By Agatha Emeadi
Abia State-born Emeh Emmanuel with stage name Zez is a young artiste with his eyes on the world’s Grammy Award.
The graduate of Biochemistry, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umuahia, Abia State (MOUAU), had from childhood developed great passion for music, but his parents insisted that he must get his education first.
As soon as Zez satisfactorily did that he went into full music with the support of his parents.
His genre of music are Afro wave, Afro-hip-hop and Rap.
With a few awards already in his kitty, Zez is dreaming big for a Grammy Award one day.
While working consciously and learning the terrain, Zez has transmuted from being a media producer and sound engineer to an artiste.
How did you get into your career, the music industry?
I have always had the love for music since I was very young. Being in the school band and playing drums in the Sunday School was part of my love for the music industry. Writing music started for me during break times in the secondary school when we used to have break time singing sessions. I was also usually good at singing popular songs until friends asked me if I have written personal songs. Then, I decided to take it seriously during my JAMB holiday by going to studios around my area and producing beats for artistes.
How did you rise to stardom. Share an experience that blew you up?
I believe that the road to greatness is a continuous process of being better at what you do. I have won different music competitions and I have also been featured on a song with Zoro. But a major significant achievement to my career was when I emerged the winner of the Headies Mic Check which was a great experience and showed that the routine was paying off.
Do arts run in your family?
Not exactly. But if we broaden the word “Art,” music is also an Art, then I can say yes, I think Art runs in the family. I released my first single in 2013 entitled “Senator.” That was when I was about to enter the university. The reception made me want to record more. I have released a few singles after that and currently working on my project coming out soon.
How did your parents feel when you left the law, medical or engineering professions loved by parents then to go into music as a young chap and now that you have made it?
My parents knew that I was musically inclined, but they did not think I was going to pursue it as a career. When I decided to take it seriously and they saw I was making some progress, they supported me, but advised I finished my education first. Which I did and graduated as a Biochemist.
What does your long dread and scarf represent?
I think I was coming from the angle of branding when I started my dread locks. I was in a competition then and wanted to stand out so I used to tie bandana. Then, I later realized that the scarf could hold my dreads better, so I use it.
The scarf represents a “Crown” and the bag I also wear represents “School.” It’s thereby symbolic for the phrase “King of the new school.”
How are you coping with your rise?
I am grateful to God for the blessings given unto me so far. I believe that the best way to cope with the rise is to always be on top of your game. Also create more fan base. So, I focus on my goals and keep pushing the limits. I have recorded five different songs. I am working on dropping a new single to kick off momentum to be released at an announced date.
What opportunities have being an artiste brought to you? Also talk about the challenges the rise has brought your way?
Yeah, it has brought in some lucrative opportunities. I have had the privilege to song-write and produce music for top brands. I have gotten booked to perform at some popular shows. I have also collaborated and partnered with other entertainment bodies and renowned names in the industry. There are quite some challenges, one of which is not having enough time to do other things because the music is time consuming, also bigger financial budgets are needed to achieve some goals in the industry.
How is the society treating you as an upcoming artiste?
It depends on the particular places and times. For example, most times when I am driving and get pulled over by the police because of my dress sense, they might feel like I am into some illegal business. Or if I am in church, I probably get some stares or attention because of my style. Most time, when they see me on Television, even down to the streets, some area boys might not let you go freely if you did not drop money for them. So, it has been different experiences at different places.
How was growing up? Talk about your family, parents and siblings.
Growing up was quite fun. We are five in our family. My parents and my two sisters. Fond time memories, I remember waking up by 6:00a.m for morning devotions, going to school and coming back to watch cartoons by 3:00p.m, eat and sometimes sneak out to play because most times we were locked in the house. Those were good times, you didn’t have to worry about bill. We were not like the Dangote’s, but do not know a hungry day. My parents built good valued in us through the grace of God.
What advice would you give to upcoming artistes that would want to look forward to Grammy awards?
If you are a real aspiring musical artiste, you already know that burning fire in you that makes you want to write, sing or play an instrument, follow that flame, it will lead you to something great.
As an upcoming artiste, do you have role models?
I will not really say role model, but I have people that influence me musically and creatively. I work by myself, pushing my music. But no one knows it all and that is the reason I still get advice from some colleagues in the industry.