Isi-Aki: INTIMATE WITH THE ABUJA KING KONG

Isi-Aki – Coconut Head (Literal Translation)

Isi-Aki - Tough nut to crack.

Proudly introducing to you a new column in Isi-Aki dedicated to men and women from the areas of Music, Politics, Philanthropy, Fashion & Style, Law, Movies, etc who have overcome personal, social and economic obstacles and excelled nevertheless.

Debuting on our list of barrier breakers is Derek Chibueze Obasi aka BUSH aka Abuja King Kong.

A fascinating and energetic fast rising artiste whose music is enjoying amazing air play on radio stations around the country at the moment.

Smart, funny, energetic and all kinds of cool, I had fun being all intimate with him and finding out his views on everything from spirituality to his ideal type of woman. We had a blast doing the interview. Enjoy!

At the studio working hard.

Q: What kind of music are you into?

A: I started out as a rapper, but, as time went on, I started enjoying reggae and R&B, I started singing and doing a bit of Jamaican dancehall flows, but all tohip hop beats. Then I ventured into naija beats and afro fusion. The result is I kind of have different kinds of inspiration and I bring them into my music as it comes. It’s really left to my fans to decide what I sound like to them.

Q: Tell us about your official debut.

A: Na who dey rule us, BUSH WRECOBA (Dem Mama Soldier) and DANY DRE (Black tribe), 2005 produced by Willie O. I was in a couple of shows in Port-Harcourt, Owerri etc.

Q: Which musicians inspire you?

A: Different artist inspire me for different things. Nas for his poetry, Jay Z for his empire state of mind, Eminem for the reality in his flows, Lucky Dube for his simple lyrics, delivery, and passion for humanity, Tu-face for his talent and gift of humility. The list goes on. So I’m influenced by so many people.

Q: With artist would you love most to do collaboration with?

A: Damian Marley, Eminem, Nas, T-Pain, Mary J Blige, Chris Brown, Tu-Face.

Q: What does the name BUSH mean/represent?

A: Basically, the concept of BUSH is freedom. Freedom of expression, being natural, being you, not conforming to any situation or standard that is contrary to your spirit. Fearless though oppressed, cut down and burnt but still determined to grow. Persistent.

Q: You used to be signed on to Dem Mama Records, why did you leave?

A: Dem Mama records did not believe in paper contracts, we agreed mutually (verbally) and we carry on. It was fun while it lasted. Mad crew!

Timaya is a very funny and interesting guy to roll with, no time and wrecoba is bad. TJ2 solo is strange, and Allenian is definitely something else. Everybody get their own.

Basically, if life was only about having fun, I would still be with Timaya, but I have a vision I must pursue for the greater good. So I had to sacrifice something which was me leaving and moving on to pursue my individual goals.

I was also signed to Maffaj Records in Abuja, which did not work too well. Also, currently with PLAY RECORDS.

Perfect one year down the line and I am seeing where I am headed.

Q: Tell us a little more about your new label?

A: PLAY RECORDS, basic movement formation where music is one of the arms. Rilwan, I (BUSH), Mimi, Kainebi, and the most recent Adel Fadel is the family. Smith Ukpong is the CEO and Vito is the El Presidente. We have our studio in Lagos, though we started working with the late sazzy (RIP) in Abuja, Rilwan & I, and then Mimi before we moved to Lagos. Then Kainebi joined the family and Adel. Two videos and mix tape are out in about a year of work so stay tuned, a lot is coming your way.

Bardman Bush with Mimi.

Q:What kind of music is on your I-Pod?

A: A beat I’m working on. The song is titled “Take Me as I Am”.

Q: What role does spirituality play in your life?

A: I’m a true Christian and a believer, I believe Jesus walked and did great things. If I can be interviewed today about my life, then do not doubt it, it is the hand of Jehovah.

So in essence, what I’m saying is that it is spirituality that has brought me this far.

Q: What’s the most fearless thing you’ve ever done?

A: I think it was leaving Aquila Njahmas auspice. He kind of put me into the mainstream industry, but my career was not going too well. I saw myself writing scripts, directing movies and rolling deep into Nollywood, instead of recording music. The deal was that he was supposed to introduce me to the industry which at the time included Tu-face, Sound-Sultan, Azades, Ruff, Rugged and Raw, Tony Tetuila etc. He did. I was in, but suddenly leaning more toward the movies and that was it. I had to wake up one morning and leave his house in Festac Town to a flat in Iyana-Ipaja. Loool! Omo Na mind o! To have a fresh start. Lol!

Q: You are a confident guy; do you feel insecure about anything?

A: Loool! Yeah sure, I as an artist you are always insecure about the way the people will take your new single, or what next you are going to give to your fans, make you no go fall their hand. Loool! A lot of people believe in you. Personally, this game needs insecurity or you will be overconfident and that is not a good thing for me.

Bardman and 36 States.

Q: How would your girl-friend describe you?

A: I wouldn’t know. Lol!

The musical King Kong.

Q: What do women like about bad boys?

A: I think women enjoy their unpredictability. They arouse a lot of curiosity and are like a puzzle you never get to solve. Something appealing about that thing you never get to have, maybe. My opinion anyway.

Q: What’s your ideal type of woman?

A: Intelligent, Confident, Free and Selfless.