Prolific music producer, songwriter and singer, Harrison Tare Okiri, who is known as Harrysongz, or Mr. Songz is no longer a small fish in the Nigerian music industry having carved a niche for himself by writing hit songs for many top stars including KCEE. Harrysong wrote the popular song Limpopo for his close pal KCEE. Harrysongz’s tribute song to late Nelson Mandela is currently one of the most downloaded songs on the MTN platform. The musician who is also know for his own hit song such as Better Pikin, including his many features by other top stars had a chat with Morakinyo Olugbiji about his career so far
How did you get into music?
I started singing from when I was very small with my mum in church. I can’t really say when and how I knew music was my calling, but I grew up just knowing in me that I’ve got this music talent and when I started trying to make use of it, I was supported only by my mum when she was still alive. My mum was a choir mistress; she also plays the piano so the passion has been there right from my childhood. Music is my dream it’s what I had always dreamt of doing to be successful in.
What do you like most about being a musician?
The attention and the extras, but don’t ask me about the extras oh.
What do you hate most?
That is when the challenges start coming. They almost drown you if you’re not chosen for the hustle.
What’s your strongest musical point? Is it singing, writing songs, playing instruments or what?
I think my strongest point is my voice on stage. I still can’t explain how it comes and flows easily and powerfully when I’m on stage.
Some upcoming artists recently complained that radio stations don’t play enough Nigerian music. What is your view of this?
My advice is, as an upcoming Nigerian artist, complaining should be out of the hustle oh. Just work hard, pray hard and have faith. When your time reach, radio go play your song till your CD go skip.
What is your view of the coveted Grammy award. Can you win it? Can you be the one to finally bring it to Nigeria?
Grammy? Yes I can win a Grammy by the grace of God. If Wizkid can win a BET in his time, then I can win a Grammy in my time by the grace of God.
Is it even sensible for Nigerian artists to aspire to win the Grammy?
It is very, very sensible to aspire to win a Grammy. As a Nigerian artist, aspire to big things and work towards it. Even aspire to win the world because it’s possible.
Would you say that playing many instruments is an advantage to you as a musician when many artists don’t play yet they are popular?
Playing as many music instruments as you can is a very big advantage, even if we have some empty ones out there making it. Empty containers make the loudest noise but time will separate the wheat from the chaff.
How did you meet KCEE that both of you became so close?
I met KCEE at O’jez Club here in Lagos about seven years ago and KCEE has not only be a friend to me but a brother. My career has witnessed more success since I came in contact with him. KCEE is a great guy. And like I said, he is a brother to me.
Let’s talk about your Nelson Mandela Tribute song which is currently one of the most downloaded songs on MTN caller tune?
Well, it was just a song I did to honour the late Nelson Mandela. Everyone knows that Mandela is a phenomenon and one of the best things that has happened to Africa. His story inspired me and I thought that I should dig deep into my creative to immortalize him. So the song came up. I must say I’m blessed to have done such song which everyone loves. That song has also fostered my relationship with MTN as a musician.
What are your plans as a musician?
They are plenty. But basically, my plans are to impact positively on society, to bless with my music, to make wealth to care for the needy, and most importantly that the name of the Lord be praised in my life.
