This year, versatile Afro-fusion artist emmyQbaybay returns with his brand-new EP โBRAVE,โ which follows the release of his most successful hit song, โDown Low.โ Full of highs and lows, from dance tracks and hard-core hits to romantic sentiments, emmyQbaybay never ceases to amaze with his diverse approach to music and style. Afrobeat fans may anticipate flawless production and countless rhythms that are timeless, all while emmyQbaybayโs exquisite vocals are on full display. Check out the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
EMMYQBAYBAY: I am from Ikwo LGA in Ebonyi state Nigeria, am based in port harcourt rivers state Nigeria. I started making music in a tender age as I realizes early in life that I could express myself through music. At first it was funny to my childhood friends as I could sing about every emotion and issue at hand which keeps building up till date. Currently I make magic through music.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
EMMYQBAYBAY: I would say am self-taught, because it all started with my emotions and me trying to express what I feel inside by making music out of it.
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name โEMMYQBAYBAY?
EMMYQBAYBAY: I got glued to Eminem songs and lyrics I admire 50cent too and in Nigeria I feel the likes of Olamide, Don jazzy and burna boy. My name was inspired by my real name Emeka I got emmy from there and I added Q to represent Quotient why bay bay is to cement up my inspiration as I know how to set boundaries, that gave birth to the name emmyQbaybay.
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
EMMYQBAYBAY: very good, the key elements in my music is the ability of each of my song to sure put you in a certain mood in which you can feel the emotions through the music and my vocals. I describe my sound as a music from the other side.
5. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
EMMYQBAYBAY: I usually start with a beat than comes the tune and the narratives in my head with the punchlines. I collaborate other artists where the need arises.
6. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as POP?
EMMYQBAYBAY: originality is every thing for me, it makes artist to stand out and fans can easily relate and understand who is on the song with out going to look it up base on uniqueness, it took time for me to finally get grips of it at the same time the process of development has help making me versatile in my delivery on every song.
7. Whatโs your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles โ and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
EMMYQBAYBAY: I feel that good music is supposed to address issues be it political, cultural and spiritual the message has to be clear for the audience. Music is a voice and not to be silent. I did a song about Nigeria economic crisis and insecurity off my just released album titled (BRAVE) the music video is out on VEVO Youtube Titled Tears & Pains.
8. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
EMMYQBAYBAY: Yeah as growth is continuous so I feel about my music as I keep dishing out monster hits.
9. What has been the most difficult thing youโve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
EMMYQBAYBAY: I have been through a lot, but the most of it, is when I could not put out my songs due to lack of funds for promotions. Life happens you know.
10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
EMMYQBAYBAY: when my music goes global that I donโt need to introduce the name emmyqbaybay as it has become a familiar name with world people.
11. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
EMMYQBAYBAY: criticism is part of the sauce that have shaped my music because am open to it and see what could be done to improve, haters are there for me to punchline on I ignore naysayers as they lack sensitivity.
12. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
EMMYQBAYBAY: yea I could say is both not bad if my music makes you feel differently base on your own interpretation and how it hits you.
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