Reggae, The Music Of The Future—Necttah


In a hip hop-crazy world, Necttah belongs to the camp of the few advocates who still root for ‘Reggae-dance-hall”- a genre of music that used to be the rave in the mid-80’s till the early 1990′s before the hip hop explosion put paid to its golden era.

In this encounter, the new and rising reggae/dance-hall artiste, expressed concerns about the kind of music once popularized in the country by reggae icon Majek Fashek and other artistes such as Ras Kimono, Orits Wiliki, Blackky and Daddy Showkey. “Ragge-dancehall is fading,” the Ebonyi State-born Rastafarian reflects. This new voice of reggae also talks about his big dream for the “Music of Bob Marley”, and why he thinks it is the music of the future. Excerpts.

What do you proffer as the way forward to save reggae-dancehall from becoming an extinct genre of music?

Artistes should learn how to discover and groom young talents. I have observed that the most important thing in the life of an artiste is to discover his talents from childhood. We artistes should remember that music won’t end in our generation and that those coming behind us will take the mantle from us. I am imploring our record labels not to just concentrate on established artistes. It is time they give younger artistes the chance to showcase their talents as this will contribute immensely to the progress of the entertainment industry. Up-and-coming artistes are the future of the Nigerian showbiz industry.

The young talents too should be determined to forge ahead against all odds. You cannot come into the industry today and start making waves overnight. You have to watch those ahead of you – because it is not easy to breakthrough in the music industry especially with the way things are in the country – and it is important for them to put in their best and get going now.

How did you come about the name Necttah?
Necttah is gotten from my name initials, My real name is Nwaobi Emmanuel Chisom i.e NEC then the TTAH stands for “Truly That African Hybrid” Born in Imo State and bred in Lagos, I am an indigene of Ebonyi State.

How did you start your music career?
I started as a rapper, performing to ghetto-made beats and dancehall vibes at street jams, carnivals and gigs. Back then, I was being featured as an extra in music videos. My love and passion grew bigger and bigger and I find myself doing music.

How would you personally define your musical style?

My kind of music is quite unique. I play dancehall music, otherwise known as Reggae dancehall with modern instrumentations. I have chosen to distinguish myself from my peers with a unique way of communicating socio-political issues through danceable music. It is a kind of dancehall music that teaches moral lessons, and I have observed that it has been widely accepted by the people in the society. This is due to the ghetto activities we have everywhere, even in mature environments. There are many ghetto youths who have made it through music against all odds. More importantly, people welcome my kind of music because my songs are danceable and famous in nightclubs and at parties.

What were the songs that molded you as you were growing up?

I think music has been part of me since my childhood days, I have always loved to entertain and be entertained; it has always being a dream for me if I must say.

I grew up listening to Buju Banton, Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, Chaka Demus (and the Pliers) and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. I developed my musical inspiration from these legends.

How do you see music in Nigeria?
Gone are the days when every aspiring music artiste is seen as a ne’er-do-well. Music, now in Nigeria is big business. While we have lots of talents, sadly, the opportunities are few. I believe a lot should be done, because now we are getting attention from every part of the world. You can tell from the international collaborations. I believe in the not-too-distant future, Nigeria is going to be at the world centre stage.

Who are the artists that influenced you while you were growing up?

A big shout out to Majek Fashek. Others are Blackky, Black face, Tuface, Marvelous Benjy – I am inspired by what they do, especially blending their songs with a touch of reggae. I am a big fan of their songs. As an aspiring artiste, I tuned my attention to their songs anywhere I hear them being played, to learn from them.

Tell us about your songs?
I have a lot of songs yet to be released. Some are international standard songs, local vibes, songs for the poor masses, the rich, the average – my music is for everyone, irrespective of your age, class or status. I have also got some love, dancehall tunes for the ladies especially.

Tell us about the concept behind “Bad Sharp Guy”?

Bad Sharp Guy is a song that I infused dancehall with Fuji music. I was glad the connection came out well. It is a first of its kind, doing dancehall and Fuji together. I decided to link up with the producers JoeyPlus, then Playbuoy now known s PLAY then T Frizzle whomixed it. They gave me more ideas, better rhythm and fantastic beat for the song.

What makes you unique from other artists?
My background. I am a product of my environment and that has help built my style in time. My environment plays a big role in my style of music. We have a lot of talents, so you need to be unique to stand out. I have imbibed that mindset, and it has become part of my music.

How about record label?
I am currently not under any record label, but I am ready to work with any outfit that will promote my talent and take it to the next level.

How did people react towards your songs on Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and other social networks?

Fans have been encouraging, their anticipation for my songs and good comments really tell they love my music and it makes me always want to put more into my work so that I won’t disappoint them.

Is there any artist you would compare yourself to?

I see myself stepping into the shoes of Mavado, one of the best reggae-dancehall acts in Africa. I love and respect his music.

Who are the producers and artist you will like to work with?

I would like to work with producers such as Sarz, Don Jazzy, Sossick, Cobhams, Jay Sleek and artists like Mavado, Busy Signal (Jamaica), 2face, Orezi, Eva, Davido, Burna Boy, Praiz, Yungl, M.I, Ice-Prince, Jesse Jagz and Wizkid among others.

Where do you see yourself in years to come?
I see myself becoming the biggest product from Africa, and also being the voice of African children all over the world, rocking the world’s biggest stages.

Some words for your fans?
God bless them. I really love them. God will support them as they continue to support me. I will never disappoint them.

How can they follow you on social network and download your songs?

You can follow me on twitter @Necttah and my name on Facebook/Instagram/Skype/Soundcloud is Necttah.

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