Encomium
Despite the fact that many of the songs trending right now are what the artistes are usually quick to point out to be ‘freestyles’, new entrant on the Nigerian music scene, Cheekuh has sensationally averred that music should never be freestyled.
The Niger born RnB singer believes music, being an art must be methodically and systematically arranged, planned and written to bring out the best in the work.
In this interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly, the Loke Loke crooner opened up on why he feels music must not be freestyled, his experience in music, how he overcame the initial resistance to his chosen career by his parents and many more…
How long have you been into music?
I would say about 10 years, but professionally, it is four years.
So you’re not particularly a new artiste under 2 Digits Records?
I wouldn’t say I’m a new artiste per se, but since this is my first personal official single, I can agree that I’m new to an extent. But I have been working with the label for about three years now.
What have you been doing with the label for three years?
There are four artistes on the label. We did a song together, Sugar. It was like an introduction song for the four of us and we did a video for that and till now the song is still getting airplay and it’s being promoted. This is my first outing as a solo artiste.
Your new song is called Loke Loke, what does it mean exactly?
The song is actually the story of a lady that became impatient, after waiting for her man to return to her for a long time. She doesn’t know if she matters to the guy or if she is still his number one. So it’s kind of a reassurance song for the lady that she remains his queen.
How do you come about your songs, do you write them or freestyle?
I don’t freestyle. I believe music should not be freestyled. I believe music should be composed. There should be an intro, a body, the chorus, the hook and then the outro. It should be given a second thought before you drop any line. That is what I believe music should be all about. I write all my songs.
But there are several freestyle songs that are well loved?
I still wonder why artistes go by the way of freestyling because they feel that it is what the people want, not knowing that the people take it because they have no alternative. They are beginning to want what they have since they can’t get what they want. I don’t know the secret behind the acceptance of such songs but to me, as an artiste, I feel there should be more to it. If you want to produce songs of international standard, you have to do it properly.
So you’ve written like how many songs so far?
I have written nothing less than 30 songs. These are songs that I have worked on over time and are ready to be sung anytime I choose to.
So what are your expectations from this new single, Loke Loke?
I believe there is a reason the song came to me. It’s a song that has a good story to it. It’s a song that when you listen to, you’ll realize that it’s not just any song, it has a purpose. Right from the moment I recorded it in the studio, people started feeling it and everybody wanted to have it. I mean, people that didn’t know me before started familiarizing with me and confirming that the song would go far. So, I’m convinced the song will do well.
What is your relationship with 2 Digits Records, are you contracted to them or it’s a partnership or what?
I have a contract with them.
Let’s know more about you. Where are you from?
I was born in Bida, Niger state but I spent most of my years growing up as a child in Jos. I was born into the Galadima family from Niger state. My full name is Cheekuh Gimba Galadima.
So, Cheekuh is actually your real name?
It’s an abbreviation of my real name, the name is Babanchiko. It means big daddy in my language. It’s not a nickname at all, it’s my native name.
When did you move to Lagos and why?
I moved to Lagos in 2010 and to pursue my music career.
What’s your education background?
I studied Petrochemical Engineering at the University of Jos.
When did you decide to abandon your certificate for music?
I have always known that I was going to go into music. This is something that has always been inside of me. I know that if I don’t do it, it is injustice because I feel gifted and I know I have to use my gift to put smiles on people’s faces. Deep down in me, I know I need to go to school to get education but I always knew that it was music I would do even though it was only known to me. I didn’t tell anybody my plans.
How did your parents take your decision to pursue music?
It was never a good idea to them. They never supported because there’s no one in my family doing such. There was never any support from them. But later they realized that they couldn’t stop me so they let me be. And they have been showing interest in my work now, calling to ask what the latest is and how I am doing. They are now my fans.
What are your plans, are there any likely collabos with established stars?
I have plans to do that. Definitely, the first person I’ll like to work with is 2Face and from the new school, Burna Boy and Davido.
-AJOKE ONITOLO
