by Wilfred Okiche

Ifeanyi Micheal a.k.a Ifan  shares his journey so far with us and tells us exactly why he is poised to be the next big thing.

Describe yourself in one sentence

I am unique, humble yet very ambitious. People sometimes take my ambition for greed but I just want to make it in life.

What kind of music do you do?

R&B, pop, highlife/alternative

Where does your inspiration come from?

God, my environment, society, civilisation, people… even you could inspire me (laughter).

 

“When you have a great passion for something, you tend to pursue that which makes you happier first.

 

What is your educational background?

I am still schooling, studying Theatre Arts. I paused for a while though, should continue next year.

Why the break?

It was not easy combining both, that is why I paused schooling for a while. When you have a great passion for something, you tend to pursue that which makes you happier first and that is what I did.

When did you start singing?

Funny thing is I started with acting back in Port Harcourt at the age of six. I have starred alongside top celebrities in the film industry in movies like ‘The Evangelist’, ‘Desperate Billionaire’ and ‘Toronto Connection’. I have even produced a film with a cast of over 150 people titled ‘Redemption’. It was directed by Toka McBaro and is coming soon so I have been in this almost all my life. I was also singing for live bands along the way but professionally, I started recording in 2009, released my first single ‘Ifeoma’. In 2010, I did another song ‘My girl’ featuring General Pype and brought out the video this year. It has been getting massive airplay. I also have a new single produced by Samklef titled ‘Hungryman’.

What has been your biggest platform?

I opened the City People Awards this year and the Bayelsa Governor’s P.A’s wedding in Bayelsa and a lot of big shots were present.

Does your family support your music?

Yes, they are all proud of me; my father even calls me by my stage name now. Everyone is happy with my progress. Their encouragement has been more than money or gold and it gives me the motivation to push on.

Who are your role models?

Sam Dede, Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Will Smith, IBK (spaceshipboi), Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, Keziah Jone, Barry White, Marvin Gaye and a lot more.

How do you develop your talent?

I do a lot of research. I always want to be better so I listen to a lot of people, merge ideas together and come out with something different, creative and beautiful.

Would you consider trying out for a reality talent hunt show?

That’s a NO NO! In Nigeria, you are restricted from bringing out the best and the judgement could be unfair.

Where do you see yourself in five year’s time?

Winning a Grammy or something similar. I should have been able to touch lives positively too because there are so many people suffering in Nigeria, so many up and coming artistes looking for just one chance to showcase themselves. I know what I have been through and it has not been easy so I should be able to help a lot of people by then

What is your take on the music industry?

It needs to be restructured; there are no platforms for upcoming acts and no openings either. But we are growing and our music is getting better, I hope that very soon we shall perfect.