Vic O is a Nigerian rap phenomenon who first drew our attention in 2012 when he dropped a single, Why Evils. The single was met with incredulity from Nigerians on social media; an incredulity heightened by the seemingly seriousness with which the ‘established’ star was promoted for a song that came across as more of a parody than anything else. The Italy based Nigerian artist is probably one of the biggest names on twitter right now as he has been able to garner over 5000 retweets enabling him trend his songs and personality every time he hits the social media. Fans might think they have heard it all from Vic-O but in this exclusive interview with City People Reporter, MABIFA KONYISOLA, he opened up more than his usual self. Enjoy exclusive details of Vic-O from a whole angle you never imagined.
How did music start for you?
Well, music has been part of me since I was a kid. I started recording my music 2007 in Italy and I released my first album 2008 titled: (I give everything around me), and the videos dropped 2010; it wasn’t easy anyway but I got what I wanted so that’s it.
Can you tell us about your growing up and where you grew up?
Yeah… I grew up in Cross River and Delta. My growing up was fantastic because my parents gave me everything and the love that I needed.
Why did you choose to do rap?
Because Rap music speaks for the streets and freedom, and stands for facts. And I do hip hop/rap, R&B.
Tell us about your educational background.
My primary school was in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River state… The primary school called – Orimekpang Primary school and my secondary school was in Warri Delta State, Ogbe Secondary School.
Apart from music, what other things do you do?
Well, I import goods from Italy to Nigeria.
Who are your mentors or role models in this profession/industry?
R-Kelly, 2Pac, Eminem, Nelly T, 50Cent, Don Jazzy, Wale, Snoop Dogg.
How many songs do you have to your credit now?
35.
Which of your songs gave you your big break into the industry?
Rockstar, trapped in me, I give everything around me, I saw a girl, after party, Drake and MeekMill diss, I like pretty girls.
What has been your staying power?
My fans and Almighty God.
What inspired you to do your “hello” cover and do you know that it’s one of the most Downloaded covers?
(laughs)… Yeah, my fans inspired me…
How do you feel when people criticize you on social media?
I feel great, because I knew it will come to that, those are some of my strategies to achieve.
Why has the criticisms not made you stop music?
Hmm… Never… haters can’t never stop me from shining and making my money, because i know what I’m looking for, and I’m getting it.
How did you feel when Don Jazzy, MI and some other artistes said good things about you on social media?
Well, each time I notice that, I feel good, and I believe they see greatness in me,
and I’m very impressed with them.
Has it ever gotten to a point where you got tired of everything and wanted to stop music?
(Laughs)…No… Everyday, I feel great about what I’m doing and thinking about new ideas that will break the internet again
Do you have plans to stop music anytime soon?
As far as life goes on, I will always do music for generations upon generations because music is me.
What keeps you going after all the tweets from your haters?
My fans.
How did you feel when you saw the Headies nominations list and your name wasn’t there?
Well, that I noticed that politics they played on me but Headies or not, I keep moving, and looking forward.
Should we be expecting any international collaboration from you soon?
Yeah, Earlier this year, I did a song titled “she carry” with Baba Segz an artist based in the United Kingdom.
What are you working on at the moment and when should we be expecting your album?
Well, I have 3 Albums, first titled: I give everything around me, Second: Matthew 7.7. Third: Feel VIC.O. But I’m planing to drop everything together in Nigeria and it will be called: BEST OF VIC.O.
What do you think about Headies 2015?
Well as for the headies, I have no comment really.. Goodluck to them in their future endeavors.
What is the cause of the beef between you and Falz the bad guy?
There is actually no beef really, Falz and I are not mates so I can’t consider it beef.. Falz is my small boy, he is an upcoming artist who is now making small waves and thinks he could disrespect me on national TV so I had to put him in check.
According to your judgement, who should have won the Headies Next Rated? Reekado Banks or Lil Kesh?
I believe my artist Baba Segz or Odinga should have won it
When would you feature a known or recognized foreign artist?
I have done that already, For trapped in me I featured 2 American guys on the remix and on “she carry” I featured Baba Segz from the Uk before I signed him
Which Nigerian Female Celebrity do you have a crush on?
I use to crush on Tonto Dikeh until she got married.
Can you tell me about how music started for you, how was the hustle like then?
Well I got inspired by artist like 2pac and 50 cent, Then I realised that I could do the same And decided to hit the studio.
What should we be expecting from you and your guys?
Watch out for my video she carry featuring Baba Segz dropping this month. Odinga’s new single “Asuegbe” dropping this month also VIC O MPL RECORDS is about to take over Nigeria.
EmoticonEmoticon