I just remembered the name he gave himself. So, that is how the name, Ozzy Bosco came.
After getting to his teen and he decides to drop music, what will you do?
I will not be disappointed at all because I know he would be dropping it for something greater. I also know he is a creative artist and for three years he has received the award for the best creative artist in his class from one of the best schools in Lagos, Chrisland. For every parent or guardian, watch out for what makes your children happy and follow them. I will support him for anything he wants to do because it is my job as a mother.
Apart from stage performances, how many songs has Ozzy released so far?
He has released nine songs so far and that is because he is a part time entertainer. He does songs that appeal to the young and old. Although the songs are enough for an album, we felt it won’t be complete if he does not acknowledge what God has done. In all his songs he featured commendable artistes such as M.I, Olamide, Terry G, Lamboghiny, Wizkid, Midnight Crew and for his tenth single, he would be featuring Tiwa Savage.
I can see a picture of you and the Queen of England, can you tell us more about Chief Elizabeth Mojekwu?
I am a very ordinary and simple person who enjoys mentoring children because they are my passion. All I am worth is mentoring and loving children. I have met with Queen Elizabeth twice on a courtesy visit.
– DOLAPO AMODENI
