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How have you been since you left Nigeria for greener pastures?
I don’t know if I’ll call my move to London, leaving for greener pastures (laughs). I got an acting an modeling contract with a top British/Hollywood agency, and I had to move to fulfill the contract, as it required me to be based in London.
Looking back, what have you missed about Naija?
I miss the movie and music industry. I miss the Lagos vibe and culture. I miss the food. I miss my family and friends. 2 years is a long time to be away. I miss everything apart from police harassment and NEPA wahala, if you get my drift. Definitely not the insecurity in some regions. Without those, Nigeria is heaven. No place like home.
What are the challenges you encountered in the UK and how did you tackle them?
Systemic racism is a real thing. I worked with over 300 casts and crew through several projects, and I never saw anyone like me until I went to school. You have to go 10 times as hard as a result of how you look. Let’s not talk of the fact that you’re the first from Africa to be directly exported from Nollywood or any African wood, working at that level. The story long!
But it shows the future is bright for African movie industries. I try to focus on the bright side. The exposure and the training made the move worthwhile. I had to study acting in one of the best and biggest multiracial educational institutions in London. Identity School of Acting. It is home to some of the biggest young Hollywood names. I’m grateful for the opportunity, after all is said and done. Thank Jesus.
We hear you are about to drop another single, can you tell us more about it?
Woyoyoyoyo, that’s the title. I believe it is the song that would finally seal my name as a musical artiste that should be followed. The sound is a rebranded sound for my music side. It took two years to get to, with some of the sharpest minds in music pruning and guiding all the way. I’m sure everyone will love it. It has gone through critics, and well, it is a song to watch out for. It is dropping with a captivating video that was shot in London. I did my best to make up for my absence all the while. So help me God.
What’s the inspiration behind the song?
Woyoyoyoyo simply implies an exclamation you make when the exclamation “wow” does no justice to a pleasant situation. Amongst other things, it was inspired by an encounter I had with a girl I really liked. She got me singing woyoyoyoyo! She was that cool to inspire a song.
Any collaboration?
For now, honestly, in terms of an artiste, none, but I’m open to it. Definitely would have some lined up after the song is released. The success of it determines alot of things. But on the video, I collaborated with Vogue magazine model and British/Hollywood actress Julia Saubier, and Carribbean, British dancer Roushonara Campbell. Visuals was directed by American director Jay Affluent, and photographed by Nigerian Adetola Films.
It took you two years to drop this one, why did it take you so long?
My life took an unexpected turn within the last two years that disrupted what I had planned for my career. The stakes became higher, I had to slow down and recalibrate. The song went through several stages based on my current reality and exposure. Until my team and I were satisfied with the outcome and I was mentally ready for the release. I’m grateful to the entire team, Fortune Otega Ileleji, Wize, Dave October, and Fabs. Thanks guys, thank you for taking the time and for believing in the dream.
Any plans to return home to promote your crafts?
Yes. I’m coming back home just before the drop, which is on October 10th. The promotion would be massive and I need to be on ground to welcome the opportunities that would come with it. It would be on all digital platforms the top radio stations and TV stations would be spreading the love that comes from the song. Djs and clubs are going to have it on rotation. Like I said before, I need to make up for my absence. Lol.
Any record deals?
For now, none. I’m doing this under my own imprint “Tuneej” I co own it with my childhood friend – Fortune Otega Ileleji. Let’s see how it goes. I’m not closed up to possibilities. It is not easy to see an entertainment outfit that would take my acting and music sides into a balanced consideration.
Should we look forward to an album or an EP?
I won’t be doing an EP. I’m going straight to an album. I’ve been on this road for too long, after a couple of spectacular songs, album it is.
What’s your career projection?
After this song, I’m dropping a short film, “I don’t care” the short film has been nominated for over 20 festivals around the world thus far. And we have won about 6 awards across the globe.
From there the goal is to maintain my music and movies creative pattern that forms the Elijah Ogann brand. I’m looking forward to doing some great movies in Nigeria with some producers. Then personally, I’m working on my album and a featured film which would be released at the same time, in the nearest future.
