In the last two years, Praiz
has worked his way to the upper echelon of prominent vocalists in
Nigeria, grabbing the attention of everyone.
In this interview, the X3M
Music talented singer tells E! 365 his plans for the future, his choice of
spouse and his desire to win a Grammy Award
Okay let’s start with memories of growing up, how it was for you?
Growing up was fun for me, it was a
learning process, first of all, I was born in Lagos and because of the
nature of my father’s job, we had to move to Kaduna when he was
transferred there. The change of environment brought me in contact with a
lot of things and I learnt a lot which has contributed to making me who
I am.
What convinced you about music being your calling?
Project fame was the major sign for me,
although I have always loved music and tried all music reality TV shows
available in this country. Project fame was my last and my first
breakthrough into the major music scene and to me it was a great
feeling, it was a time that I will never ever forget because it gave me
the spotlights I needed, it gave me the influence that any upcoming
artists would need.
So why do you think you didn’t end up winning.
Well, God knows best and I think it was
best for me and don’t forget, everyone has a destiny and everyone has a
story. If I had won, probably my story wouldn’t be the way it is
supposed to be and I may miss out on some things that I am getting right
now. I went into the competition to win but although I didn’t, I am
happy at least I was among the top three. I won a car and a million
naira, which was something very awesome then.
If you could cast your minds to your days in the house, what things would you say you missed out of while in the house?
Let me start from the positive angle, PF
(Project Fame) taught me a lot which included how to be a very good
performer who can connect and interact with his crowd. On the
not-so-positive side, it brought fame. When fame comes, there are some
things that one has to let go. These things you may want to continue
with them but you just can’t anymore, but I still think I’m still the
same person, the only difference is that I’m realising my dreams and
it’s normal for people to look different because you are succeeding and
the way they used to know you is not the way they know you now but
personally I think I’m still the same person.
What are those things you can no longer do because of your present status?
I used to play soccer a lot but now
there is not much time for that. I used to swim a lot then and though
right now I am always very busy, I make out time to go swimming.
How about your production skills?
Well my production skill is still there
but I’m keeping it on the low and that is because I want to be focused. I
don’t want to be Praiz the singer and producer at the same time, I
think it causes a distraction. I would rather just be on my own and
produce and I would just showcase it and if you call me in I would just
produce for you but I just don’t want to be distracted by saying I’m a
producer, singer and songwriter. Football is still in the blood but
music gave me my first car, I think I should be wise and follow that.
Being a product of a reality show, how would you respond to the many negative tales about reality shows in Nigeria?
From what I have gathered, there seems
to be a certain belief about reality shows. They think it’s just avenue
to show people off and after they have won, not much is heard of them. I
will like to prove them wrong, citing the example of Chidinma who was
on PF and has won a Kora award. Omawumi is another example, she’s doing
great and I’m not doing bad myself. Reality TV shows are actually not
for everyone but it’s an opportunity that if properly used may be of a
great advantage.
Talking about the fame that comes with being on the TV, are you under any pressure as regards meeting expectations?
I’m not pressured and I think I owe it
to my background. I was brought up in a way that all the kids had to be
content with what they have and it’s part of me already, I don’t live
above my means no matter what I do, I live under my means, I don’t
overdo; I know what I have to do and I know what I shouldn’t do so I’m
not pressured.
Let’s talk about your album.
Yes, my debut album, it’s going to be
versatile and this I mean in the sense that it will showcase the
different sides of Praiz and I’m really excited because it’s my first
ever album in my life, I mean there are a lot of people who have been
waiting for this album for like forever and I’m putting in my best. I am
sure when it comes out they would understand why it took this long and I
have a couple of collaborations on the album from Nigeria to Kenya and
South Africa, hopefully one from the over sea which is going to be a
very big surprise and will blow people’s mind.
Okay, so when is it likely to be released?
April or May
What is likely to be the title?
Rich and Famous
Talking about that, tell us the inspiration behind that song
It is an inspirational song that
inspires you to be who you really want to be and be a success, from my
own angle, I’m a musician and I want to be successful, I want my music
to go far and wide and I want people to be inspired by what I do, I want
to make a lot of money to buy my mum a car and I want to be popular and
famous by my music and it’s just a song that inspires a person’s view
to go out of his comfort zone and be whoever they want to be.
The music industry seems to be in your favour at the moment. How long do you intend doing music?
As long as I’m good to go and my fans
are still there. We all know music has a lifespan and the best is to
just make use of the time. As far as I am concerned, it is music for now
and considering my age, I still have years ahead of me. Please, don’t
ask how old I am though.
At the expiration of the life span, what do you plan to turn to?
Business, Real estate and other
business related things and as the years go by, God will just inspire me
and I will know what next to do.
What seems to be the vogue right now are
club banging songs, which isn’t the genre you do. Are you looking at
changing sometime in the future?
I don’t think I will and because whether
we like it or not music is changing in Nigeria and Nigerians in as much
as they love party songs, are tired of listening to same genre, lyrics
and melody of music which is where I come in. My style is a breath of
fresh air and I know it is going to be appreciated.
At the Headies last year, you
and Toolz made a lot of buzz when you appeared together on the red
carpet. What do you think of Toolz?
She’s an amazing person, a very lovely personality too. There wasn’t anything more to our being paired up.
You both look great together. Is there a possibility of being a little closer?
Only God knows tomorrow but now we are friends much.
Which Nigerian female celebrity would you like to date?
Funny enough, I have never thought about that, but now that you just said it, maybe I need to sit down and start doing that.
Why hasn’t Praiz gotten married?
I’m still young. It’s not yet time to
get married besides, I’m building my life and trying to put it in place.
Again, marriage is not something one can just jump into because it is
supposed to be a once in a lifetime thing, so I don’t think I should be
in a hurry and to think I have a career that is coming up but who knows,
maybe when the right person comes and we build a good relationship then
we head up to the altar.
A lot of celebrities, these days are getting married in different places. Where would Praiz like to get married.
I will like to get married on a beach,
the environment, wind, sand and everything. It’s just different. It’s
either a beach or a yatch.
What will you say is the big picture for Praiz Adejo’s musical career?
The Grammy’s. It might sound ridiculous
but I want to win it. I have been saying this since I was in the Project
fame house, but I still believe strongly that I have to win that thing.
Finally, what is your take on the Nigerian music scene?
Everyone knows that the Nigerian music
industry is doing great and the world acknowledges same. However, it is
not there yet though, but we are gradually reaching that point and I am
optimistic, we will be where we ought to be.
