Cornelius Idakwo Samuel is a musician who has made a name for himself as a music producer, pianist and music director. He is known for his original and modern style of music that blends traditional songs with contemporary sounds.
In a chat Samuel revealed that he has always dreamt of being a musician since he was very young.
“I remembered back then, when I was very young, I’ll put plates together and hit them just like am hitting a jazz drum. My parents later bought me a jazz kit, which I used to practice the drums in the house. Drumming was the first instrument i learn, after which i started playing the piano, and then became a music producer”, he said.
According to him, his passion for creating music stems from the need to express the kind of unique sounds that run through his mind, so he and others can enjoy them.
He said, “I remember many times; I’ll have a lot of sounds playing on my mind and I’ll always shake my head dancing to the music in my mind. Sometimes I hum those sounds loud enough that anyone around me can hear. I resolved that, people out there will appreciate these melodies that run through my heart if I learn how to put it down into music.”
On the experiences and challenges faced on his way to stardom, he said, “The music always seemed more modern than what they were used to. That made me learn how to blend modern music and traditional songs together. I can say that this challenge help me form the originality of my uniqueness as a music producer”.
Speaking on how he juggles being a music producer, pianist and music director, said he pens down his visions and goals every year, and he has an assistant to whom he delegates duties while he oversees the whole process.
“Everything about music is interesting to my soul. Music is what I do, not just because it’s an occupation but because of the sweetness it creates in my soul,” he stated
Adding that directing, producing and playing the piano are all in the same category of making music for him.
He also revealed that stardom has not deprived him of anything, and that he has been able to retain his authenticity with the help of God. “Being out there, I have discovered that I am always at my best when I am original. If I loose my authenticity, I may loose the uniqueness that comes out of me”, He said,.
On how he handles advances from female fans, he said that he applied self-control by the help of the Holy Spirit, and that he turned down the advances because they would be a distraction.
“I am single and when I want to settle down with someone of the opposite sex, I would decide that on my mind. I would make the choice of a best female friend that best suit my personality, and that would be my future wife,” he added.
He also shared some of his experiences from travelling to different parts of the world through his drumming styles.
He said that sometimes it could be challenging to interpret his unique kind of music for the first time to some countries that were not so familiar with it.
On his advice to up-and-coming music producers, he said, “Be passionate about your craft, learn every detail, be diligent and stay consistent with learning. Music takes time. It is the degree of time you invest in it that forms up what comes out of you.”