Nigerian-American singer, Jidenna at the Vibe.NG forum titled “Community Meeting With The Chief: Album Versus Singles In Digital Era” recently held in Lagos said that his music, lyrics, sounds and collaborations are all geared towards building a bridge between people, races and nations. He further explained that it is the reason his songs have a blend of different cultural sounds especially the high-life blend with hip-hop so that all can relate to it.
It will be recalled that Jidenna, recently released his debut album titled “The Chief” which he explained was named after his late father’s title status which he intends to attain through his music. Jidenna revealed that he spent thirty days alone without seeing anyone to write the album. He advised artists to see themselves as a small business and the earlier they realize that, the higher their chance of survival in the industry but if not, they could go into oblivion.
Jidenna said that one way he will push his songs in Nigeria is to do collaborations with Nigerian artists from different genres of music because he is versatile.
“I can decide to do a record with BurnaBoy, Wizkid or Davido,” he said.
Omalicha,a broadcaster and panelist at the forum, commended Jidenna for his album and how he was able to blend different sounds to make it cut across to both his fans in Nigeria and America. Godwin Tom, Founder, IMANAGE AFRICA and panelist at the forum advocated for a need to educate people more because the more educated people in the music industry the more growth and development it will experience.XX The forum had panelists from the diverse areas of the music industry in Nigeria from Omalicha a broadcaster to Douglas Jekan an OAP and Music Enthusiasts Godwin Tom, Founder, IMANAGE AFRICA and Micheal Ugwu, General Manager, Sony Music West Africa.
The session was moderated by Folu Storms a Broadcaster, VJ and Columnist. Media partners for the event were; MTV Base, Pulse.NG, EbonyLife TV and BellaNaija.
Celebrity guest in attendance are Waje, Mai Atafo, Ono Bello, Godwin Ukaegbu, Muna Okey-Nwosu, Oreoluwa Peters, Makiada Moka and Beverly Naya.XX At the end of the forum which was held at Didi Art Muesum, Victoria Island, Jidenna was presented with a portrait painting of himself by art students from the department of arts, University of Lagos (UNILAG).
Good for him