David Kosowei Etete a.k.a P.R.E  is a rising music star who wants to take the Nigerian music scene by storm. The Bayelsa State born singer talks about his foray into music as well as  his intention to reflect his root in his music.

By BENJAMIN NJOKU

I’m planning to release my new single soon. I went through a processof rebranding. This is my first work since then. I have been in the industry for over five years now. I was with a musical group before we broke up after two years.

Later, I disappeared from the scene and bounced back after a year to begin my solo career. Actually, I started recording my songs while I was sojourning in London.

The first time MI performed in London, I was the one that opened the stage for him. I also met a lot of artistes in London.

Even though I had my childhood in Nigeria, I spent some time in London. My mother was half-British I moved to London when I was 9 years, to continue my education. But one thing about my childhood was that I saw the two sides of the spectrum.

I was born in Surulere, while I spent the first seven years of my life in FESTAC where I had my early education. I later moved to the Lagos island. I have a very strict parents. But my childhood was full of memories. I could recall that I started listening to music while I was in form six.

There was a song that came out then. When I heard the song, I developed the passion to go into music. I immediately knew I wanted to become a performer. But my passion for music developed while I was in secondary school.

That was when I knew I wanted to go into music. I am based here, but most times, I am either in the United Kingdom or in America recording my songs.

The first time, I performed on stage, I was very nervous. I didn’t know how the audience would react to my performance; whether they would appreciate it or not. At a point, I didn’t have a recorded song. Most times, I would perform some of my unrecorded songs, such that nobody could identify with the songs. It was a terrible experience for me.

Talking about the Nigerian music scene, I would say that I am impressed with the way the industry is growing. A few years ago, if you were a musician in Nigeria, you would be considered a failure. But today, the perception has changed. Artistes are doing well and people are applauding them.

I’m happy that we are being recognised at the international level. Emerging music stars are steadily reaping the rewards of their creativity. I just returned from the United States, and they are applauding our music there.

We have the likes of 2face, Davido and Flavour’s songs being played in the clubs in New York. That’s a big breakthrough for the Nigerian music industry. I think I know I have what it takes to hold my own in the industry. I was born to be a musician. This what I do for a living, and this is who I am. I like to call my kind of music, Afro-hip hop and RnB with reggae infusion.

Memorable outing: I have done quite a number of shows.I performed at Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria,MBGN, grand finale about two years ago. I also performed at the Calabar carnival, Rhythm Unplugged among other shows.

I performed at Burna Boy’s show in Port-Harcourt. I have had international exposure. So, I know how to blend a foreign stuff with that of a local stuff to make it appealing to Nigerian music lovers.

I am definitely introducing my own kind of flavour into the industry. Yes, I have actually worked with 2face as well as Burna Boy. I have also worked with Dami Krane. I have done other collaborations. I did something recently with Phyno. On my outlook, this is my signature.

Even if I am singing soul music, I will still dress the way I am. I have carried my dreadlocks for about three and half years now. I’m not tried of carrying them, and I don’t think I would be tired in the next five years.

My stage craft is something I have been working on for a while now. I attended a training in the UK where I learnt my stagecraft. I leanrt the art of moving around on stage; working with my choregraphers, my band and at the same time, holding on to my audience.

However, if I werent doing music, I probably would have gone into acting. I will still delve into acting in future. I like to portray other people’s character. I have always said to myself that regardless of my exposure, I’m going to stay true to my roots. So, in my music, I always try to put some Ijo, Bayesla State influences in it so that my people can relate with it.