Obiwon; on the rebirth album

►While contemplating on whom to feature next, I surfed the web sometimes last week. I came across Obiwon's new single - "my father" and thought who best to feature than him? When I asked to feature him on the website; he didn't hesitate to correspond. I was thrilled! Anyway, I welcome Obiwon to Olamild Ent. So tell us Obiwon, is it true that the new album is a gospel album?

Obiwon: The new album highlights various issues including the gospel, which I recently found stronger faith in. Theme wise I guess you'd call it that.

►Interesting! Tell us about your upcoming album

Obiwon: All the songs in the upcoming "The Rebirth" are based on personal experiences, at times I feel the album should be accompanied by a book..but that will come later. The song (my father) represents the turning point in my life which occurred February last year.

►Are there any collaborations with other artist in your new album?

Obiwon: The remix of Obi Mu O already features some of the finest rappers in Nigeria Blaise, M.I, Illbliss and also newcomer/female vocalist Guchi Young. There is likely to be yet another wiith a known female vocalist. The album currently seems to have a mind of its own so I'm taking it as it comes.

►Beautiful collaboration! I'm really looking forward to the release. Besides music, what are your other interest?

Obiwon: I was involved with the financial sector up to last year but right now my life is all about the music. This particular album has demanded complete focus.

►How has music helped you as a person?

Obiwon: Music as a force I encounter daily takes me way above and beyond the noise, throes, worries of this imperfect world. I'm imperfect and no different than the next guy with dreams, but the view and perspective is usually different from above. As a musician, I feel a huge sense of responsibility because of the power of music, just one song gets people to react to you in different ways and in a mixed manner of emotions. Its like having super hero powers, you can either decide to be a hero or a villian.

►Speaking of heroes, everyone has a favorite musician or a musician that inspires them. Do you have any?

Obiwon: I really took off musically mimicking Michael Jackson moves. Through primary and junior secondary school, my colleagues would bang beats on the desks so I can show off the latest M.J moves. Later on I took seriously to HipHop but my Boyz II Men, R.kelly and Lionel Richie experiences kept me focused on urban contemporary, while Onyeka Onwenu, Celestine Ukwu kept me close to my roots. I listen widely but I paid the most attention to these ones and for years. I guess I'm musically a play off of all these styles.

►Seems like you enjoy a little bit of all genres. that's really nice so tell us about a memorable music experience you've had be it in the past or recent

Obiwon: Its most memorable when the music I've been given affects people's lives directly. Stories of healed hearts and even mended marriages through songs like "Obi Mu O" and "Onyinye". The relatively fresh "My F.A.T.H.E.R" got a congregation rocking somewhere in Connecticut. Its most fulfilling and inspiring when it goes beyond just the material reward and accolades.

►That's really nice to know. I'll have you know Onyinye's still my favorite of your works. I want to know how the song came about? What inspired you to write/sing?

Obiwon: Onyinye was based on a real situation and the name is as real as that too. I find my writing strongest when I relate what happens to me. Being in the public eye, people would always want to know so what the heck, you might as well throw it all out there from a vantage point.

► (smiles) I couldn't agree more. When I play music, I play close attention to the lyrics and always want to know if the musician's singing out of experience. I digress..What's your take on the current condition of the Nigerian Entertainment Industry?

Obiwon: The Nigerian entertainment industry has reached a place of explosion. Its exploded at home and immediate environs and we're talking international crossover now. However the absence of a proper controlled industry is seriously threatening all these and all the gains already made.

►That can be discouraging for upcoming artists but I want to believe that the issue will be addressed before it blows out of proportion. You mentioned a book earlier on. You feel like your upcoming album should be accompanied by a book, why is that so?

Obiwon: The album is borne out of my deepest life experiences so far. Though I've sang out most of them on this album, I feel there'll be many more questions after the album is felt. I also feel the album leading me to some other entirely new experiences after it drops, hence the need for detail say perhaps in a book. I know the movie that's my life will also inspire many out there. However the music is the starting point. That and every other thing is in God's hands.

► I hear the album's scheduled to be released this month. I just want a confirmation.

Obiwon: Guess you heard wrong so accept my apologies for the mix up. We've decided to shelf release dates till I'm finally out of the studio but that is not far away. Even my management has been asking me questions. Like I said earlier the album seems to have a mind of its own so I've stopped trying to schedule it. Its definitely coming this year.

► Will arrangements be made for people outside of 9ja to be able to purchase the album?

Obiwon: Yes we are on to that and we're working to have it on itunes. We are also looking at a deal that will get us international release.

► Wonderful! Thank you for your time and thank you for the info. I look forward to the release of this album. I know it'll be hype. My crew and I wish you the best with your musical career. Thank you readers.

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