“Chykay” Naija prince of Rhythm & Swag- Exclusive Interview

Posted on 25. Mar, 2009 by Omega Eee in 120 seconds, Fresh Artiste, The critic

Most experts will tell you that you know a true talent when you come across one. Streetnaij came across one of Nigeria’s upcoming superstars in a one on one interview. This great conversation touches so many issues that every fan would want to ask. The  lifestyle, upcoming album, Naija’s music industry, Piracy and lots more are areas we asked Chykay the son of a Legend. Enter the life of CHYKAY as the conversation goes thus…

Streetnaij: Welcome on Board Streetnaij

Chykay: Thanks

Streetnaij: So, who’s Chy-Kay as a person and as an Artiste?

Chykay: Well, Chykay is basically an RnB artiste, I started this music thing a while ago. Probably, for about seven years. I remember the first recording I did, I and Beazy (BeMe) who had this Xbox Karaoke thing were in the same College. We used to record on it. So, one day, I was listening to this Wayne Wonder bounce along beat, I then came up with a hook for it and sang it to Beazy. He was like, that’s crazy, you can sing. Immediately, we went to his room and did a recording and it became a local hit in college (he Laughs). So, you can see I’ve come a long way.

Streetnaij: Thats quite a while in the profession. So, for the sake of your fans, who’s Beazy?

Chykay: Beazy is a straight up talent. He’s musically inclined and we have quite a number of songs together. If you have followed my movement you would have heard the song “Windin” or “Free me”. Beazy is the rapper on it and he’s also CEO BeMe Ent

Streetnaij: I have heard that track. Its quite heavy. Now I remember the name. Have you had time to revisit the college hit? (I mean that first track)

Chykay: Well the college hit was “windin”, after meeting the talent PLAYBACH, he made another beat for “windin” and thats the song, like you said, is heavy.

Streetnaij: So, what inspired you into music?

Chykay: Well, I was born into music, my dad happens to be Harry Mosco, are you familiar with the name?

Streetnaij: Very well, your dad actually opened the way for digital sound in Nigeria with nice hits right?

Ckykay:  Well, Harry Mosco is my father and, I mean we had the first Digital studio in Nigeria and I used to be around the likes of Onyeka Owenu, Suny Ade, Sir Shina Peters Mike Okri and others. I mean they recorded a number of hits in that studio. I was around all that while I was growing up. Hence, I would say my Dad has been the biggest Influence in my music career.

Streetnaij: Boy, that must be a great inspiration. For they are the greatest founding block of Nigerian music industry

Chykay: I know (he laughs)

Streetnaij: As a son of a Legend, do you feel under pressure to deliver?

Chykay: Well, I don’t feel under pressure although, I know I have to live up to his name but then, my passion for music has driven my moral to deliver the very best of my capability and make my country proud.

Streetnaij: Thats a true say. Green white Green for ever

Chykay: TEBUDIGA!!!

Streetnaij: You were formerly in United Kingdom and currently in Dubai. Why the switch?

Chykay: Well, I was in England for six years, graduated with a business/law degree and I wanted to master in business. I had a lot of options France, America, Canada but I wanted mix cultures and this has been another influence even on my music.

Streetnaij: Thats a good decision for an artiste. So, How’s life in the fastest growing music industry in the world (Nigeria)?

Chykay: I know, I mean I’ve met a lot of talent while traveling. Well, I must say it has been hard because Nigeria has so much talent.

Streetnaij: Nigeria is Blessed but, Streetnaij review team did some review on your tracks and we feel positive that you can make it big.

Chykay: AMEN to that. I have committed everything to God

Streetnaij: So when are you stepping out with your long awaited album and … any title?

Chykay: Well, we are working on the release date but I assure you there’s a lot to hear on this album. You’ve heard “Steez and Cruise”, “Mofesoro” and there’s still more to come. The album is called “RHYTHM & SWAG”

Streetnaij: I will come to my favourite but what one is your favourite track?

Chykay: Honestly my favourite one isn’t out yet but its called “sugar cane baby remix”. My dad did this song and it was a hit so, I have redone it but it sounds a lot different from how it was before but I really like it.

Streetnaij: Thats a good idea and Streetnaij can’t wait to listen to it. You already have tracks that could drive so many fans crazy like “steez and cruise”. I love the walakolombo part a lot.

Chykay: He laughs. You know I was in the studio with my dad, Clef nite my producer, 2slick and Uzzy. My dad is a perfectionist so, he would point out the mistakes we can’t hear but when we listen closely we would hear it. Once the recording was done, we all listened to it and that evening was celebration all the way.

Streetnaij: I think you all did a top class job cause the production is tight. How did you come about that track?

Chykay: Well, I received the instrumentals and by God’s grace I am talented with writing especially hook writing. So, I heard the beat while with my little cousin who’s eleven. In the process of listening to this beat, I came up with a couple of titles but she chose “Steez and Cruise” and I stuck to it.

Streetnaij: I guess your dad must be really proud of having his son in his field and Your family must be musically blessed

Chykay: My dad is proud and I think we are indeed blessed. Music is in the blood. My elder sister is into music as well. She’s in Englnd and you all should watch out for her cause she’s great

Streetnaij: Now I see its in the Gene. But, are your songs officially available for your fans and what Record Label are you under at the moment?

Chykay: My songs are not yet officially available but they are online. As to the Label, at the moment, we are about to launch our own label and its called Acacia Records. You’ll hear more from us. We have talents like “L”. You should watch out for this guy he’s really good and also “Uzzy”, “2Slick”, and “Jahrella”. We also have our own producers “Clef nite”, he produced the track “Steez & Cruise”. There is “Bibby Jones” too so, just watch out.

Sreetnaij: Thats great. But are you guys on a mixed Genre or all the artiste are on RnB?

Chykay: Hmm… well, there’s so much versatility and we could do anything. There’s dancehall song at the moment currently on review and its called “Blow my Mind”. Its on youtube but we switched it up a bit. Its afro dancehall.

Streetnaij: Its quite heavy. The track will really take the club by storm. So, how do you guys intend to handle the piracy stuff in Naija?

Chykay: Thanks and Amen to that. As to the piracy issue, its a big problem but you know I’ve been following whats going on over at PMAN the Nigerian Msicians Body and the current head T-Mac. He’s fighting it and doing a good job. Hopefully, the pirates will concur

Streetnaij: If you’ll choose, what Nigerian artiste at the moment would you love to do a collab with?

Chykay: Oh my… I really wanna do something with “Cobhams asuquo”. He’s a breath of fresh air to the industry

Streetnaij: With the industry witnessing young and fresh blood everyday, how do you stand out?

Chykay: Well, my music is a complete Blend of Rhythm and Blues and I try to make sure it can be accepted everywhere and whatever type of music I do, I still stamp Naija on it.

Streetnaij: Would you consider entering Nollywood if approached?

Chykay: Well, I’m not sure I know how to act but if led the correct way, am sure I could learn something and it wouldn’t be a problem acting at all.

Streetnaij: How do you relax as an artiste? Some people just think artistes are always in the studio working

Chykay: Well, really sleep is my hottest spot at the moment. I don’t get to relax much, am always busy if  am not in the studio, am promoting.

Streetnaij: From your experience, can any artiste fully make it to the top without moving to Lagos State? Most people believe it to be the heart of the music industry in Africa.

Chykay: Its really difficult if you don’t know what’s going on as everything starts in Lagos. I mean, take Banky W as an example, he was in the Sates and when he moved to Lagos, he became big. It is difficult but really, there’s nothing that’s impossible. I mean we fly planes now compared to decades ago.

Streetnaij: Do you believe in the “pot belly” mentality? That is, most Nigerian guys do feel like “if your stomach is not big then you are poor”. See Nigerian Stars now, most of them are going the pot belly route.

Chykay: He laughs… At all. am very slim but am ok but not poor (lol)

Streetnaij: What about your pals like Hazy, PLAYBACH and Vito, do you intend doing anything with them in the future?

Chykay: Well, of course. They know am ready any time they are … anytime

Streetnaij: Lastly, what message have you got for your fans and those in the industry?

Chykay: Hehehe! Chykay is coming through with a full dose of versatility… and everyone should watch out. Shout out to BeMe, 2Slick, Uzzy; My Engineers, Clef nite, Keys, Playbach, L, Jahrella and Made Records… Acacia in the building!!! and a big big shout out to STREETNAIJ, ITS NAIJA, TEBUDIGA!!!!!

Tags: 2slick, Acacia, BeMe, Chykay, Clef nite, Jahrella, Keys, L, Playbach, Uzzy