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Sunny Neji, My Lagos, ‘Lagos is full of excitement’

The wave-making highlife crooner grew up in Lagos jumping ‘molues and passengers lorries’. But these days, he gets around the hustle and bustle of Lagos in his BMW 5 – Series…

 

Where do you live in Lagos and why?

I live in Iju, that’s in Ifako-Ijaiye local government. I’ve lived there for seven years. Actually, I moved there because I was looking for accommodation then and I was really desperate. But right now, I’m considering moving out.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Shomolu. My dad was in the military but after he retired, we relocated to Ogoja and later came back to Lagos where I lived in Shomolu again with my uncle. Later, I moved to Ketu to live on my own.

Where do you shop?

Depends on what I’m buying. In Ikeja, I shop at Cash n Carry or Big Treat. On Island, I shop at Mega Plaza.

What’s your earliest Lagos memory?

There used to be less traffic when I just grew up enough to be conscious of Lagos. The road used to be free and you could predict your movement.

When did you start living permanently in Lagos?

Late 1978. December. Shortly before Christmas.

What do you miss when you’re out of Lagos?

The hustle and bustle. The impatience. Whenever I’m outside Lagos, it’s like there’s something wrong with me because I can’t slow down. Lagos is full of excitement.

What do you hate about Lagos?

I don’t like the rush. And the fact that you can’t trust NEPA.

What do you like most about Lagos?

It’s the centre of my business. I can make a name and impact. I like the fact that you can rise very fast in Lagos than in other states.

Apart from Lagos, what other cities are you attached to?

Calabar, because it’s so different from Lagos. It’s peaceful, serene and lovely. The air is different from Lagos and it’s much safer than Lagos.

What are your extravagances?

I am a very careful person. I don’t allow my feelings to lead me. I don’t over-indulge in anything. I can afford to do without anything.

What’s your favourite Lagos hangout or pub?

That’ll be O’Jez in Surulere and La Campagne Tropicana.

How do you move around Lagos?

Now, I drive my BMW but way back, I used to jump moluesbolekaja. The only thing I didn’t do was jump okadas.

What new projects are you working on?

We’re working on the release of Unchained VCD. Face me and Oruka are being pirated already but we’re releasing the VCD this February.

 How do you relax?

Everything I do, even if I want to relax, I’m doing music. But mainly, I watch TV, I write songs and I read my Bible.

(First published in 2005)

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