Official Genius: Becoming Biggest Music Artist Out of Nigeria, My Dream

Music artist, songwriter, and producer, Uyiosa Ikponmwosa Samson, popularly known as Official Genius, speaks on his journey in the entertainment industry and his plans

In the Beginning

It has to be a rough ride and I just kept pushing forward and also praying every day to God nonstop, I feel like He has planned my path and I have just followed it and here I am on top. I am definitely still getting further because I see myself leaving a huge footprint in Africa, and the world at large; I have always dreamt of shutting down shows in America, Asia, Europe and other continents and enjoying the love from my supporters as well.
It all started from me performing in churches as a gospel artist, then I moved to perform at nightclubs, shows around me, going for auditions, talent hunts, and many others. I used to work hard labour jobs because there were few jobs knowing I was young. So I used to work in building and construction sites, farms, car wash just to get money to pay for my studio sessions, and for promotions of the music I put out then and so many other expenses, I loved to network with music artist, producers, and other people who would help me out in taking music to the next level, I also had support from my girlfriend MAI, she gave me support financially, emotionally when I was down and also connected me to people who played a huge part in building me and taking my sound global. It has not been easy from the start but consistency, hard work and belief got me this far and will take me further.

Challenges

Finance was a big challenge for me because I was very young when I decided to chase my dreams and my parents were not in support of me doing music because for their cultural beliefs; they saw it as a way to indulge in immorality, so I had to find a means to make the money to pay for my studio sessions and other expenses by doing hard labour.

Part of it was working in Construction and building sites, Farmyards, car wash and some others. Despite spending several hours there, I got paid little. I was young but I was working with adults, I saw myself as a man so I didn’t stop pushing, I kept going and believing.

Your Selling Point

I am a music artist, songwriter, and producer as well. So far I have made 27 songs from my single in 2020 ERIMA, to my 6 songs EP titled HELICON and my 21 songs debut album titled KAMIKAZE featuring artists from different parts of the world like USA, UK, South Africa, Jamaica and Nigerian artists who have worked with me know I give in my all to make sure I put out very impregnable music.

Advice to Fans

Firstly, finding the right path, then giving in your all, never giving up, working hard to grow and most importantly believing in yourself because I got to realise when I was coming up that only a few or none will believe in you until you believe in yourself first and take your career to the next level that’s when people will start believing in your dreams. So when people don’t believe in you, believe in yourself and keep pushing.

What Success Means to You

For me, it’s all about achieving a purpose, set goals and aims of which I believe everybody’s got theirs.

Next Move

Becoming the biggest music artist out of Nigeria and one of the biggest in the world at large has been what keeps me going and I also want to bring my own record label, Smootha Ent., to life where I will sign up and coming talented music artists and other entertainers as well as making my clothing line Genius Brandings a global name. Instagram & Twitter @_officialgenius website: officialgenius.info and also check out my sounds on various streaming platforms with Official Genius.