Give us a take on how these guys affected your playing

I have studied Clifford Brown and Nathaniel over 10 years and I picked up techniques, improvisational approaches and melodic/ harmonic sense.

How do their works inspire you or push you in new direction?

Their works are like foundations on which I built and then diversify into the inspirations I have.

You seem like thoroughly modern jazz musician- coming at music from so many different angles. Besides, your writing scores for movies and the jazz performance, what are the other parts to making ends meet as an uncompromising modern jazz player?

I must first say that being a musician is a great experience. I make ends meet from directing music and teaching choirs of churches, studio recordings and from teaching music.

What does it feel like living with the trumpet?

With the trumpet, I have met some many people and I have also been to places. All thanks to the Almighty.

Engineers that don't work with horn players much often don't understand the difficulties or the techniques for getting a great sound. I understand that you have strong feelings about how people mic your horn. How do you balance your sound?

This is a very technical question. Well, sound as a medium of music is what determines how appealing an instrument is. Every instrument has its own sound and with this knowledge I make sure every amplification doesn't take away the natural sound, which is what is tweaked a little here and there.

You have toured with many artistes, what was it like touring with these groups and what challenges did you have staying in shape as a Christian?

Touring is fun and every great musician look forward to it. I toured with Lagbaja, Asa, Sunny Neji, Mike Aremu and Sotiris Papadopoulous.