Encomium
SIDNEY Onoriode Esiri, otherwise known as Dr. Sid is a dental surgeon and the second son of veteran actor, Justus Esiri. The 30 year-old musician has vowed never to go back to medicine for reasons best known to him. ENCOMIUM Weekly had a chat with him on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 and he bared his mind on his chosen career.
Tell us how you came about the name Dr. Sid.
My real name is Doctor Sidney Onoriode Esiri. I got the name Dr. Sid from my real names. I am Justus Esiri’s son.
Could you tell us your relationship with other artists on Mo’Hits label?
We’re like a family, it feels very good. We are very cool. It’s like brothers and sisters living in one house. We build up each other’s creativity, and at good and bad times, we assist each other. Like every other family, we also have clashes and quarrels but professionally we have a fantastic relationship. Basically, we help each other grow which is the most important thing.
When exactly did you start singing?
I started singing as a recording artist in 2002 with Trybes Record.
Why did you leave Trybes Record?
Everybody in Trybes Record kind of separated in 2003, 2004 to do their own thing. Sasha went to Storm Records.
When did you join Mo’Hits?
I joined Mo’Hits officially in 2007 but I have been friends with Don Jazzy and D’Banj since 2004.
Tell us some of the shows you have performed.
I was at This Day Music Festival, Wande Coal’s U.S tour, MTV Awards in Ghana, a couple of concerts in London, Guinness 250 years anniversary, Star Trek, Star Mega Jam. On my album, I worked with D’Banj, K-Switch, Wande Coal in the Mo’Hits crew and other artists like MI, El Dee, Sway and many others.
Right now, what are you doing?
I am promoting my album and I am having my club tour. I’ve been to Benin, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Calabar, moving from state to state. I want people to know Dr. Sid.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I want to be seen to have contributed immensely to the music industry. I expect to go places and be the best in my profession.
What kind of relationship do you have with female artists?
I have a very good relationship with them. I love them and they love me. We have a hi-hello relationship and I appreciate the energy I get from them. I would say that they have been very supportive which is very important.
Do you have a girlfriend?
No, I don’t.
Why?
It’s hard to find someone who understands what I do. I need someone who would stick with my schedule because I am always busy. The girls I am interested in say they cannot be my girlfriends because I am a musician. I think it’s a gift and a curse.
Tell us about your educational background.
I went to Nigerian Air Force Nursery, Primary and Secondary School, in Ikeja, Lagos. I went to the University of Ibadan where I studied Dental Surgery then King’s College, London. I did my housemanship at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and I did my youth service in Yola.
Do you intend leaving music for medicine?
No, I’ve left medicine for music so I can’t leave music for medicine again.
Where did you work as a dental surgeon?
I worked in a private hospital plus my housemanship I worked for about three years.
Your family background?
My father is Justus Esiri, he is an actor. My mom is a fashion designer. I am the second son, my elder brother is an accountant, my younger brother works for an oil company in Nigeria and my baby sister is rounding off in the university in the UK.
How old are you?
I am 30 years old.
Did you have any problem with your dad when you started singing?
Yes oh! Like any other father, his son spent eight years in school and he paid school fees and also bought textbooks, he wouldn’t be happy but when he saw the passion I have for music, the dedication and focus, now he is my biggest fan and supporter.
Do you have any other sibling that sings or acts?
Yes, I have a cousin that sings from my mum’s side. His name is Dayo Adebola.
What gives you inspiration?
Personal experiences, current events. God gives me inspiration and also other people’s experiences.
Has a girl ever broken your heart?
Yes.
Can you tell us about it?
No, it’s too personal. I invested a lot and I got really hurt but it made me stronger.
How do you relax?
I watch a lot of movies, I play video games and listen to music too.
What are the challenges in your industry?
There’s no good entertainment industry in Nigeria. The distribution is really not good. I think that’s the major challenge.
Do you have role models?
Yes, I look up to my dad, Jay Z, 50 Cent, Puff Daddy, D’Banj, Don Jazzy, 2Face.
Advice for younger artists?
I think they should be cool, focused and dedicated, they should get advice from older people, it makes you a better person. They should be patient and prayerful.
- THIS INTERVIEW WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN ENCOMIUM WEEKLY ON TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2010
