I make music that is relevant—Cobhams Asuquo

He is one of Nigeria’s best producer who has sown into many top entertainers life by adding production values to their songs. Born Cobhams Asuquo, is a visually impaired Nigerian musician, producer, and songwriter who has for sure changed the notion that there is indeed ability in disability. Cobhams is the CEO/ Head of Productions of CAMP (Cobhams Asuquo Music Productions) which is currently representing himself, Bez Idakula and Stan Iyke. He was responsible for Aşa‘s highly acclaimed international album ASA and has been mentioned on many artists’ sleeve credits as producer and writer. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, the versatile and talented producer reveals his love for music, thought on the missing Chibok girls to mention but few.

Why did you decide to be part of the One Africa Music Festival?

Because I don’t know anyone in their right mind who will see something as laudable, as commendable, as important in the history of our music as this, as important in our history as a people as this, that will not lend a voice or put their way behind this. This is pioneering a movement, it is opening the flood gate for things of this sort, the interaction, the conversation between Africa and the rest of the world on musical level on a high level, it’s moving that conversation to another level and so I think it does you good to actually be a part of it, it’s humbling, it is an honour, it is real, the experience, to actually be a part of this at this time. So that’s exactly why I’m part of this.

You spoke passionately about the Bring Back Ours girls issue at a time when people have actually forgotten it, some people as saying it was a scam, is it a personal experience or do you have somebody involved?

I don’t have somebody that was directly involved, I think that is one of our problem. I think we have individualistic approach to a lot of things which is why there is a disconnect between the average man and the government, there is a disconnect between the average man and the policies that are being made to run our lives as people. These are real people, these are real cousins, sisters, mothers-to-be, aunties, loved ones, daughters, who have been taken away from their family without good reasons, there can never be a good reason for the experience and how long it takes it never diminishes the importance of the situation, the need to do something about  it, the urgency of the situation  and so I think it is a conversation we need to continue to have as a people and what better time to have that conversation than when the world is watching and we have an opportunity to say something to the world, you know to say look, however this needs to happen, let it happen, our girls are not forgotten and as a people, as Africans, as Nigerians, we want them all back.

These days you have delved into singing than producing; Is Cobhams going the commercial way

I don’t think, it is not a question of the commercial way or otherwise. I think I make music that is relevant, I make music that is… music is art and it finds expression in various means and to be able to collaborate with Falz for me was just a thing of personal joy, and in order to get a message across, especially to his audience. It is important to create music that is relevant and relevant to the Nigerian whose issues we speak to. I don’t know whether it is not a question of going commercial or not going commercial. Do you like the music? I’m asking you? Great, so I think that is reason enough to put it out if it is great music, so I’m off for great music. I don’t discriminate so it is not about whether it is commercial or not commercial. I’m off for great music and that is what I’m going to make as a producer and a performing artist.

You have partially conquered the music industry, what are some of the unturned stones you think are remaining?

Hmm… I don’t believe I have conquered the music industry. Personally I feel like my career has just started. I have been making music as a producer but I also have the ability to perform as a performing artist and hmmm no matter how much the in-roles I must have made as a producer how much there’s still a lot to do as performing artist and I’m literally starting out, I think of myself as I’m starting from the scratch as a performing artist. So I’m giving it my sweat, blood and tears and I’m really excited about it and I can see good results and people responses. So I don’t exactly think that I have conquered the music industry. I think I’m proud of an industry that has been very good to me and I’m happy to be giving more than I have given in the last 16 years or so to this industry. I’m really excited for evolving in the industry.

What influenced you to become a performing artist?

I have always had the ability to perform but I don’t know, maybe I doubted it, that is a maybe, maybe I you know… you should allow yourself do the many things that you have been gifted to do. This is me doing one of the many things I feel God has gifted me with. I have done music production and I’ll continue to produce on some levels even though I have kind of stepped back…hmm…. because there are obviously a pectoral of amazing producers out there who deserve the fore. I think this is me just showing a gift that I have been freely given by God. I’m so blessed to be saying this at this time of my life. There are many I’m going to do as we progress.

Are we going to see you featuring in movies?

(Laughs) watch out for it.