Shakar El Swagga talks to Streetnaij

Posted on 27. Mar, 2010 by Pappy Dee in Fresh Artiste, Latest Gist(Movie + Music)

This artist said he go ‘Show us something ohh’ !!! Yes I am talking about the one and only Shakar El Swagga a.k.a The Official Swaggertainer. His track ‘Anyhow’ has rocked the airwaves through out Nigeria even making its way to Number 1 on the Channel O Top ten . You might even have heard his other tracks ‘Jangulova’ and ‘Orishirshi’ which are are likely to be on his highly anticipated album. Shakar is also gearing up to perform live at the up and coming P Square’s concert in London on the 4th of April 2010.He took some time out to talk to our very own Pappy Dee about what the future holds for him.Below is the conversation they had.

Streetnaij:We know you as Shakar El Swagga but who is the person behind the music ?

Shakar: My name is Chukwudi Ezeagwa. I am from Nise in Awka L.G.A of Anambra state.
I was born and bred in Enugu aka Coal City . I attended University of Nigeria Secondary School and was later admitted into University of Nigeria Enugu Campus to study law before i moved to the United Kingdom in 2004 to continue my life hustle.

Streetnaij: Why did you leave Naija for the United Kingdom ?

Shakar: I moved because I wanted to be independent from my family to chase my own dream of being a musician .Music has always been my dream since my tender years . However my parents never agreed with this .My Dad was a gynaecologist and so he wanted me to become the same thing and at the time he felt there was no money in the music industry . So I had to leave to pursue my dream to make music which I am enjoying at the moment .

Streetnaij : Do you see your self going back to Nigeria as the Music Industry is on high at this moment in time ?

Shakar: My body might have left Nigeria but my soul never left . You can hear it in my songs that i have released so far . I think about Naija everyday. I feel I need the right platform to launch my career over there . Do not get me wrong being popular and having records out is a good thing but this does not mean success. As a saying goes the most popular person in town will not always win an election especially if he contests the election on the wrong platform. I want the people to know Shakar is not here to be a one hit wonder , so I will take my time before my return.

StreetNaij :Well Shakar your song ‘Anyhow’ has experienced more success than you imagined , how do you feel about your growing popularity ?

Shakar : I find it difficult sometimes because with popularity all eyes are on you to perform .I am very grateful for the hype but unfortunately the fame does not match the money so far . I want to just keep working hard on my music to produce a classic album . As I said Shakar is not here to be a one hit wonder ,I am here to show them something !!!!

Streetnaij : So are you signed to a record label ?

Shakar: No I am currently doing every thing myself (promotion, booking studio sessions,distribution and shows ). I am yet to be signed by any record label . I have had offers from some big record labels but none of them seem to match the ambitions I have for myself . When the time is right I am sure that I will sign for the right record label .For now i have to keep pushing everything on my own.

Streetnaij:When can we expect your album on the airwaves ?

Shakar: Soon but its not like I am dropping the album tomorrow !!!.When it is out you will be one of the first to know about it .I am still recording a few tracks .But there are other tracks like Jangulova and Orishirshi out for fans to listen to.

Streetnaij: Any collaborations to expect on the album?

Shakar: I am currently working on the Anyhow (Remix) and Jangulova (Remix) but I dont have too many features because i want the album to be about Shakar . I am looking to work with my boy Flavour N’bania on the album he is my favourite artist after 2face Idibia. You just have to be patient I am cooking up something classic for my fans

Streetnaij: We can barely wait Shakar !! What are your interests outside music

Shakar: I have interest in politics and journalism because of my law background , surfing the net and sometimes watching football.

Streetnaij: Nice one Shakar !! Any message for your fans out there ?

Shakar: I am very grateful to all my fans for the love and support so far . I deeply appreciate the requests that have taken my songs to the top of the charts especially the Channel O countdown . Please keep requesting my songs in the clubs and on the radio stations . For my fans in the U.K expect a few songs from me soon .

Streetnaij: What about those who wanna see Shakar perform live ?

Shakar: They can see me live in the flesh on Easter Sunday 2010 at the Troxy where I will be one of the acts performing at P Square concert. I also have a few gigs lined up so watch this space !!!

Streetnaij : Thank You very much for your time Oga Swagger

Shakar: No wahala thanks for having me Streetnaij

Tags: Anyhow, Jankulova, P Square, Shakar El Swagga