Mode 9 is one of Nigeria’s most notable rappers and
lyricists ,however, many feel he needs to change his style
of rap and go commercial like Ice Prince ,Olamide and even
MI…However, he veteran rapper says he won’t be
pressured into changing his style.He told the Nigerian
Tribune
Mode 9 is cool, still doing music and still relevant in the
industry. My recent single, ‘Dobale’, a rap in pidgin, is
trending and my fans love it. I released my album early last
year, even though some media organisations refused to
support us, just as these set of gate keepers have not given
due recognition to our kind of music, but we are still
pushing on. I have noticed that the industry does not like
some kind of raps, but I will not relent in doing what I do
best. I have been in the industry for a while now and
records have it that I have an impact in the growth of the
industry. However, I’m still working and doing music.On
why he doesn’t go commercial
I have heard that said too, but it isn’t totally true. Fuji and
juju music are still selling. Are they commercial music?
Gospel music is selling here and we all listen and love it.
Is it also commercial music? Of course not! I promoted my
songs with the resources I have. Today’s music demands
that you spend millions in promoting your songs and
shooting videos. If I shoot the video of “Babatunde”, or any
other in Las Vegas, and bring Jay Z or Nas to have
collaboration with me, that kind of a thing will make a buzz
because of the place and the artistes involved. But should
these kinds of music accompany our music? Today’s
music is evil, they say, but who made it evil? What I’m
trying to say is that my kind of rap, which people used to
love sometime ago, may not be loved today, but that
doesn’t change my music. I’ll continue to do what I love
doing and what seems right with me and my fans. Let
others do ‘Shoki music and make their money, I’ll also
make mine in style.
Your hiphop is not on the frontline?
It’s not that it is not on the frontline, television. Reggae
music is suffering same. It is a bandwagon effect.
Everybody is doing danceable music, but what about other
genres of music? I released my album ‘Alphabetical Order’
early 2014 and some people said I was not doing the kind
of music that sells. I ask the question; which kind of music
sells? The problem is that we don’t encourage or support
people’s dreams in this country. Instead of appreciating the
intellect behind a successful work or effort, some tend to
castigate, and even be sentimental about things. Mind you,
I am not saying we should not give room for criticism, but
it is sometimes done to condemn what one has vigorously
done.
Why did you say that the media refused to support your
music?
I did not say that please. Don’t get me wrong. This is one
of my grouses with some journalists. You will discover that
an innocent interview you granted has been twisted. This
is why I have decided to be conscious of whatever I say
during an interview. I had even made up my mind not to
grant any interview again because I know people are only
interested in negative reports, which is very embarrassing,
but I need the support too. It is natural to feel bad when
you discover that what you said has been twisted,
especially in a controversial way and people begin to insult
you without even reading the article because of some crazy
headline. I never said the media or a section of the media
refused to support my career.
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