Darey Art-Alade is one of the leading musicians in Nigeria. In this interview, he talks about the speculations surrounding his song “Pray For Me” and his record label.
Do you consider the song “Pray For Me” a success?
Yes I do. It was a massive success I must say.
What inspired it?
Inspiration comes in different ways. It could come to you in the bathroom or kitchen. For this song, what I can say is that I was working in the studio, making music and I got inspired. It was also inspired by the story of P-Square. Oscar, the producer who produced the song told me the story of how they left home, and came to Lagos. It was a journey for them. ‘Pray For Me’ talks about their story although not directly, but it’s taken from their story in terms of inspiration. You know that a lot of us go through that one way or the other, it’s relative.
There were some controversies about the song ‘Pray For Me.’ Some say it is an imitation of Timi Dakolo’s ‘Wish Me Well,’ what do you say?
The two songs are different. I do not see any similarities. However, if people insist that they are familiar I am sure I wrote mine ages before Timi Dakolo did his.
For a while you have focused on a particular genre of music, don’t you think experimenting with others would see you achieving more?
Not at all. I pay my bills and I have got my niche market. I’m happy. Why satisfy everybody if you can satisfy a few that love and follow your music and what you represent.
‘Pray For Me’ sounds like a gospel song, are you considering going into that genre of music?
At the end of the day, we know where the talent comes from. I started from church and God has always been a factor of everything that I’ve done, as you can see lewd music is not my thing, for me it’s about love and God is love and love is God.
Your father was renowned in the entertainment industry, are you trying to emulate him?
I’ve never tried. I’ve never tried.
Do you aspire to be greater than him?
I can’t be, I can’t even think about it, the man was too much for me. What are you talking about?
As a musician, what are your set goals and objectives?
I just want to do my own thing and I think I’ve succeeded in trying, you know paving my own way, charting my own path, I’m just doing my own thing.
Earlier, you spoke about focusing on a particular genre of music; don’t you think that a little adventure would do your career a lot of good?
I don’t know which of my songs you’ve been listening to. If you go back to some of the music I have done in the past you will see how much of adventure I have injected into my career. I’ve gone out of my comfort zone to do songs like Fuji, Star Na Star, Carry Dey Go and others.
As a trained actor, do you consider acting an option?
No. I’m a trained actor, but movie is not for me, for now.
Do you have issues with the movie industry?
I’ve done stage, I’ve done some stage which for me is even more serious and more important, but I can’t do everything.
You sound definite, are you so absolute about this?
It’s because it’s being a recurring question over the years, so I have a ready answer for it, except something changes.
What has been happening to your record label, you seem the only one flying the flag?
What is happening presently is that we’re a full blown creative agency, so we’re not just about entertainment now, we have gone into idea creation, we’re bringing clients’ ideas and their dreams to life, I think that in many ways it is bigger than just musical entertainment. It’s a combination of music and entertainment alongside bringing the spectacular.
Zain is one of the artistes on your label, what has she been up to?
She’s doing well, she’s there still making her music, just as I am. At the end of the day it’s also a matter of consistency. You know I’m making music and working hard.
As the boss, are you contented with the development pace of your artistes?
Everything can always be better, even for me, everything can always be better and for you too.
You are one of the artistes listed to perform at the “Sunny On Sunday Concert,” what should we expect from you?
That concert is slated for Sunday, December 11th. Well, in the small time that I have, I’m going to try and give a performance of a lifetime because you know being on stage, sharing a stage with one of my mentors, you know I can only imagine.
Since it will be a big night for you, should we expect a special song for the show?
Why not?
We saw a collaboration between 2baba and Victor Olaiya, should we expect one with you and King Sunny Ade anytime soon?
Yes, in fact we’ve been talking about working together, so it’ll be a dream come true.
