Morachi stormed unto the Nigerian music scene years ago with his hit track, ‘Hapuya lyke dat’ which tore up dancefloors and was on heavy rotation on most radio and TV stations then. He followed up with other songs and an album, which made him much sought after. His well chiselled body frame had also been a matter of discuss among most ladies, earning him one of the top spots of artistes with the ultimate male frame. Rotimi Ige caught up with the artiste where he spoke about life, music and his plans for the future.
What has Morachi been up to as he seems to have gone underground for a while?
I have been involved in a whole lot, trying out different things, experimenting and trying out other interests like a fashion line and modelling outside of the country, while also executing some government contracts. However, it is not like I totally left the music scene as I have been dropping songs and videos. It is just not that it hasn’t been too consistent as I’ve had too many interest all important to me.
Tell us about your last single, Onye Oma. What inspired it?
Onye oma was the very song that I have done that glorified God, the very first song that I recorded to thank God for all that he has done for me; all that I have been through and came out of alive and healthy. From the times I escaped assassination, robbery attacks and fatal accidents, my whole being and spirit at that moment forgot about everything about thanking God. So I used the single to show God that I appreciate what He has done for me.
The video, like your other videos, is very colourful with a bit of trado-cultural influences. How do you manage to do this?
I love my country and I am proud to be an African. I feel that these elements portray where I am from “morachi nna1 of Imo State”. I love the western swag, but I also love my African swag better…So, as long as I am here and keeping it real, who I am will always reflect in all that I do.
Tell us about growing up.
I come from a poor background, but I am rich in the heart and mind. Growing up wasn’t easy, I can remember the bad times and also the good times. When I think about my journey so far, all I can do is thank God for all that He has done.
What kind of music do you do exactly?
I don’t have a particular genre that I do. Some say I am a music whore because I love a lot of genres, that is a little bit of this and that. Variety is best for humans and also good for the market.
How did you come about your stage name?
Morachi is a combination of my biological name put together…M-Marvin,O-Obinna,R-Rich, A-Akuba, CHI-Chieme.
You seem to love tattoos? Why?
Not really, if I loved tattoos as you alleged, I would have loads of tattoos on my body.
How many do you have and what do they signify?
I have just two on both sides of my arms and they signify my music movement. Mo-inc Records and Mezebu Kingdom, which means my own world where I am king.
Tell us about your other singles and what inspired them.
My other singles were inspired by a lot of things happening around in the modern day Nigeria, which I love to call the societal ills and they come in three forms, the good the bad and the ugly.
Which song gave you your big break?
Hapuya lyke dat.
What are your plans for the rest of this year?
Vacations outside the country, concerts, studio recording and making more videos.
Any album plans?
Yes, I am currently rounding off my album as we speak, No Time!
Who did you feature in it?
I worked with Naeto C and Lynxxx. My new singles are due to be released anytime next week with Omawunmi and J Martins. I have other songs I am recording with Phyno, MI and Iceprince, Tillaman and a whole lot more. As you know, I have a lot of friends in the industry.
You have been in the music industry for over a decade? How did you begin and why did you choose music?
It all started like a hobby. I didn’t choose to do music, in fact, I never wanted to do music. I just loved music but never wanted to take it seriously but as time went by, I was pushed into it.
So, how do you intend to stamp your mark in the sands of time as far as music in Nigeria is concerned?
I intend to make good commercial, danceable and enjoyable music, I will put it in the hands of God and He will announce me himself, because when God announces you, then the whole world will hear about you.
Who are your music influences and why?
My music influences, in the beginning were more of the foreign acts but as time passed, a lot has changed and my ears have been in tune to other artistes from other African countries. To start with Nigeria, Fela is a great influence. 2face is also a great influence, but then, I enjoy the music from the new generation acts such as P Square, D banj, Wizkid, Flavour, Sean Tizzle, Terry G, Iyanya, Davido, J Martins, Wande Coal and a whole lot others.
Do you believe that artistes are given deserved recognition in Nigeria?
Not really, but we are not doing bad. We are getting there, Rome was not built in a day.
What has been your greatest challenge?
In the last few years, since the days of the ‘hapuya lyke Dat’, the music industry has changed a whole lot. The formula that worked then is not the formula working now because things have changed. So, that is a challenge as I have to learn how the new system works and adapt to it, which have not been easy. I guess my second album will speak for itself.
How do you intend to overcome them?
Do the kind of music the people want to hear, put it in God’s hands and do my own work by pushing them through the right channel.
What other projects are you into?
A lot, but I can’t tell you now until I am done with the blue prints.
Tell us about your fashion sense?
It depends on my mood and the occasion, sometimes hip hop, but most times mature and sexy.
Your most favourite fashion accessory?
I love my jewelleries.
What thing can’t you do without in a day?
I can’t do without thanking my creator for all that He has done for me.
What kind of woman catches your fancy?
Intelligent and God-fearing sexy woman (boomskolo’s) with a nice behind. (laughs)
You are one of the most celebrated artistes with well cut body features. How did you achieve this?
I have had a great body since secondary school as I was into sports. No be today wey I don start this sexy thing, it has been a long time ago. However, discipline and being principled is the key basically.
Your favourite hangout?
My bedroom.
Tell us something few people know about you.
I sold cashew nuts, kerosene and firewood and sometimes walked to church with no shoes on Sunday while growing up.
What would you have been if not a musician?
A lawyer.
[Tribune]
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