The name May D, though not obscure because of his single singles Cool Temper and Sound Track in 2011, his romance with the award-winning singing duo, PSquare, did him a world of good. After featuring on PSquare’s Invasion Album, a collaborating on Chop My Money, the rest, like they say, is history. Having parted ways with his former label, Square Records, he speaks with MERCY MICHAEL, on his experiences with Square Records, fatherhood, among other things.
What is fatherhood like? Fatherhood is something I’m just getting into. I’m getting to know what it is; so if I tell you what it is like, I’ll just be lying to you. I’m still learning.
Do you ever find to spend some moment with him?
I’m always with my son; when I’m not singing or on stage performing, I’m with my son.
We can’t be talking about your son and not talk about marriage. When are you altar bound?
Haa..I don’t know yet. But very soon I will let you know when I’m set for marriage.
People thought that after Square Records that you would probably not be able to get back on your feet…
I thank God that didn’t happen. I’ve been waxing strong by the grace of God. I have my own record label now.
Yes, why a record label so soon?
Basically, there is no time now and it was not so soon, it was around this time last year. My reason for having a record label was just to get an organised body to handle my music business. It’s no more a joke. It’s something I’m making money from, so why don’t I just establish myself, get a label that will keep record of what is happening. Music is serious business. It involves a whole lot of things. You can’t do it all alone. You need people.
But, why didn’t you sign onto another label after you left Square Records; instead you came up with your own?
I would have signed a deal when I fell out with Square Records because I had a whole lot of offers from too many people. I can’t count but why I decided to just stay on my own was because why would I leave one of the biggest acts in Africa and then decide to go with just anyone. So I just decided to stand up on my own, you get it? I guess there is something about me that I don’t know that people are seeing in me; that I don’t know, so let me try and find it.
Tell us the experience with Square Records and what lessons did you learn?
Basically, I learnt a lot because they have been in the game for a while before I joined them and I appreciate everything. I thank God for everything. It was an experience. It was a good experience at the end of the day because I know where I came from. And everything as it was going. You know I was working and I was getting what I deserved. So, I’m always going to be thankful to God for that experience.
What is your relationship with them?
They are my friends. They’ve always been my friends.
Those of us that know you started music way back, do you think it has taken quite a long time to get to where you are now?
Actually it took long but at the end of the day I would say God’s time is the best. I started as a dancer in my secondary school, Kings’ College, Lagos. When I got into the University, Unilag, I started music and even though it was tough, I persevered. There were ups and downs, but after several years things took better shape and here I am today, by God’s grace.
What’s has been the gain and pain of fame for you so far?
So many things and it has also deprived me of so many things.
One major thing it has deprived you off…
It happened only yesterday. I travelled for a show, when I got back to Nigeria, I was driving with some of my friends that came with me and then one of them was like menh, me I go just stop by for here, arrange myself, chop because this food go bad. Immediately he said that, I was like make we go but almost at the same time I remembered that I couldn’t just walk in there with him. I couldn’t do it. That’s just one of the things you miss. You miss crossing the road, taking over head bridge – things like that.
So how do you handle female attention?
It didn’t just start today; it started back in secondary school so it’s been a normal thing for me back from when I was a kid. So it’s not a new thing. But basically I just go with the flow; however it comes you just take it, you know. Sometimes when you are busy you have to let them know you are busy. That is just how it is. But for those female fans who really want something with me, they are free, I will give it to you, sound track (laughs).
What is it you have in the pipeline?
My album is out already. It’s titled Chapter One
Yes, the 20-track album. Which one in particular is dear to you the most?
The track that’s dear to heart is track one, Story Of Life.
What’s the story behind it?
Basically, it’s just a brief summary of my life. If you really understand what I’m saying you will know where I’m coming from. But basically, it’s just an inspiring song; saying you can make it. It’s just the story of life, how life is but at the end of the day na God sure pass. If you have a hustle, hold on to your hustle.
How do you get inspired?
I get inspired first of all by God. God inspires me. If I have the assurance I’m going to wake up the next day, that is an inspiration to do anything. So first of all it’s God. And secondly, people around me; women inspire me, my friends inspire me, anyone can inspire me. Like you now, you can inspire me. It depends.
What do you do for past time?
Right now I’m full time into music.
How do you unwind?
I love to hang out with my old time friends, not new friends.
You are going to London for Crack Ya Ribs. How do you intend to wow your fans?
Basically I don’t think I have had a show in London before. This is my first show in London apart from when I was with PSquare. I’m just going to say they should expect the best from me.
Did you have your parents support to do music in the beginning?
Yes, right from when I was dancing in secondary school, they’ve always been supportive. They never wanted me to do any shady stuff to get my breakthrough. They’ve always been supporting me in my music.
Any advice for burgeoning talents?
I’m just going to say: stay focused. Be true to yourself because you can’t lie to yourself. You can lie to people but please be true to your own self. And the last one is believe in your God, because na God sure pass. Consistency is what defines everybody’s dreams like I always say. What started like a joke ten years ago, today it’s now a reality. Music was a passion but I didn’t let it lie low, more so I knew I didn’t want to do a 9-to-5 job, so I had to put all my energy into it. God saw my toiling and he made a way for me. Today, I am where I am but if you ask me I have not even started. The moment you start to think you have arrived, that moment you start to die a slow death musically. I thank God for where I am but the best is yet to come. Challenges will come, but stay focused.
What’s your take on the music industry?
The Nigerian music industry right now is hot and only the strong can survive. Strong in the sense that you need to keep being creative or else you have no place in it. That is why I say I’ve not even started.
