Budding Afrobeats singer, Akachukwu Emmanuel Uche who goes by the stage name, Mmzy recently released his debut EP after he had dazzled the music scene with two singles, “Animal” featuring Seun Kuti and “Dominate”. This EP is the culmination of his musical efforts and defines the singer’s ascendancy from nothing to something of a looming force in the music industry. Mmzy talks to Tosin Clegg about the EP, his journey into music, career at large and much more
My music started in Benin Republic
Starting music in a country where the entertainment industry is not as big as that of Nigeria was a tough one for me. I was out there but I was in Nigeria, very current with the happenings in the entertainment scene. I knew every song that was trending in Nigeria. I recorded my first song “Amoureux” over there and promoted it over there. It wasn’t easy because I had no financial support. Amoureux is a French word that means ‘Love”. I recorded the song and shot the video the same year. I promoted the song over there and through some of the Alaba production outfits. It was not easy.
I still remember how I got scammed by an Alaba Mix outfit. I met a guy who claimed to be from Alaba Mix on the Internet, he told me he was into music promotions. He said I should send money that he would promote my song in the Alaba Mix productions. I had to run around and gather cash and sent to him. At the end of the day I did not see my song on any Alaba Mix production. I had to travel all the way from Benin Republic to Nigeria to find out what happened.
It was really a rough process in the beginning. After I released my second song, my parents wanted me to go to school. I decided if I was going to go to school I would be in Lagos to be at the heart of the entertainment world. I tried University of Lagos and I got admitted to study French while I still pursued my music. While studying I was still pushing my musical career. I was in school when I got my first record deal with Kerae Records. I was actually working in a studio while in school.
My childhood was great
Although my parents were not financially stable but they really gave me the best, the best education. A lot of ups and downs, but in all, I am grateful to God and my lovely parents for always being there for me. My dream has always been to dominate and my desire is also to be a role model to others and to help people in need and also make people happy with my good music. Yeah, prophecy coming to pass.
My New EP is titled ‘Ascent’
It’s all about the little poor boy “Ascending from nothing to a superstar”. It’s all about believing in your dreams and working towards it. Fans should be expecting new dope music videos, performances and a lot of great songs from me. “Ascent” is a multicultural, multidimensional appealing body of work that chronicles the struggle of an average Nigerian youth, trying to make something of himself in a country that offers nothing to make the way easy for him. It is a motivational tonic laden with message to uplift the spirit of the beaten but not broken Nigerian youths to rise up and take their destiny in their hands while being grateful for the gift of life and breath of another day by the Almighty God.
Music is an emotional business
I stay focused and studied people’s emotions, knowing that music is an emotional business. With the EP, I want to be one of the voices that speak the truth about the state of the nation.
I want to be the voice of the voiceless and the disadvantaged people for both the young and the old. It is high time we made the government know we know the truth and call them out to change their ways. We should let them know we are not going to keep calm down anymore.
I choose music as a career because I love music
I love entertainment as a whole. I love whatever makes people happy and music is the best way to make people happy. And whatever makes people happy makes me happy. Music is the only way I can share my emotions. Music is spiritual, it connects your emotions with the people and my aim in life is to make people happy. Music is the only thing I know how to do. I can’t work in an office or anywhere. Music is my vibe.
I enjoy doing Afrobeats music and I just try to spice it up with a bit of French style to make it more romantic and unique. I love putting the African sounds together; like when you have the Tantan and Sekere. Putting all these sounds together to get the African vibe and promote the African culture too is my reason for doing music.
I signed my contract back in 2018 and things have been awesome. My journey with Kerae Record Label has been great. The label has been supportive. It is like a family. They are working very hard to see that my dreams as an artiste come true, supporting me financially. Making music is not easy when you have nobody behind you. All my dreams and visions are on track with my label.
Fela Kuti is my number one mentor
His sounds inspire me a lot and his songs are spiritual. I want to be like him. I want to make music that will last through generations just like Fela. Everything about him was original and I want to be just like that. My other mentors are Tuface, D’Banj and P-Square. Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy are also there, pushing Nigerian music to the world’s stage. My goals are to learn new creative skills, keep making great music for my fans, to be a mentor, and also leave an impact in other people’s life.
The most unique thing about my brand is my style
My style is different. My vibe is different too. Mmzy is an artist that reflects his Francophone grooming in his music and you will always hear French language in my music. It is my style and is different. I always want the French-speaking people to understand a thing or two about the song I’m singing. So I combine both French and English in my music. I get inspired by what I see and hear everyday. I know people have different yearnings, aspirations and inclinations so I just find a way to connect it musically.
Defining good music
When you hear good music, it isn’t going to tell you, you feel it because it’s heals the soul, even when you don’t understand the language. The key elements of good music are the melody, rhyme and harmony in the sound.
