Sharon and Aaron

Adewole Ajao met with Aaron and Sharon Igho a.k.a Addiction, twins who have come a long way to acquaint people with their music

Aaron and Sharon Igho look conspicuous at the Oriental Hotel, along the Lagos-Lekki Expressway. This was during their introduction to the press on August 12.  The twins, who hail from Jos, are not A-list like the Okoye brothers Peter and Paul, but some songs from their upcoming album are good enough to get the audience dancing during their first outing in Lagos, which is being supported by Soundcity Premium.

For the duo, two months in Lagos after a journey from Jos to Abuja has been refreshing. It has been a case of so far, so good, says light-skinned Sharon who is the female side of the lyrical tag team. Her overview comes with an explanation of their addictive stage alias.

“Basically, we were trying to get people to appreciate our kind of music and to be addicted to our music,” she explains. “Addiction has this negative side to it but we are trying to give it a positive side and the whole idea of loving good music.”

Despite their many obvious differences, destiny has always pushed them together since they were born. While she studied political science at the University of Jos, Aaron has a degree in psychology from the same university.  Music was never a converging point until she became addicted to her twin’s pastime after an impromptu show.

“He started music,” she says from behind a pair of aviators that betray very little. “I have not always been into music. I was always the covert type but when he started, he needed a female vocalist for his track. I was fortunate to be in the studio and just did it. Later he had a show and said I just had to perform that song with him, and from there, here we are.”

Recalling the 2007 episode with a toothy grin, Aaron fingers a spiritual side to that singular affair and other successive ones trailing their career. So far, he feels this ingredient has continued to rub off on their professional leaps in the industry.

“That was even like the first show we got in 2007,” he recalls. “It was back then in Jos and we got a call to perform at a show where Tu Face was performing. We later got a call from a record label after performing the song. They signed us within that week so it just came together.”

Sadly, the good times did not last forever. Trouble later reared its head when they had to leave their initial record label in Abuja. Sharon sees the break from the old label and subsequent relocation to Lagos as a breath of fresh air.

“I used to think artistes did not need relocate outside their comfort zone to make it, but since we have been in Lagos for two months, I believe it is true. I think there is just something about coming here, seeing the struggle and passing through it.”

Two songs and a video have already been dropped by the duo that is still mistaken for lovers. Ahead of their full album, which comes up later this year under Zakudia Records, “Who Be Dat?” and “Down Low” featuring Brymo are bits of what they can do to wow audiences. 

“We take hip hop and R&B but do a wide range of everything,” adds Aaron. “We do techno, rap and a little bit of everything. We just dabble into everything to make it diverse.”

Jos still retains fond memories for them. Ditto prominent musicians like P Square and the Choc Boiz MI, Jesse Jagz and Ice Prince that hail from the city. With its change of complexion, they hope for a quick remedy to the current feuds that have made their paradise a dismal setting.

Aaron feels the glut of talent in the town could be put to better use.
“We just pray for peace. We are talking to people about going back and doing a peace show because the whole violence is being done by youths. A little encouragement is good because there is a lot of talent coming out of Jos. Where we grew up is the same area where the likes of the Choc Boiz were and seeing them inspired to give it a shot.”

Both are hoping their career gets a shot in the arm. Amidst the humorous sides to what they consider a serious business, they are under no illusions about what they have to do in the coming months. For Sharon, there is also a need for her to do something beyond the ordinary since he is a woman.

“We are looking to work with Tu Face, P Square and Naeto C on the album,” she says. “Before I get into marriage, I have to earn respect and support first. I feel everything has evolved to the American standard in the Nigerian industry.
It will go places since we have support from the media.”