Follow Us on Google
By Gilbert Ekezie
A vocalist, songwriter and performer, MR CHUKS in this interview spoke about his career, challenges and plans for future.
Could you tell us about your background?
I am Chukwukere Elvis Chekwube, from Ntueke in Ideato South LGA, Imo State. I am a vocalist, song writer and performer. I was born on October 2nd, 1994 in Onitsha, Anambra State. I studied Computer Science at the Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State and I base in Lagos State.
How did your music career start?
I started writing songs since I was 12 years old. Then, I used to record some funny songs with my brother’s Nokia phone and people always laughed at them. Gradually, I started developing passion for music, with every year that goes by, I see myself improving and evolving. In fact, I will say that I started from the bottom, but now I am here to stay.
Could you remember when you recorded your first studio song?
Yes, I recorded my first studio song in 2016. It is a very sweet song “Amaka.” Thoug it is not Online. Maybe, I will adjust it and drop it in the nearest future. T-slym, the producer then was asking my friend Simeon Green, if he was sure that I have not been to a studio before, because as an up and coming artiste , I did not give him stress. I was so fast and did not sing out of key. But, I told him that I had been practicing with my phone apps like TuneMe or Voloco. I think I had extra four studio records before my first official single “Adaoma”.
What happened thereafter?
I went on and on dropping “Gossip” and “Marry You, featuring Li Joe” before dropping my First studio debut Album “The Journey Called Love” on August 20th, 2021.
What is your stage name?
My first stage name was SugarBoy, unfortunately a popular Nigerian art broke the timeline with that name. So, I had to change it to ChuksCheks, which sounded weird. I thought about it severally, and decided to switch to MR CHUKS which was gotten from my surname Chukwukere. I opted to using it because it’s unique, I would not want picking up a name and SugarBoy issue will come up again. Though there’s a saying “Na who blow first get name” , but I don’t want to take chances again. So, I think Mr Chuks is perfect.
What does music mean to you?
For me, nusic is more of a way of life , rather than a career.
What kind of music do you sing?
Well, I started with RNB, and now Afro-pop. But, I am trying to create my own sound, I should call it Afro-fusion.
Who are your music and life role models?
My Music role model is Chris Brown, Nigga is fucking Talented. Judging from the type of music he makes, they are all classic. Also , the way he dances, is tremendous. Then, talking about life model, MJ man. Michael Jackson is there. He touched the world with just his voice, talent and love. He believed so much in humanity and impacted on many lives. In fact, he was a great philanthropist.
What is your philosophy in life?
For me , transparency is life and I believe in that so much . I also believe that hard and smart work pays. Obviously, small steps can make all the difference to a climate change. You know the saying “One step at a time.” I am a dreamer and I believe in dreams,I though, many people may see it as living in illusion. I also believe in the supernatural being, one God, who is the creator of Heaven and Earth, the maker of the whole universe. ‘I no dey follow Pastor dey beef Iman.’ I believe everyone has the right to make different choices. Prayer works and believe in nature. I believe in Karma, every man will one day be rewarded according to his deeds. I still have faith in Humanity and I believe in Love because God is love. I am a “do unto others what you would want them to do to you” type of person. Life is supposed to be give and take. You can’t continue taking without giving. I also believe in sacrifice. Show me a successful man who doesn’t make sacrifices. Lastly, whatever you do in life, live an upright life.
What do you love most in a person?
I love honesty, down to earth person. You know like my father will always say “Na where person work, person dey chop” you must not be entirely honest but at least, BE HONEST. I love hardworking people, Hard work pays. I love selfless and transparent people. I like surrounding myself with people who have love in their heart.
What do you hate most in a person?
I dislike people who have envy in their Heart, ‘them fit kill you.’ Stay away from someone who wears lies like garment and emotionally blackmailers, or those who always toy with other people’s emotions. In fact , I don’t like someone to ride or use me.
Who is your official record label?
Oh! That is NAZZ MUSIC
Why did you choose NAZZ MUSIC as your official label?
I saw greatness and potential in the Label. I also love how everyone is working effortlessly with love. Everyone there is selfless and full of dedication. Their minds are so glued on how to make things work for the betterment of the artiste and the label. I have been with the label for quite some time now, I guess they saw potentials in me as well, and decided to pick me up. So all should tighten their sit belts and get ready to ride with us , while we make the journey together.
What is it like as an up and coming artiste, any challenge?
Of course, I encountered so many challenges as an up and coming artiste. For instance, building a name or a team for yourself in the industry is hard, and finding a team of reliable music professionals can make it harder. You will need to pay this team and might cut budgets even further, yet, it still doesn’t guarantee that you will blow or get bigger. Another challenge is staying motivated. Motivation won’t knock on your door every day for you to make it in music. There will be days when you just don’t feel like yourself. You just see yourself not connecting. Having these days is normal for a striving musician.
How do you manage such situation?
l take some time off, let loose or try playing or focusing on other things, like watching a movie or going to the beach. Another challenge that can even ruin an artiste is depression. Mental health issues can drain out a musician emotionally. Anxiety and depression are common in the industry, especially when you’re putting out too much and getting nothing in return. You get really depressed when your family and friends are not supporting or cheering you up. For instance, I’ll drop a song, I’ll have to beg my friends to go Stream or even bribe few with recharge cards before they can. But you’ll see them sharing and even making videos of A-list artiste, especially ones you know you sing better than.Besides, the bigger challenge has to do with funding the project ; Publishing and Promotions. Music is money, it requires a lot of capital if one really wished to be successful. Another thing to consider is, when you set your music out for the world to hear, having the ears that will take time in listening to your passion for music. You need to find out where your potential fans are. And also take your music out on social media for example, blogs, sites, digital stores and playlists to promote music. Also, having connections or the right platform can be another factor affecting an up and coming artiste in Nigeria. You need who the right people who will help get your music across your area, and even globally.
Ever since I started going out and socializing the more, I keep meeting amazing people who have worked with different musicians. The idea is to keep learning, developing, and connecting yourself with people that matter in the Music business or even in the society.
Where will you intend to be in the next ten years?
In ten years’ time, I am seeing myself as a successful business owner. By then will have my own label, have lot’s of awards to my name, both local and internationally.
By then also, I should have beautiful babies as daughters running around calling me Daddy.
