Why I want to be different from Phyno Pino - Ab-Kapon
Chukwu Chibike James popularly known as Ab-Kapon is a Kanobased Igbo hip-hop young artist currently making waves in the state music industry. In this interview, the artiste talks about his mission and vision in the industry.
How do you manage engineering work with your musical career?
Sure it may sound complicated, but it isn’t; it all depends on how one planned the way he or she utilises and manages time. I have a well-planned schedule that allows me do one thing at a time. This is why I am able to manage both important things in my life without much ado.
How did you get into music and why Igbo hip-hop?
This is what I love doing; music is just something in me. I believe I have a lot to offer through the use of my mother tongue and that is why I am singing in Igbo language.
However, when I started people began to refer to me as the famous Igbo Phyno Pino. I used to feel discouraged because I want to be me not an imitation. That is why I am working day and night to see that I have created an image for myself quite different from Phyno Pino. I am currently working on my video and that I believe will answer the question of who really is Ab-Kapon.
Do you have the intend moving to Lagos where they say artiste usually make it big?
No, my intention is to bring Lagos to Kano with my kind of music. I want to show the world that there are a lot of talents in Kano; I want to prove to the world the good side of expanding one’s horizon and to explore other avenues present in virtually all angles of the federation.
My kind of music symbolises peace and unity and using local dialect in singing gives one a strong sense of belonging. Therefore, being in Kano simply means doing something different that will attract others to all the good things that Kano State offers.
Don’t you think singing in Igbo and in Kano possess a lot of challenges?
It does, but as I have said earlier, I am doing something different; my first video was a mixture of Yoruba and Igbo and also I have done a lot of collaboration songs with Hausa hip-hop artiste in Kano State. It will interest you to know that, these songs have made waves and also enjoy a huge airplay in the state and its environs.
Where do you see yourself in the music entertainment world?
I am aiming to go higher; what I mean is I am planning to go international. I write all my songs and my music as I got to know gives a lot of inspiration to a lot of many people. I have been nominated for a lot of awards though I have not won any yet.
What would be your advice to Nigerian youth?
My advice is going to be as simple as this, ‘Don’t do drugs and stay focused.