Many artists struggle to establish their musical identity, laboriously trying on different musical styles like a piece of clothing, looking to find what fits. But there are others that emerge fully formed, in full command of their craft, their identity and their music. Jesci fits firmly in the latter category. In this interview with EZEALI CHIJIOKE, he reveals the release of his sophomore track ‘Turn Upside Down Featuring Efa’ and other issues
What does your name ‘Jesci’ mean?
Well, my full name is Joseph Chidike Kwame George Nnadede. I grew up being called ‘J.C’ which is an abbreviation of my first and second names. In secondary school, I had this skill of giving my friends suitable and dope nick names for a fair price. So, I thought I should coin one for myself too, so I transformed ‘J.C’ to Jesci. To me, Jesci means freedom.
How did your foray into music start?
I’m going to risk sounding cliché but I never chose music; music and entertainment generally chose me. I’m quite shy and reserved as a person. The only thing that brings me alive is music. As a kid, I was the youngest in the choir; I was an alto singer then and was popular at that stage.I headlined stage drama performances, formed an acapella group in secondary school.In short, I’ve being doing this all my life. After leaving Federal Polytechnic NekedeOwerri in 2012 where I studied Mass Communication. I tried out music a bit, but the struggle was not easy at all; affording to work with good hands and gaining recognition was a huge task. I later chose to practice Journalism, as it was the closest thing to my passion at that point. Well, it has been quite a journey. I released my official debut single, I Need You earlier this year (2015) and I thank God for the level we’ve attained so far.
What was the inspiration behind I Need You?
I Need You is a song I wrote in junior grade, JSS2 thereabout. It’s so special because it played in my head everyday and I thank God I am able to share it. It’s a song that connotes passionate and unconditional love and it has received massive airplay and I am grateful. I’m going to be revealing this for the first time.Before I recorded I Need You, I was working on a beat music producer, DreyBeats to record a track and he promised to get Skales on the remix. To shorten the story, DreyBeats surprisingly stopped responding to calls, so I moved on. While voicing the track at my friend Smokey Tunes’ studio, I asked him to stop recording that I felt like doing another song entirely. At that point I chose to record I Need You. God works miraculously you see.
Tell us about your new single titled; Turn Upside Down?
My debut single opened a lot of doors for me but I’m turning the tempo up in this new single produced by SmokeyTunes and featuring prolific rapper, Efa. Turn Upside Down is a twist from the regular Turn Up phrase. It started out as freestyle and along the line; I knew I needed Efa on the track because of his style of rap. Turn Upside Down is massive. Expect nothing less.
What kind of music would you say you do?
I am not the kind of artiste you can easily put in a box or classify. The reason is because I grew up listening to different kinds of music and that really widened my sense and taste of music. I am very unpredictable, even in listening to music. At my formative stage, I listened to a lot of Elvis Presley, UB40, Mariam Makeba, Fela, Obewe, Abba, MJ, Led Zeppelin, Celine Dion, Cold Play and so many more. I know people find it easier when they can easily put you in a box and say, “he’s a reggae, R&B, rock or pop singer.”But for me, my music is an invention. I’m just a musician.
The music industry is booming with new acts emerging everyday.How do you plan to handle the competition?
There is definitely no competition. We have different stories, experiences, influences and characteristics. One can only use one’s ingenuity to make one’s previous work one’s competition.
How has the relative success of your debut song I Need You affected you?
I am very grateful to God for giving me the talent and inspiration to get to this point. I also appreciate those who are supporting the movement. I have tens of songs written on my diary and I Need You, by my judgement, isn’t amongst the top twenty. But it has really established me as a music artiste in the business; I’ve been to several shows and gigs, not to mention the fair endorsement deals I have bagged. I’m simply grateful
How did your parents react when they found out you were doing music?
I’m not sure my dad has found out yet though he knows I’m an entertainer. He noticed when I played football, when I joined the choir and come home late from rehearsals, when I bombarded our small living space with costumes and all but he never complained because I always came top in class. That was my saving grace. My mom is late. She died when I was about three years old.She’s Ghanaian.
Have do you relate to your female fans?
Well, anywhere anytime I come across female fans, it’s all love and respect. I call them my ‘Homies’
What is your relationship status?
My relationship with God is tight! For me, I’m very reserved. That part of my life is pretty private. Until I say there is someone, let’s assume there is no one.
What’s your inspiration?
God, nature, my environment and music. Sometimes, I listen to songs, I learn from others mistakes and I create something fresh.
Which Nigerian acts would you love to work with it?
It depends on the song I’m working on and the direction I might want to take it. But by default, I would love to work with Lagbaja, Asa, 2Baba, Burna Boy, Wande Coal and Styl-plus though I learnt they split up.
What are your Hobbies?
Writing, sketching, beat boxing, playing video games, watching animated films, comedy movies and surfing the Internet. You can find me on YouTube any day checking stuffs out. That’s how I roll.
How would you describe your fashion sense?
‘Freedom’…Nobody dictates trends to me. I’m hip yet classy in dressing. I do what I want regardless of whom is having sleepless nights over it. I dress ‘Me’.
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