#TheYNaijaInterview: “There is no rift between Iyanya and I” – R&B singer, Praiz

by Wilfred Okiche

R&B singer Praiz is one of the most gifted singers to ever enter for a reality tv singing competition. After losing out to pop sensation Iyanya at the Project Fame West Africa, he went on to become a successful superstar in his own right. Currently gearing up for the release of his debut album, ‘Rich and famous’, we spoke with him about his music, career and relationships.

Enjoy excerpts from our conversation

How long do we have to wait for your debut album?

It drops at the end of the year in November. It has been a long time coming obviously and promises to be a very interesting piece of work. You will see versatility and different sides of Praiz in different genres of music; R&B, soul, pop, soukus, reggae, name it and it’s there.

Isn’t it a bit too much?

No, I don’t think it is. I am just expressing my variety of influences.

Are there any collaborations to watch out for?

Yes, I have Bez on the album, Awilo Longonba, Banky W, Wanda Baloyi, a South African. Still trying to wrap up the final set.

You have worked with Bez before on ‘That stupid song’, tell me how that partnership works.

Before music, I have known Bez way before stardom and we connected at a very normal level. We found ourselves in the same industry. He does good music, I am an advocate of good music so it is easy for both of us to connect.

You got your big break from Project Fame West Africa as did Iyanya and Chidinma. What is the hardest part for talent show alumni like you guys? 

Well a lot of people will think we just got the fame and platform on a platter of gold. I would say an otherwise long journey was cut short but it is even harder for us in a way because once you get off that high and the cameras stop rolling, that is when you have to prove to people that you are no fluke and you have what it takes. You need hard work, consistency because the real world just doesn’t care.

Some would say that initial phase that follows immediately after winning (or not winning) as was your case is the toughest. Do you agree and what was your own experience?

That phase for me is an introduction to reality. After the Academy, it is welcome to the real world, that is where the real hustle begins. You have to record new music, you neeed money to do that. You also need money to push new music, to shoot videos. You need to get gigs. It is a different world entirely where you have to keep working day and night just to prove yourself.

And at that point it seems like life is flipping you the finger?

Yes, because nobody cares that you were on TV or that you won anything. It is like welcome to the real world so it is left to you as an individual to be focused, patient, persistent.

Do you think you should have won Project Fame the season you were on?

Everyone who goes into a competition expects to win and I went in expecting to win and to me I was a winner. I definitely was not a failure.

But it would have been nice to have won, no?

Well yes  but if I had won I probably would have relaxed and my hustle level would have been really low but I am glad everything happens for a reason.

So let’s talk about Iyanya. You used to be friends, then not so much. What is the story there?

I don’t know what you mean by ‘’the story.’’

Apparently, you were besties post-West African Idol, did you guys drift apart and why?

Myself and Iyanya, we are friends, there is no drift.

So you are as close as you have always been?

I mean we are close, you might not see us everywhere due to schedule demands. He is busy, I am busy but whenever we see, we always try to catch up. There is no rift at all.

I read on the blogs that you recently got a car for your mum like you sang that you would. Is it a Range Rover?

You saw a car abi?

Well, I did not see the car….

Okay, I bought my mum a car that’s it. You guys eh…

Do you have a car?

Yes, I do but I bought my mum a car before I bought mine.

That’s sweet. You are from Kogi state and you have been known to sing in Igbo, how does that happen?

My mom is Igbo, from Asaba, Delta state. Also as a musician you have to learn to be versatile, learn some languages to secure a wider audience.

I know you are tired of answering this question but I want to ask, was it a deliberate ploy to sound like John Legend or is it just the way it is?

I am actually tired of people trying to compare me with John Legend but we just have similar vocal dexterities. I have always sounded like this, I have mentors like Carl Thomas who has been around long before John Legend, Anthony Hamilton, Music Soulchild, these are people I listen to. I have been singing before Mr Legend came on the scene but you know, people will always compare. Not that it is a bad thing, I look at it in a positive light.

You are the only artiste signed on Xtreme music, what is it like working in such an environment.

So far my experience and relationship with my record label has been blessed. It is not always rosy, we argue some times but it has been great. For any artiste, humility is the key to success and my label has been of great support. I was signed on when nobody believed R&B and they took a chance on me. I don’t think I would be happier anywhere else.

What would be your dream collaboration?

Praiz and John Legend

Ah! John Legend again!

Yes, I need to teach that guy a lesson. I kid.

You think that we would be able to tell your voices apart on a song?

Of course. Personally I don’t think our voices are that similar though.

Rich and Famous sounds like the Travis McCoy/Bruno Mars hit ‘Billionaire’. Deliberate ploy?

‘Rich and famous’ wasn’t culled off any song. I mean it’s a similar genre of music to ‘Billionaire’ but mine is a song I needed to do to push myself to the next level, encourage myself as well as people out there that regardless, you can be successful.

Now that you are successful and rich and famous….

I am getting there. You can never be too rich or successful.

Yes, but compared to when you left Project Fame…

True.

What is it that you aspire to be, what do you dream about at night?

I hope to be an artiste who sells out stadiums, wins a Grammy Award. I want to be a great father and a great husband, a great guy all round.