I started music on the streets – Flex

Charles Flex Adedeji is the CEO of Samba Unit Entertainment. After releasing his first major hit singles, Party Time, I don’t want to sise and Bebe Nlo, he has refused to rest on his oars. This time, he has made it big as he features Chelsea Striker, Nicholas Anelka in the video of his new hit single which is currently enjoying airplay across the country including MTV BASE & CHANNEL O.

As if the friendship will never end, Flex went on a trip to see and settled the recent grievance between him and the Chelsea super star over a top Switzerland female model named SARNAZ who also features and plays a major role in the music video as she claims to be in love with both of them. He will be featuring him in his Europe and Canada tour. Still forging ahead with his career; Flex was also granted an interview by CNN. He spoke to SUNKANMI OGUNADE on his foray into music and other personal issues.

You have received numerous awards. What is the feeling like?

I have received a lot of awards both inside and outside the country and I am very humbled by this feat. All I can say is that it will only encourage me to more.

How did you veer into music?

I started music from the streets and it has been in my blood. I have been nurturing the talent for a long time and I am happy that I have been able to bring out hit songs to the admiration of my teeming fans. I just give glory to God for his goodness and steadfast love for me.

Do you have any record label or you release your songs under another one?

I have a record label named Samba unit and it’s up and running right now. I have signed a lot of good artists amidst them is actor-turned musician; Ernest Azuzu and Caesar aka Prince of Samba.

Do you have any special project you are working on at the moment?

I have been working on the business aspect of my music and I will be launching my video album pretty soon. I have just completed the work where I featured rapper, Eedris Abdulkareem

When will this be in the market?

Very soon, hopefully march this year.

Apart from Eedris Abdulkareem, Did you feature other artists on the album?

On this particular album, I had Eedris Abdulkareem, Oritsefemi,the Mercies of the Lord crooner and host of others. It’s going to be a success and I know my fans would enjoy it. The moss interesting part of the album is that most of the tracks were produced by fast rising producer; Emmashyne. I must say that he is very talented and it was very rewarding working with him.

How would you rate the music industry?

I must say that the music industry in Nigeria has improved tremendously but we still have some little problems. We have good instrumentation as far as most songs are concerned but in terms of lyrical content, we are not there yet. Artists should make conscious efforts to address this fundamental issue.

The industry has improved a lot and the whole system is now to our own advantage. Nigerian music has taken another phase and one thing is that we are well known all over the world. The industry has improved but my advice is just that we should just try and work on our lyrics as artiste.  It matters a lot and it would do the industry itself a lot of good.

What are some of the challenges you have faced as an artiste?

I have faced many challenges and these have groomed me into becoming a more matured and experienced artiste. I faced financial, physical, and spiritual and the rest of them (laughs). It has been very tough and I have countless stories to tell to my wards when they grow up.

Do you write your songs?

Yes, I write most of my songs but sometimes I do collaborations with some other artistes. Basically, I do my own thing.

You must be smiling to the bank now?

I thank God that I am doing well for myself and as you can see, it’s reflecting on my skin. (chuckles)

Can you cast your mind back to your growig up days, how was it?

Growing up was fun. It was like any other average person’s own. I am the first child of the family so naturally, I shoulder a lot of responsibilities and my younger siblings look up to me for encouragement. I endeavour to be myself. Growing up was extreme fun.

Are you fulfilled as a musician?

Yes I am.The basic thing about this industry is that if you have what it takes, they would welcome you with open arms. I just want to do my thing my own way and also make myself happy and smile to the bank. I have gotten some wonderful credits in terms of awards and the rest of them. I have been enjoying it.

How do you unwind?

I just hang out with friends or relax at home and watch movies. I always love to enjoy my private time. I watch movies a lot and I visit the cinema at my spare time.

What is your advice for the young ones?

They should keep doing what they know how to do and reject negative words from anybody. They should not tread my own part, ‘Look for your passion and follow it’.

There have been wide spread speculation in some quarters that the industry is marred by lesbianism and gay men. What is your take on that?

It is really a serious issue and frankly, I don’t know what the world is turning into. People are getting themselves involved in foolish things. It’s so wrong and not proper at all. Why would you develop sexual feelings towards someone of your sex? It’s not done and they want to bring back the same thing that happened to Sodom and Gomorrah in the bible. The world is coming to an end so odd things are springing up and I must say that something must be done before the odd things takes over.