Encomium
Sharp Band is a music group that we started in the mid 90’s by some teenagers. It metamorphosed into a professional band in 2000. The band had its first official assignment to tour the country with the then Golden Tones Grab The Mic Singing Contest. It was the main band and also the cover band to all the contestants. Since then, the band has been performing in and outside the country
The band has been able to stand the test of time over the years. Growing as an institution that impacts positive music and showbiz knowledge to its employees. Also, an employer of labour with a 25 man workforce (singers, instrumentalists, drivers, stagehands and sound engineers).
Being a band with good strength and large workforce, it has the capability of carrying out two events simultaneously. Sharp Band is a highly placed group which had the privilege to performed at President Jonathan daughter’s wedding. The band also performed at the Commonwealth heads of state meeting in Abuja some years ago which was a big break.
In this exclusive chat, Encomium Weekly spoke with the band members on the journey so far.
‘We are connected with music’
MIKIFA – IKIFA MICHAEL (MIKISHARP) – BAND LEADER
What is the aim of the band?
It is to make sure our audiences are entertained very well with good music.
How did you bring these great talents together considering their different background?
It has to do with individuals. We all have different background, character and upbringing. Before you join the band, we would have had the auditioning pertaining the role you are to play, both the singers and the instrumentalists. If you scale through, you are in for good.
The band is a very busy type, how do you manage your tight schedules?
We try to manage time, especially when we have more than one engagement in a day. Also the band is so big that all the instrumentalists are dual and the singers are multiple, so we can split ourselves if need be, and the show goes on simultaneously.
What is that element that connects every members of the band together?
Every member of the band is connected to music. If you enjoy playing music, definitely the connection is there. If you don’t have the passion for music, you definitely cannot flow with Sharp Band. God first, then we drop every other thing and put music as priority, for without God we cannot go anywhere.
Has there ever been a shake-up and how did you handle it?
It happens due to personal differences and problems. We all have different attitude. The common problem is when members don’t honour call time. We try to manage the situation with the adoption of dual instrumentalist and singers as a cover up for the absentees. That’s how we manage our shows.
What do we expect from the band in the next five years?
Expect better things from the band. In terms of good entertainment, music that will blow your mind. Also, an album will definitely come before the end of the year by the special grace of God. The plan is already on.
What prompted you to do a song for the abducted Chibok girls?
We went to perform in an all-girl schools in Lagos sometimes in April. Just looking at the girls and how defenseless and vulnerable they were, brought to us the imagination to what our Chibok girls might be going through in the hands of their abductors. Right there and then we made up our mind to do an awareness song for the missing Chibok girls.
You have been distributing free Cd’s of the song, like how much did the project cost?
It cost us a substantial amount. We have given out more than 20,000 free and more are still going to be printed. It’s just the band’s effort.
What door of opportunity has been in this band opened for you?
It has helped me to mingle with a lot of people. Not only that, as a music tutor, the band has connected me with those that have interest and passion for music.
We noticed that all the band members add Sharp to their name, what is the motive?
It’s a way of identifying with the band.
CHIGOZIE NWANKWO (GoSharp)
I joined Sharp Band last year as a lead pianist.
I’m playing one of the lead roles in the repertoire. Most times, I call the song for the singer. I predict songs by playing the intro which the singer is going to sing, and then everybody would know this is the next line to go. Also, we study the environment to determine what the people want, observe the audience’s mood and try to deliver song to match the moment to make sure our client and audience are satisfied.
One thing about Sharp Band is that no matter how good you are out there, when you get to know Sharp Band, you’ll still learn some things. I’ve gained much experience working with the band, couple with my personal experience. Sharp Band does basically naija songs. They are so unique as in delivery.
Meeting different calibre of people with our tight schedule is a big opportunity for me.
VERA DICHE (VicSharp)
I joined the band in 2006, precisely eight years ago.
I’m a lead singer.
Because I’m good at what I do. Every individual is unique in his or her own way.
I’ve travelled a lot with Sharp Band, met dignitaries. It has also helped my life.
OSAZE OMOKARO STEPHEN (OsaSharp)
I’m one of the lead vocalists.
I’m a keyboardist as well as a singer. So, in a situation where some members of the band are not around, I can easily fit in.
Wonderful experience, I’ve learnt so many. I’ve learnt how good music sounds, thanks to Sharp Band.
I’ve met with so many people that I never thought I could ever meet. Playing at President Jonathan daughter’s wedding and P-Square’s weddings.
FAITH ADU (Faysharp)
I joined the band five years ago.
I’m one of the lead singers.
I will say we all have different styles. Maybe because of the song I do, though we all have our unique voices and we are all unique in our delivery.
It’s been wonderful and really good. I can say Sharp Band is the best at the moment.
I can proudly say I’m not what I used to be before I joined the band, there have been so much improvement. You meet people through Sharp Band. Sharp Band puts you at the frontline and makes you to shine.
PERRY WILLIES (Parrysharp)
I joined the band in July 2013.
I’m a drummer and I also sings. I’m a drummer with a difference because I sing and plays the drums.
It has been good and bad, especially when we have good gigs, you will feel so proud about it. But when the music is just one way, I feel bad. Above all, the experience has been great.
The band has really made me sociable. I used to be very shy but now, I’m on stage with confidence. Before I’ll put my head down and my boss would tell me come on raise your head. Sharp Band has really exposed me.
TAYE ADESOKAN AYANGBADE (TeeSharp)
I play talking drum. I joined the band 15 years ago.
When it’s time for alujo music, surely no one can resist dancing to my tune.
Sharp Band has made me travel to so many places I never knew before and has helped me meet people I’ve never dreamt of meeting. Also, my family enjoys me working with the band.
With Sharp Band, I’m living a good life.
RACHAEL OLUWASEUN OGUNYEMI (Raysharp)
It’s been three years now that I joined as a singer.
I do the genre of music called alujo. It’s been fun, challenging and sweet.
It has made me grow. The band has made me meet a lot of people and celebrities. Sharp Band brought me closer to the people I loved to meet
EZEKIEL AGBADUMA (ZikSharp)
I joined the band last year.
I am Drummer.
Everybody is indispensable in the band. But I think I’m important that’s why I’m here.
It has not been easy, but it’s a nice challenge and it’s worth it.
I’ve learnt new style of playing professionally with other instrumentalists, most important, learning new songs.
ABIMBOLA AROWOSHELU (BimSharp)
I sings; lead vocalist and at some point I do backup.
Because I play my role very well as a singer.
Learning new songs and styles and ways of singing. So, I’m still open to more opportunities.
OBARO (Obsharp)
I joined the band precisely, a year ago.
I’m a keyboardist.
My style makes me unique in the band.
It had been wonderful. Personally, I’ve improved my talent. In terms of meeting people, high profile personalities, top artistes. The band has taken me to places.
I think I’m privilege to be identified with the best band in Nigeria. As far as I’m concerned, when it comes to live band entertainment, Sharp Band. Trust me, anywhere I find myself in any part of the world, I believe it’s an A for me.
SEGUN OYEBANJI (ShegzeeSharp)
I joined three years ago.
I am a vocalist.
I look good all the time in my outfit, so that has been my own unique selling point.
Sharp Band taught me a lot of things. I thank God for my boss and the band members. We are one family not just a band. Now, my lyrics and delivery are on point.
To have performed at the P-Square’s wedding, travelling wide and meeting people is not a mean feat. We performed at President Jonathan daughter’s wedding It was a great privilege.
ENVELON MICHAEL (MicSharp)
I joined the band about nine years.
I am a lead vocalist. I direct performance and at short break, I talk to the crowd to make sure everything is going well.
I’m a very committed member of Sharp Band. I love the band because it built me musically. Everything I know about music, Sharp Band taught me. The band is like home for me.
Sharp Band gave me the opportunity to meet the movers and shakers of the society, people like former president Olusegun Obasanjo, First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.
I now have an international status with Sharp Band. I was able to meet a lot of foreign comedians. I have met people like Don Jazzy, Wande Coal and D’Banj.
– JOSHUA SHOBIYE
