Who is Ace?
Ace is a fusion music recording artiste who is here to entertain.
Background?
I was born in the mid 80's in Kwara State. My parents hail from Delta State. My dad passed away in a car accident when I was a year old. I have two beautiful sisters and was raised by the best mum I could have ever wished for.
Tell us about growing up?
I was the best dancer at almost every kid's birthday. I attended the best schools around, my mum was keen about us getting the best education.
Growing up for me was everything, I was quite stubborn as a young boy, my mum worked 9 a.m to 5 a.m as an accountant for the government. I had a lot of play time after school and would spend time with my friends who were mostly older than me listening to music.
Earliest memories of family life?
I had an aunt who I could say was part of those memories, she'd help take care of us when my mum was at work. I looked forward to my mum coming home from work every day, she'd always buy snacks for us every day and if you did something naughty while she was at work you're not getting any.
I spent a lot of time in the kitchen because I loved food and when it was cooking time the women were in the kitchen. As the only male in the house, I'd often go sit with them. I started cooking my own lunch at age six.
When did you discover your talent for music?
I'd say around when I was eight. I wouldn't say it was seen as a talent then. I loved singing and sometimes just enjoyed speaking words into a microphone. I saved up from Christmas/New Year cash gifts and bought myself a standard wired microphone which cost me about N120. My recordings those days were mimes of popular songs over my mum's church message tapes. She wasn't too happy with that.
Who would you say influenced your love to grow your talent?
Getting into secondary school, I attended a Catholic Church owned school, most of our teachers were Reverend Sisters. Your parents signed you off to the Catholic doctrine either you were a christian or muslim attending the school. So we had to sing hymns in class and whenever we had presentations as a school. We had singing classes for our hymns.
The school influenced me a lot because I always wanted to sing better. As I grew older, I couldn't escape from the music of Fela, Tupac and Bob Marley which was everywhere. I thought to myself, "I want to be great and famous like them"
When did you decide to go into music professionally?
In 2009 after I performed at the Soundcity Urban Music Concert Blast.
Where your parents supportive of your decision?
My mum, sisters and general family have been very supportive of this journey so far. They always knew I wanted to entertain.
How did you begin?
Well recording professionally for me started as a joke, I was driving in the car with two other friends as a student in Johannesburg.
For some reason we started rhyming all together in the car. We all sounded good and thought why don't we start a group/band.
We recorded a couple of unfinished demos that never saw the light and ended up not happening also because of personal differences amongst us. One of them is a pilot today and the other a recording artiste like myself.
Your first single? Tell us how it came about?
I met a young talented Sheyi Akerele in Bass Camp Studios, Rivonia, Johannesburg in May 2009. Nigerian rapper Magnito introduced me to him and he helped groom my recording and vocal abilities. We recorded series of songs and La La Le Friday would become my first official single which was released in 2010.
La La Le Friday was inspired by friday night partying as a student. So I wrote about it.
Your first stage performance?
My first stage performance was at the 2009 SoundCity Urban Music Blast Concert. It was a memorable day.
How have you grown since then?
In age, In music, in experience and basically being focused on my dreams I have had a very progressive growth. Performing on different stages and platforms from Nigeria, Johannesburg to London.
You have your own singles. Tell us about them.
La La Le Friday was my first single and now Show Me What You Got which was released some months ago.
La La Le Friday was not properly promoted as I was still living in Johannesburg during it's release in 2010. A music video was released by the Stryvva Music management I was on in early 2011. It made Top 10 on SoundCity Video Charts for several weeks peaking @ No. 2.
Show Me What You Got is a big progress from La Le Le Friday. The music is defined and it has gotten wide acceptance since it's release. Under the executive production of Glitterati Records, it's currently airing across Nigeria with a music video shot and directed by Clarence Peters. Both singles were produced by Shizzi.
What genre of music do you do exactly?
Fusion Music. A fusion of Pop, Hip Hop and Afro Pop elements.
How do you intend to break into the mainstream of the Nigerian music industry?
I am an entertainer. I hope to do this by bringing feel good music that'll liven up your mood just about any time of the day and basically get my people active on the dance floor. My music is unique I must say, for me it is about giving the people a new sound they'll love.
Any album in sight?
Yes. In due time. I do have enough recorded material for three studio albums as at now.
Videos?
I have two music videos out. La La Le Friday and Show Me What You Got.
What challenges have you faced and still face in the industry?
We do have a very good and booming industry which sadly lack to take care of its workforce while they're here and gone. Proper royalty/right collection bodies are needed. Piracy is still a major problem for any Nigerian artiste on a big or small scale.
And also basic industry standards from recording to production quality.
What is your relationship with other artistes in the industry?
Very good, I have quite a number of famous colleagues as buddies and friends.
Critics say good music is not appreciated in Nigeria...
Yes. Good music is not appreciated in Nigeria. What is good in the ears of the people will always be good but I believe many Nigerian artistes can bring more to the table.
Do you do popular music or real music?
I do real music which is made to be popular. I'm a song writer and put a lot of passion into my lyric writing.
Is music a passion or a means to make money?
Music for me is a passion and a means to survival. Money if you'd call it that. My music is my career.
What other projects are you into?
I'm looking to go into TV and also back to being a model for brands. I worked as a commercial/print/editorial model while living in Johannesburg.
What would you have been if not a musician?
A Psychologist.
Fashion sense?
Sleek, High Fashion, Funky & Hip Hop is what I wear. I co-design most of my tailored outfits.
Favourite hangout?
I spend a lot of time at the beach with my friends over music and drinks
Football club?
None. I do not watch football.
Last word to your fans?
Please keep supporting my music. Thanks if you have been, and if you're new to Ace's world. Download my music on www.AceMusic.tv , follow me on twitter @SuperstarAce and let's go on this feel good music ride together.
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