Nigerian Music Industry is a "Dog eat Dog world" - RAYCE

Edo State born Afrofusion singer Rayce has monster hits such as Roll, Jack Sparrow, Wetin Dey, Tete la and a host of other popular hits under his belt. Love him or loathe him, Rayce is respected when it comes to blessing eardrums with anthems that cause a frenzy on any dancefloor regardless if they are played at the banks of lagoons in Yenagoa or the deserts in Sambisa Forest. He also doubles as a monster on the console with the moniker ‘Admire on the Beats’’. It’s a well-known fact that Rayce is not a flash in the plan, he let us into his world again as he gifts his teeming fans his sophomore body of works following the release of DCMR Mixtape released in the year 2015. Excerpts:

How is it going down with Rayce at the moment?

It’s a pleasure to be here again in this reputable media house, let me start by saying life has been good with your boy Rayce, scandal of baby mama and record label brouhaha has become a thing of the past and I am glad with the response I am getting from my esteemed fans with regards the new body of work titled ‘’Erection’’. It’s a 7 tracker EP with a couple of previously released songs like ‘’Rotay’’ and ‘’Like You’’.

This is just a way to appreciate the fans for the love thus far, a lot of effort into the project with my team; you know I just signed a new business management deal with music publishing firm Playmode Music.

WHY THE TITLE ERECTION?

It has a whole lot to do with the creative direction of this project, Erection EP is meant to wet the fans appetite, its serving the music how the fans want it, a music they can vibe to and enjoy. Not every time conscious music, The focus of the EP is to ease stress by causing a distraction from the so many troubles people are going, talks about things to get away from the everyday stress, from buzz, ladies, sex  and all other elements that points in the direction of erection.

Who are the people you worked with on the project?

Well, I worked majorly with my in-house producers like Life of Jambo, Aviks and Ploops Production; I just decide to give the new guys a chance to prove themselves too. You know I produce most of my previous hit songs under the moniker ‘’Admire on the beat“.

You had a monster hit with ‘’Wetin Dey Remix’’ alongside Davido, what led to your incomprehensible style of always disappearing off the music radar a number of time?

First of all, I will like to say I am deeply sorry for always doing this. It’s usually caused by situations beyond my control. Who loves disappearing when the ovation is at its loudest?

It has always been unfortunate issues of people I always work with, I wouldn’t like to go into details please, but I thrive in a Dog eat Dog world. My fans should please bear with me, things are different now. You people should please accept my sincere apologies. I have done this a number of times but I am more mature now when it comes to dealing with the devils in the game so try not to blame the player, blame the game.

Rumour has it that you don’t like collaborating with other artistes, how true is this?

Honestly, that’s a very wrong perception, have heard these allegations in number of places. Like I alwayssaid, it has always been the people that I have been working with. I am not the one who usually exchanges correspondences with the media or interact officially with industry practitioners. It is thework of the management team. I am not the one who gives insurmountable conditions on charges exorbitant rates to get featured. All these are alien to my knowledge. I featured Seyi Shay and M.I Abaga in my DCMR album and Davido added fire to Wetin Dey Remix so I am available for features abeg.

How did you get Davido on Wetin Dey Remix?

It was just the work of God, Wetin Dey was a priority track off my DCMR Mixtape and to Jesus be the glory, it was doing moderately fine on the charts and I was on a nationwide tour with GT Bank then. I got a new record deal and Davido happened to be a lover of the song so when we reached out to him, he was like ‘’let’s make a hit’’ and true to his words Wetin Dey Remix blew up like a cyclone when it was released.

What is next after the Erection EP?

Me and Playmode Music have lots of well-thought out activities laid down to be executed in due course. You will be seeing more of Rayce at where and when it matters. I will be jumping on lots of collaborations, headlining major shows and appearances and above all, I will be headlining my first official concert, Live and Wavy on the 25^th October and will embark on a 7 city African tour before dropping a full scale album in 2020.

Any advice for new cats coming into the industry?

First of all, master the art of music making first but above all, have a great knowledge of how the music industry works especially the business sides of it for you to avoid stories that touch.

Don’t rush to sign that contract, get a good lawyer to look at the details to forestall you signing away your sweat and future. The music industry is full of wolves in sheep’s clothing.They come to you like they have good intentions; at the back of their mind is how to rip you off. From record label executives, to managers, to music publishing firms, on-air-personalities, DJs and many others although there are quite some good lads in the industry, but there are also a whole lot of Vampires, raise a team and get mentored by one of the good guys in the game. I have had my fair share of bites from snakes in the game so don’t dull.

Get a good education, trust few or I will advise, you start out with friends that believe and ready to climb up the ladder with you, trusted ones who are ready to learn as you people are growing, though lots of mistakes will be made along the way as you are progressing.