Afro Pop singer, and song-writer Johnson O Grace, who goes by the stage identify “La Grace” is the subsequent era of Nigerian music stars. Born and raised in Nigeria, he went to settle in Ukraine representing his nation within the leisure {industry}.
La Grace has proven his versatility on this physique of labor and has confirmed to be prepared to beat the world. Like they are saying; Good music content material oftentimes serves as an extension of an artist’s persona, and a mirrored image of the style of music lovers and followers, the artist caters to.
His musics are laced with sturdy, loving, sensual, and highly effective lyrical content material is an attestation that he’s as much as one thing massive.
On this interview with Taiwo Okanlawon, La Grace will get actual about carrying the torch for Nigeria music {industry} overseas as he narrates completely different challenges he had and nonetheless going through as an Afrobeats artiste.
You lately dropped the official video to your newest single “Shaye”, how is the acceptance of the track to date?
The acceptance of my latest single Shaye was nice. Lots of people have a very good and actual overview of the track and particularly the lyrics and the modest model of the video. Everyone was in a position to relate to it.
What was your rising up like?
I grew up like each different youngster in my neighborhood. Walked to high school and again house. Performed soccer on the road and in addition loved most of my time within the church.
How tough is it to be a Nigerian expertise exterior Nigeria?
Being a expertise exterior Nigeria is an opportunity anybody want to have however that’s being exterior Nigeria nothing is particular aside from the truth that you get the lacking facilities and infrastructures which are lacking in Nigeria. As a expertise, your base I imply your residence nation has so much to play in rising your expertise.
How would you describe your wrestle through the years discovering your feat within the {industry}?
Properly, I nonetheless don’t have a function but. I’m not additionally struggling. I’ll simply maintain vibing until my vocals turn into related. I’m simply trusting the method.
How lengthy have you ever been within the music {industry}?
Within the music {industry}, I’d virtually say 3 years behind with the discharge of Chocomilo. The earlier yr has simply been one thing of abnormal curiosity however the final 3 years have been extra devoted and crammed with industry-standard lifestyle and music.
Inform us about challenges you face and was there a time you are feeling like quitting?
The key problem concerned consists of not being in Nigeria and residing in a rustic the place Afrobeats isn’t allowed even into their radio station. Producers listed here are means not into Afrobeats. The sound engineers usually are not into it, and video manufacturing in Afro means is so wack, I had virtually given as much as the extent that I virtually turned a rapper simply to suit into the system right here however God saved me. Now, I’m glad I didn’t change methods or gave up my dream.
Does having a document label play a giant position within the {industry}?
Sure, being signed beneath a document label has confirmed to be the spine of most stars. Even these and not using a document label firm have a non-exclusive settlement with some actually wealthy and influential individuals.
Principally, in case you lack these, you might be in God’s palms. So belief the method maintain vibing!
Who would you wish to collaborate with among the many heavyweights within the music {industry}?
Collaboration is a superb deal. Properly, we have now seen OLAMIDE blow breath life into the lifeless artists’ profession and so they not solely come to life however stay in life. We have now seen Wizkid do the identical, Burnaboy so if I’d have a collaboration I’d be glad to have an opportunity with these world music heavyweights.
What do you assume the longer term holds for the Nigerian music {industry}?
There’s no different future for the Nigeria music {industry} aside from rising higher within the model of the Afrobeats sound, and new artists quick rising. What different future? Afrobeats has already taken its rightful place on this planet. Nigeria music is already sooner or later.
For those who’re not doing music, what’s going to you be doing?
I’d I ain’t doing music I don’t know what I’ll be doing.
Is the continuing struggle in Ukraine affecting your craft and Leisure typically? How are you coping?
The struggle in Ukraine is affecting me so badly! We used to have exhibits however the pandemic disrupted all that and simply once we had hoped for a peaceable 2022 to begin throughout, The rift between Russia and Ukraine began. Onerous to put in writing lyrics beneath the missiles I believe you already know. I wrote Shaye and recorded it in Prague, CZ Republic.
What different undertaking do you need to embark on now?
My subsequent undertaking is to launch my first EP. I don’t know when or how that can be however it would occur quickly.
Your advise to youthful artistes such as you?
By no means quit, belief the method, and maintain your heads up. Pray and stay steadfast in religion in God. Encourage each other. Look over one another’s shoulders. Be keen to make use of the stage you will have attained to assist these nonetheless crawling on this craft.
