Music chases away the women I love -JJC

JJC is one entertainment personality that needs much introduction, having attained massive success in music both in and outside Nigeria. Having grown up in the UK and lived there most of his life, he’s back in Nigeria now, and he tells OSEYIZA OOGBODO BLOG how he’s faring in his new environment. You came into the Nigerian music industry knowing it’s fiercely competitive. What gave you the confidence to do so? It’s because I’m very different and my orientation in life is different. I grew up in the UK where I learnt a lot about music at a very young age. I got signed by Sony Music while I was 22. I was also writing songs for record companies. Every day, I had to write new songs. Which means I had to come up with concepts, new ideas and something people can relate to and impact their lives. I brought that part of me back into the Nigerian music industry. Majority of Nigerian music is based on dancing, and there’s not really a lot of message. That is where I stand out, because lots of my songs have messages that impact lives. Do you see yourself as one who could join the trend to make more money? Not everyone in Nigeria likes my music, because they assume I don’t do the kind of music people really want to hear, dance music. I did venture it and had lots of fun. I expressed myself in my own capacity. You have been in Nigeria for a while, what are the challenges you are facing compared to while you were in London? My biggest challenge coming back to Nigeria is the fact that I didn’t grow up in Lagos. I didn’t even grow up in Nigeria. Even though I come back to Nigeria once in a while to promote my music, I don’t really know a lot of people in the industry. I have also come to notice that people do things based on ‘we-we’ levels. It is all about who you know or who you grew up or schooled with. Everybody has their own struggle and mine is totally different. I felt like a fish out of water when I moved back to Nigeria. Lots of people know me, but I didn’t know lots of them. A lot of people thought I was arrogant, but they don’t know the real me. Secondly, I have lived in the UK all my life, and for people who live outside the country, when you come in, people would expect you to come in with a whole lot of money. But in my case, I have lots of responsibilities. I didn’t bother about the money, but I just had to continue my music career over here in Nigeria after my family gave me their consent. At first, I was so depressed and almost ran back to the UK, but I thank God, I stood still and weathered the storm. It has not been an easy journey at all, but I’ve got to know who my real friends are and those who are truly there to support me. What gave you that hope to hang on? I believe that life is the survival of the fittest. Only the strong survive in tough situations. I have been in the industry for over 17 years. I am sticking to my love and passion. I am not like a typical artist. I do a whole lot of stuff in music. I edit, direct, shoot videos, so I believe that hard work will see me through. Currently, it’s not really paying me to do my music in Nigeria. It’s costing me more. But I’m hoping that it pays me very soon. Everybody’s breakthrough point is coming, I see mine close too. How do you feel being back home? Right now, I feel I’m finally home. I have been home since 2011, but this year, I feel like I have finally been accepted. The major cities in Nigeria should get ready for us. My team and I are so prepared to give them what they least expected. I feel so happy. My music is doing well, my family is doing well. Two years more, I will be 40. But I don’t intend retiring yet. God is the planner and my life is like a Nollywood movie, while God is the director. I turned my passion into my profession. Something I’ve always loved doing as a little boy. Something I always do for fun, now I am using it to make money and inspire a whole generation of people. I always feel happy because I know I have achieved something. Even if I’m not big, I know I’ve inspired and created big artists in the world, not just in Nigeria. You’re very close to 40. Why are you still single? Different folks, different strokes. I’ve been in love with the idea of love, but it’s very hard to attain if you are not focused. To be in love, you need to put in lots of hard work. I have been selfishly in love with my music career. That’s one of the biggest problems I’ve had in my relationships. My last relationship met with a brick wall because I intended to come to Nigeria in 2011 to pursue my career. In other words, music has cost me my love life. People in our kind of career find it hard to find a companion. I’m hoping that I’ll find the right person but it’s hard within my circle. So, right now, you’re just having fun? Yea! I would say so. I am focused on my career because music makes me happy but my relationship doesn’t. My partners always groan over my love for music. I pray I get to a place in my career where I can relax and have a good relationship. Fortunately for me, I had kids when I was quite young. I have three kids. My first daughter is already 18. That’s why I’m more relaxed. My kids come first in everything. My youngest child is already 10 and they give me all the love and support I need to face my music. Aside music, what else do you do? I direct music videos. I used the name Skillz for that. I did that for a good part of 2011 and more in 2012. I also manage and develop artistes to maintain and pay my bills. All I do in life revolves around entertainment. Unfortunately, for me, I don’t have any other passion outside the music industry.