News

November 18, 2022

I inspire younger generation with sense of relief – Rapper, Harry Carter

Harrison Osakpolor Ogedegbe popularly known best as Harry Carter or Carterstrophy, is a Fast-rising Nigerian singer and rapper, known for his unique blend of Hip hop and Afro music. He grew up in Benin City and is now conquering new frontiers across Nigeria.

Harry Carter proudly champions his sound from the mangrove swamps of the Niger-Delta, to the busy traffic on the streets of Lagos. On his recent release titled “Myself”, he features Baddeltaboi Lil5ive and the pair become flag bearers for the emerging talents of Southern Nigeria — forging a Ben-Del union. The song symbolizes the eureka moment of finding oneself, as the “All I had to do was be myself” line encapsulates.

-Tell us about your journey into the entertainment industry

As a kid, everyone knew me as the guy who could draw. I would often write songs, but I didn’t start recording music until High School; when the Java phone music era was intense. I would listen to Lil Wayne, M.I Abaga, Olamide and Wizkid, and picture myself in a stadium with thousands of fans cheering for me. A producer hosted a competition and I went, but nobody else showed up so he let me record. From that moment on, I couldn’t stop making music. I got confident in my craft and took it professionally in my freshman year at the University of Benin when people told me they loved my music and spoke about me in high regard — that was when I knew I would be giving this my all.

-How would you describe your genre of music?

I got drawn into music through Hip-Hop, so my major influences are mostly rappers, but that’s not all there is to me. I make Hip-Hop, Afro-Pop, Alternative Music, RnB, Trap-Rock and anything God sends me. If I were to describe in 3 words the feeling my music gives people, it would be happy, hopeful and energetic.

-If not music, what career path would you have likely followed?

I would be a full time Visual Artist/Painter.

-Which of your songs have been appreciated the most by music lovers and your loyal fans?

This is a hard pick but I think “C’est La Vie” takes it. Many people have told me the song makes them cry, and others say it gives them a surreal sense of relief.

-How do you get inspiration to record your songs?

God does it, really. Sometimes I channel my life experiences and the things that I enjoy, but other times my inspiration is fictitious.

-There are claims that African artist don’t like supporting each other, what’s your reaction to that?

I don’t think that’s the case. I think people support who they like and admire. There’s a lot of love and support in the African music space. Sure, everybody wants their back scratched once in a while, but there’s no doubt that there’s genuine support out there.

-Who do you regard as a role model, who might have influenced your musical career?

I don’t think a single person did. I admire a lot of artists and I pick a few things from each, but I don’t really have one role model.

-Let’s talk about your current project, what are you working on?

I just dropped a new single, “Myself”, featuring Lil5ive. I absolutely love the song, cause it’s a song I could hear outside and say “damn, I wish I made that song”. Lol yeah, but I did make it. I’m also working on a stellar 2023 project titled “To The Stars & Beyond”.

-To your female fans who might be interested in your love life, are you single?

Sorry, ladies, I’m taken. Haha.

-There’s a shared sense of believe that artists are ambassadors, what legacy would you like people to remember you for?

Yes, artists are definitely ambassadors. I want to build a community of talented people. I want people to remember me for my art and ingenuity. I’m neurodivergent and there are kids out there who are just like me, who I believe need me.

-How do you balance family and your career?

I have a supportive family that sees and knows my passion and drive, that’s why I always remember to let them know I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world. Family, after all, is the most important thing in the world.

-Which artist are you most passionate about and interested in collaborating with in the future?

Right now, I want to work with Post Malone, Santan Dave and Rema. Rema and I share a similar story and Benin City background; I have always admired his dedication and style.

-To your fans who might be reading this story, what should they expect from you? Also, would you like to share a word of encouragement with them?

“From here on, it’s to the stars and beyond”