Tochukwu Chukwu
The first runner up, Enugu got talent show, Ifenna Rex Onwuzulike, AKA Rico, has expressed elation towards the launch of his EP album, Ranedrops. UGAMATV REPORTS.
The artist who had emerged as one of the talented winners of The Enugu got talent show, had described his Album, as a means of understanding his kind of music.
In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, Chioma Happiness Jumbo, Rico stated that he had began his journey as music lover even as a teenager.
Despite for his appreciation and love for every genre of good music, Rico said, he has a strong affinity for the Rap world.
Currently under the management of Century Records, Rico’s Debut album(EP) drops today, the 26th of February, 2021.
CAN WE MEET YOU?
My name is Ifenna Rex Onwuzulike, my stage name is Rico. I am from Aniocha in Anambra State but i grew up at New haven in Enugu State.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR MUSICAL BACKGROUND
I grew up listening to music, I come from a music loving family. I enjoy listening to rap songs such as Jay Z, 2pac, 50 cent among others, i have also learnt to appreciate music on a broader scale now. I love african music too.
WHO INSPIRES YOU THE MOST?
Drake, Rick Ross, MI inspired me alot growing up.
WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY TO THE SPONSOR AND ORGANIZERS OF THE ENUGU GOT TALENT SHOW?
I am honestly grateful to Century records and UGAMATV for putting together such a well thought-out show. I am especially grateful to the judges for being very fair in their judgement. My immense gratitude goes to the Deputy Minority leader, house of representatives, Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu for bearing the persons in the entertainment industry in mind, also for providing and amazing platform for us to showcase what we have to the public. Thank you so much and God bless all of you.
HOW DID IT FEEL, BEING ON OF THE TOP FINALISTS?
Honestly, it was an out of body experience. I emerged not just as a finalist by as the first runner-up of the show. Words really cannot express the amazing feeling that I had. I have been to many talent hunts, some of which I emerged one of the bests, but they just had bunch of unfulfilled promises. This is the main reason for my gratitude to Century Records, UGAMATV and the Sponsor of the show, Rt. Hon. Okechukwu, they have endeavored to keep to their words. They are fulfilling their promises. Keeping to one’s promises is a very rare trait to find in our world, But these people are doing it. They treat us with so much care and consideration, we are having fun back to back. No better time to be an artist.
HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE TALENT HUNT SHOW?
I saw it on Social media, Facebook actually. A friend of mine liked the post, which led to it surfacing in feed, little did I know that it will bring me this far.
GIVE US A GENERAL RUNDOWN OF YOUR EXPERIENCES IN THE TALENT HUNT SHOW
Like I said earlier, it was an amazing experience. What I enjoyed most was how organized the show was. Everything was well thought about. There were no loose ends. We had great judges too, the likes of Mr. Raw, J. Money music, Paulino and Don. Colonel too. To be able to stand infront of these legendary artists was a great and rare opportunity and experience. Again, the organizers kept to the time frame that they told us initially. Nothing was prolonged. They catered for our welfare, Since it was a three-day event. They treated the twenty-eight of us with so much respect. The event was generaly great.
WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU MAKE?
I sing but I love rap. I have a lot of songs and i don’t have a favorite at the moment. I love all my songs.
WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS AN ARTISTE?
Surviving as a recording artiste in Nigeria is a major challenge. It is not easy to get your sound out there, there is little or no music structure in Nigeria. You just have to keep pushing and praying for breakthrough, one day your time will come.
YOUR EP JUST CAME OUT RIGHT? TELL US A BIT ABOUT THAT.
The name of my EP is “Ranedrops” released under century records, it’s a six track project. The aim of the EP is to make people understand music , understand who i am and the emotions behind each song because i sang about different emotions that i have felt in my life.
“Ranedrops” came from the idea that rainfall does not favor everyone but your time will come too. Rainfall put all of us in different moods
The Ep is the story of my life and I want people to be inspired by each. There is something for everyone, no matter who you are.
ANY COLLABORATIONS YET?
I have a few collaborations but not with any known name, just underground artistes like myself. In the future i will love to collaborate with known artistes like Drake, MI, Check, Phyno, i will really love to work with Phyno. It will be a dream come true.
ANY ADVICE FOR UPCOMING ARTISTES?
You just have to keep pushing. keep grinding, keep making good music. Put in work and ensure that you are on the right track, everything will definitely work out.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR SOUND IN A FEW YEARS?
Everywhere!! I see my sound everywhere. Thank God for this generation, we have the internet. It doesn’t take much to get a good sound everywhere. Hiphop has gained more acceptance in Africa so in a few years time, i expect my sound to go beyond Africa.
THANK YOU FOR COMING AROUND
Thank you for having me
Click on the link below to download the songs
Precious Chukwuwa
