Encomium
Sameson Edosa popular known as Samcole is a fast rising Edo born afro hip hop artist. He had many girls in the video of his latest single, Shakara which has been described as lewd and obscene. But in an interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly, the dude said he on created a platform for the African woman to showcase her beauty and more.
How was your journey into music? Please, tell us a little about this, your challenges, experiences, lessons learned, etc?
I grew up to experiment with music…it was more like a hobby, an elixir when I’m faced with life’s issues, so within that period of self discovery, I realized my talent and passion for music. That kept me focused and refreshed, helped me find my strength and the will to push when things got tough.
I sometimes look back, remembering what life was like growing up, with the many challenges and uncertainties of what the future holds, but with strength that could only have come from God, my music and my family were the things that helped me keep it together, stayed focused and remained goal oriented. Those were the things that made me who I am today.
“Experiences are part of the things life throws at us, phases we go through, which would eventually mar or build us, what we make of them, is entirely up to us”, but I’m glad that today what counts is that yes, I was able to change them to better my life.
When and how did you become interested in music? How long have you been playing music professionally?
Like I said, music was a tool I used to pull through tough times. It had always been in my life from the time I could sing from the movie classic, Sound of Music for the first time till now. I have been singing professionally for 13 years now.
How many years have you been in the Nigerian music industry? What has it been like?
I have been in this industry for four years now and honestly, it has been challenging but above all, a very rewarding learning process…
I have a growing sense of fulfillment, that stems from the fact that, at the end of day, I have been able to help people experience the sunshine, laughter, strength, motivation and hope that music brought into my life.
What record label are you currently signed on and when?
I’m signed to Effamelodosa Records in my second year in the music industry. I got signed to Effamelodosa Records March 4, 2013.
What is your view on the growing gay/lesbian community in the Nigerian entertainment industry?
In my own opinion, the issue of sexuality as regards finding its way into our country borders on morality, which is the pride of African culture. It is a challenge to the family institution and we must collectively reject it.
There were too many girls in the video of your single, Shakara and the rumour is that you sleep with all or most of them, what is the truth?
I like constructive criticism, it helps me and my team to challenge ourselves to do better. My fans have spoken and I think to some extent, I feel misunderstood but it all boils down to giving my female fans the platform to do their thing. It will be abnormal for guys to be dancing in a video that tends to celebrate the feminine gender, and the beauty of the African woman.
What do you think the Shakara video portrays? What message do you thing the video is projecting with the numerous ladies dancing provocatively, some even described it as “lewd”?
Shakara is that special trait or should I say attitude that portrays the pride of womanhood, it showcases their beauty, glow, not forgetting that charm and aura, so its not out of place for them to dance in the manner that tends to flaunt their beauty, elegance and sense of self worth. I believe women should be loved, pampered, and above all, respected.
However, to term their dance lewd is at the discretion of the user of the word. The word, Shakara…goes a long way to show that worthwhile substance, intelligence, carriage, beauty and of course the totality of the feminine endowment bestowed on the African woman by God.
It has been rumoured that some members of your Christian community are unhappy with your venture into secular music, many believe you do not want to serve God anymore, as some have taken to writing on blogs to express their displeasure, what is your response?
I am of the opinion that we all look, but see things differently, and I also have this strong believe that our heavenly race is a personal call that we must answer personally. On this note, I want to appeal to them again to still believe in me.
Tell us about your charity work?
It has always been a culture, by God’s special grace, I hope to maintain, to visit orphanages, as many times as I can and continue to show as many as I can consistent love and support… materially, financially and in any other way I can.
Many women are dying to know how old you are and if you are married?
I was born in 1988. About my marital status, am very much single and waiting, hoping for God’s chosen one for me, the bone of my bone, the one that would stay with me forever.
Why are you still single? Are you in a serious relationship?
Maybe because I’m searching for that special someone that will make my life more peaceful, focused, supportive all the while, overlooking my imperfection. That one person that will challenge me to go extra mile.
Tell us about your song, Baby Sweet, featuring Timaya?
Baby Sweet is more like a celebration of love, the girl child as a mother, sister, wife, lover, friend, a beauty, the celebrated half of a man that deserves respect.
And featuring Timaya was a dream come true, because he had been one musician I respected and appreciated his originality, humility, simplicity and talent. He acted as a mentor in this track and a true gentleman.
The hit track, Baby Sweet is quickly trending and gaining street credibility, what is it about the song that makes it different?
I believe the Baby Sweet style is unique. As music reigns and then fades after a while, you will notice that it also has the trending style of the Nigerian music industry. Also the dancehall king, Timaya aka Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa, happens to be in it.
What makes the song good to you? What exactly is the message?
Thank you so much for that. The wonderful thing about Baby Sweet is the originality. Its about hard work we put in the song, the quest for perfection and a touch of excellence, and grace from the Almighty.
When I write my songs, I challenge myself to outdo my previous work, to attain that height that is meant for the accomplished few in the industry, the likes of 2Face, Asa, Femi Kuti, Timaya, PSquare, Omawumi, Waje, Tiwa Savage and so many talented great Nigerians.
Tell us what to expect from you soon?
My aim is to constantly reinvent myself, challenging my abilities and talent consistently in the strive for perfection.
I ask my fans and friends, all who love and support SamCole to expect originality, consistency and above all great music. I thank them all for their support, and I say, I won’t let them down, the best is yet to come.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m Samson Edosa. A God fearing young man from Edo state, graduate of Public Administration from the prestigious University of Benin, song writer, musician, a philanthropist, model and above all, a gentleman.
– TADE ASIFAT
