Rap artiste, Terry Terhemba Madaki, also known as Terry Tha Rapman, came into the music industry in 2002. The rapper speaks with JOAN OMIONAWELE on his brand of music, childhood days and more. Excerpts.
Why did you go into music?
I always loved music as a child, my parents loved music a lot, so they played a lot of music in the house. I had a talent for rapping back in secondary school, people kept telling me I would do good as an artiste, so with time, I started feeling so.
Tell us a little about your childhood and growing up years?
I was born in Kano State but was raised in Kaduna State. We weren’t exactly poor, but not rich. Then there was the middle class, my parents had jobs that helped put food on the table and enough to pay our school fees. The neighbourhood was rough, so once in a while, I would get into trouble hanging around with the wrong kids, but I had God- fearing parents, so I was balanced.
What’s your educational background?
I had my Nusery/Primary school at Airforce Primary Schools, Kano and Kaduna states and my secondary education in Federal Government College, Minna and Kaduna. I have a National Diploma in Mass Communications from the Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna.
How did you find yourself in music?
I did a lot of performances at talent shows, club gigs and events in Kaduna till a childhood friend Sixfootplus who was already signed to a record label in Abuja helped me get signed as well. The rest is history.
What are your thoughts about the music industry?
It’s growing and it will still grow, it’s even moving faster now than back then. It’s good and would keep getting better!
You once blasted the people who came up with a top 10 rappers list without your name on the list, why did that affect you?
Well, first of all, I don’t feel I blasted anyone, I just stated facts. A music website came up with a list based on how they felt. I voiced out my displeasure because I felt when you use words like ‘gifted’ you are talking about content. If it was top ten hottest or richest, maybe those listed were fit for the list, but a gifted rappers list without Terry tha Rapman doesn’t make sense!
What does it take to be the best rapper in Nigeria?
Lyrical content and how much it has affected people in Nigeria, achievements. Also, your popularity and artistes/fans you have influenced count too.
Let’s talk about your most memorable moment on stage?
Winning best Rap single for Sample Remix at the Headies Awards.
And your most embarrassing moment?
I forgot the lyrics to a song while performing with a live band, I had to chop mouth and freestyle the rest.
What projects have you been up to lately?
I featured in Charles Novia’s movie entitled; ‘Alan Poza’ and I also did the original soundtrack, I was on 2face’s album, ‘Away & Beyond’ This year, I dropped new singles entitled; ‘Testing 1,2’ and ‘Fans Mi’, featuring Reminisce, Overdose and Pherowshuz.
Tell me one weird thing a female fan has done to get your attention?
I’ve had many situations but the worst would be a female fan I never met threatening another girl on social media for flirting with me. It was funny but serious!
What features do you look out for before you get attracted to a lady?
Apart from being God-fearing, she must be down to earth and honest. She also has to have a good sense of humour.
Tell us something no one knows about you?
If I tell you then it’s no more a secret now! Okay, contrary to what a lot of people think, I smile a lot but off camera.
Your greatest fear in life?
I only fear God. I used to be afraid of failure too, but I found out that in order to succeed, you must fail.
Can you date a fellow musician?
It depends. As much as I like my relationship private, if she understands this, why not? It depends on the type of woman she is.
Most expensive item in your wardrobe?
A 15-carat gold Invictus wristwatch, courtesy Watchlocker.
If you had the chance, what do you think you would change about yourself?
Nothing, I think I’m perfect.
What makes you different from other rappers?
Hmm. I’m super intelligent and I have better imagination.
What challenges are you facing in the industry?
The challenges range from piracy to bloggers writing stuff about me without researching and not getting royalties due to us .
Who are your role models in the industry?
I don’t think this generation has too many role models in entertainment, but I guess I will go with the late Fela and his son, Femi Kuti.
There was also a report that you had a thing with ex beauty queen, Muna, how true was that?
Muna and I were just close friends, she featured on my first album in 2007.
What’s your relationship with her now?
We still talk from time to time, we are just friends.
What’s your typical day like?
I’m an artiste, I don’t have any typical day unless I’m doing nothing, just chilling at home.
Do you have a celebrity crush..and who?
I have a crush on Genevieve, I told her some time ago when I spoke to her on phone through a mutual friend. I been vex when Dbanj kiss am for that video sha!
What is the funniest thing you have read about yourself in the news?
A blogger claimed that I got engaged to a lady,and even posted a picture of someone who looked like me kissing the lady.
When you feel the need to pamper yourself, what hangout spots do you patronise?
Any beach away from the city noise.
What other passion do you have aside music?
I’m a graphic artist, I love to draw cartoons and portraits.
Can you remember your first love?
Yes, I can remember her because she was my first heartbreak
What outfit can’t you be caught wearing?
I can’t be caught wearing very tight jeans
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done for love?
I’m not a very romantic person but I think the craziest would be sending my fans on facebook to beg my girlfriend when I offended her.
Musicians seem to be leaving their record label these days, as an insider in the music industry, what do you have to say about this?
It is a two way thing, the record label has to realise it needs the artistes and start making them feel appreciated and some artistes need to be a little patient and not rush to sign deals they would later regret.
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