Nigerian talented hitmaker, Mrakpo Thomas Ovie popularly known as Eli Marliq has revealed that his latest single “J Town” was born out of his triumphant journey as a child in Otu Jeremi, Delta State.
The Delta State indigene was inspired by his hood, where he grew up, adding that he chose to adopt his growing up experience as a yardstick to talk about his life and hurdles in Otu Jeremi, Delta State.
The multi-talented singer who is an aborigine of Otu Jeremi started his musical career in the church like most artists. His musical performances in churches earned him awards and recognition as a rap and freestyle artist and it also helped in improving his musical skills.
“J Town is where I come from, so growing up there has left such an impact on me. So the song is just me telling the world about Otu Jeremi and the struggles I faced as a youth growing up,” he said.
In 2009, Marliq recorded his first demo in the studio but according to him, he owns up his musical career professionally in 2019 despite his parents’ disapproval of his choice of career.
Being the only child and the last born of a Christian family, Marliq grew up listening to veteran Nigerian artists who are the driving force behind his musical journey.
“Growing up I listened to lots of Timaya, D’banj, Faze, Daddy Showkey, Stereoman, Oriste Femi, Danfo Drivers amongst many others.”
The political science university graduate administered and gave kudos to the Nigerian musicians for playing a big role that fast-rising musicians are now benefiting from.
Marliq attended Busola Primary School in Oworonshoki Lagos, before switching to Gulf Flower High School.
On his university education, Marliq said he studied Political Science in Madonna University in Okiia before switching to Tansian University to complete his university education.