Encomium
CHIMBIKO Akarolo is the Mayor of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Three years ago, he lost his beautiful wife, Caroline Akarolo during child birth. Miraculously, the twins survived. Because of the passage of his wife, Chimbiko picked up interest in music and set up a foundation in honour of his late wife called Caroline Akarolo Foundation (CAF). Interestingly, Chimbiko does not sing to make money, rather he channels money realized from his music adventure into his foundation. Chimbiko whose stage name is C-Stroke tells his story…
Let us look at your history as a politician and musician.
I have been in politics for a while moving from the ward level to being the Mayor of Port Harcourt. I delved into music after the death of my wife. I needed something to fill the vacuum. I have been there before that time. I started playing piano since I was eight and while in the university, I played at shows. Shortly before my wife died, she told me I have stopped playing the keyboard after we married. So, I got the keyboard back in the house and my children watched me play. My wife died during child birth. So, I decided to do something memorable for her. I released a single in 2012 and set up an NGO in her memory. Whatever comes from the music is pumped into the NGO and to help women and children in hospitals. This is what the NGO has been doing. My being into music is not all about making money, rather it’s to give back. Music is also a therapy for me. Whenever I am stressed, I go into the studio and relieve myself.
What is the idea behind adopting C-Stroke as a stage name?
C stands for my name, Chimbiko and Strokes makes me remember when I was young, I would follow musicians around because of that I used to receive strokes of cane from my father. He would always tell me music won’t take me anywhere but today music takes me everywhere.
As a politician, how do you create time to go to the studio?
My music comes naturally, especially when I am relaxed. At night, I am in the studio and day time I carry out my responsibility as a politician.
You are in government and you also sing reggae which is a conscious music. Sometimes, to complain about something. How do you marry that?
I complain too. We are there to criticize ourselves. I am just concerned about the society, and the only way I can talk about the system is through music.
Apart from the NGO, where you are impacting lives, what are you doing with your political office to improve the lives of your people?
In the state where I come from, we have access to everything that comes from the Federal Government. We were able to compliment that with our internally generated revenue. We have done streets and roads, we have assisted the police with necessary logistics, street light, healthcare services. We have done a lot since we came in and there are evidences to that. Skill acquisition centers, ICT training, we are closer to the people more than the governor. The grassroots is more difficult than the state level. If you don’t perform, the people are ready to vote for another person in the next election.
How far do you want to go in music?
I want to remain in the amateur league, fund my NGO and if my people say that I should compete with others, then I am available. Like I said, I am singing because I love music and not that I want to make money. Every kobo we make from the music is channeled into the NGO. For me, I want to continue to do that. Apart from money from music, we also fund the NGO through partnering some organizations through seminars and workshops.
You sing reggae, but you don’t look like one of the reggae people?
Reggae is a kind of music I love to play, that does not make me a Rastafarian. I don’t take cigarette or alcohol. The kind of home I grew in wouldn’t even allow it. My parents were teachers, they are strict. It’s rather unfortunate that people associate bad things with reggae music. We have advanced.
How many songs have you done?
My first single came out in 2012. I did my album and another single will be out in June 2014. It’s already on iTunes.
Can you play at government functions?
Yes, I have done that before.
What about collaborations with other artistes?
I have done two with Duncan Mighty and one with an international artiste, Mojo Morgan of the Morgan Heritage.
Have you always been a reggae singer?
I listen to reggae a lot. Before I sang mid tempo music. Bob Marley is still my all time favourite. I had his posters in my room while in secondary school.
How well are you into women?
I am not well into women. For now, I am a widower. I hope to move on after three years. I will still get love and affection again.
What plans do you have to remarry?
I am very scared because women now are more materialistic. I doubt if they have love anymore. I have seen few examples, through my friends and colleagues. I am scared because of the position I occupy.
As a public office holder, you will be expected to attend functions with your partner?
I had a partner before she transited and I have a family of seven.
How is your music doing on the international scene?
People download my songs abroad more than in Nigeria. I get alert whenever somebody download in the UK or US. My music is in the UK chart. I don’t sell my music on the street, it is only available at the foundation office and all the money from the download goes into the foundation account.
– FOLUSO SAMUEL
