Uche Barry Nwachukwu, also known as Savage Xtra, is an up-and-coming Nigerian artiste. Penultimate Saturday, he held a listening party at Hard Rock Cafe at Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, for his second album, ‘Young, Blessed and Dangerous’, comprising 14 tracks.
In this interview with TONY OKUYEME, the Imo State-born music sensation and Alta Confianza Records boss, talks about the inspiration behind it, his passion for Afrobeat, the idea behind “Dangerous,” and other issues
What informed you going into music?
I am from a place called Oyibo in Rivers State. So, any way is a way for us for that side. And, growing up, I saw that music is something that I like. And luckily, I got one producer that time when they came to our area and opened one new studio.
As e open am ehn, then I was still hustling. So when I get paid, I record little by little. But long story short, I didn’t make money from there.
So after my schooling, I started looking for a job. At some point, I decided to go back to my first love which was music. So I decided to give it another try. By the special grace of God, this is my second studio album, and it is called ‘Young Blessed and Dangerous’. That is why we are here.
What is unique about this album?
Actually, this one was made from a place of when you get to that point in your life where you’re left with nothing. After trying everything you thought was amazing. And then you realize that it’s just like a mantra. It keeps calling you.
So, I got to that point in my life where I realised that the only time progress was happening was when I was trying to move with my music.
If I try to move without my music, it doesn’t proceed. Immediately I put music into the movement, things pick up. So, I said okay, this is the work God wants me to do.
Why Dangerous?
What’s dangerous about you? Religious Fela, also known as Savage Xtra is dangerous because you cannot see a full-grown man, six feet tall, and say he’s not dangerous.
And I come from a place where if you are not gallant and dangerous, it’s tough for you. So, my only approach is to be dangerous in most cases, just to get my way through.
What do we expect from the album and how many tracks are in it?
You should expect greatness from this album. It has 14 tracks. Seven of them are solo tracks while the other seven have features from other artists. Some of the tracks in the album include; ‘Blessings’, ‘Daily Prayers’, ‘Sanko’, ‘Nightmares’, ‘Feel My Legs I Pray’, ‘Delilah’…
Did you feature any known artists?
For me, I’m an up-and-coming artist. I’m also taking my pace easy. But so far, I have people I love and respect. But also, their sound, I can assure you that when you hear it, it is amazing.
They might not be so big, but to me, they are big. There are amazing artists on the project and I’m very sure when you listen to their sound, you must definitely connect.
What kind of music do you do?
I think I’m an Afrobeats artiste. That’s what I just want to be because it’s easy for me to be an Afrobeats artiste; telling my story in a very Naija way is easy for me.
Tell us the story of your journey
I’ve been doing this for five years, that is, since 2019, nonstop. I’ve been on my grind. This is your first time meeting me here, but trust me, I’ve been putting in work every day. It’s not easy for me, but so far, it looks like I’m making sense of what I’m trying to do.
Given the level Nigerian music has gone globally, where do you want to find yourself?
At the top. I just want to be the artist that anybody can call me and reach out to me. I want to be that artiste who is accessible with his craft. I don’t want to be, you know, moving sideways with my crafts in the industry.
I want a situation where anyone can call me and say Savage Xtra, I need a verse. I don’t have to be as big as other people want. I need people who will look at me and understand that this is great at speaking.
And if you are not doing music, what else do you do?
Managing other musicians, because I love the entertainment industry. So, if I were not doing music, I would also do management.
Do you have your own label?
Yes, I have my own label called Alter Confianza Records. Alter Confianza means high confidence in Spanish. My mom is here right now. She just came to Lagos because of my music.
So it’s a family thing. Everybody’s involved. I’m loved by my family and I’m not a wayward child. So whatever I do, they always want to support me because they know that there’s a vision behind it.
Do you think you have what it takes to survive in the Nigerian music industry?
It’s been a long journey. So if we are here right now, then trust me, we are almost done with what I’m starting. I’m going to the next level, trust me. It has been five years of consistency and I’m still going. I don’t know if I look like someone tired, I don’t think I’m tired yet.
Why have you not been able to make it?
I’ve made it. For me, I’ve made it. This is my second studio album and this is my first time performing in Lagos. I just finished my second concert called OY to the World Carnival.
It’s a free concert. We hosted over 7,000 people. So if all those people have come out of my hood to support me, that means I have what it takes to go to the next level.
And I’m not worried because I’ve not even gone to the places where I should get to like this is my first time in Lagos. It’s not like I’ve been here, and they don’t like me. So let me try, after tonight, if it doesn’t work then I might be able to see. But let’s see how it goes.
What makes you different from other artists?
Religious Fela is spiritual. Religious Fela is hardworking. Religious Fela is real. My music is original, you know, and I am not looking to copy anybody, I’m trying to come up with my own style
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