In the eyes of many, Gabriel Amanyi, popularly known as Terry G, is an eccentric. But there is much more to him than his seeming weird lifestyle. At the moment, he is currently involved in a lot of projects that are dear to his heart. In this recent encounter with DUPE AYINLA-OLASUNKANMI, he talks about a number of interesting issues, including his involvement in a new talent hunt contest and fatherhood.
WHAT is your level of involvement in the Street Champ project?
I always love to give opportunities to new talents. So, it is the kind of things I get involved in. At the end of the day, there is always the feeling that I did the right thing by bringing hope to someone’s dream.
As a busy person, how do you intend to mentor these young champs?
It is all about time. We have done the press conference now to make the idea behind the project known. So, the next will be the date when the auditioning will be taking place. But I have to travel for my own engagement too. So, it is all about proper planning and understanding.
I can see you are wearing a new look today. Could you explain the reason for this?
It could be because you have not seen me, apart from my music. Terry G is different from Gabriel Amanyi. It is all about showbiz; I just do Terry G to make money.
Does this have anything with your new status as a father?
Yes, it has to do with my background too. I grew up in a God-fearing background. When I am home, I am a different person from when I am on stage.
But your style doesn’t seem to be in sync with your background?
Yes. However, you don’t judge a book by its cover. At other time, you just find yourself in a position that you can’t take away. I used to do good music back in the days; but now, I just do entertainment for the people. But I have been able to diversify the two personalities.
What happened to your group, House of Ginjah?
Let me say I was not capable enough to carry the group. Considering what groups cause in the entertainment world today, I just felt it was not the right time.
Did you form the group because others were doing it at that time?
No. This is how the group started. When you have friends and families that need you to help them with their dreams, the only way you can help is to try to bring them together. That was what I did at that time.
Recently, you started the pure water business…
In two months’ time, the NAFDAC number will be out and we can clearly go into the market system fully. We have done the necessary things like test-run and verification. But what is holding us back now is just the NAFDAC number. I want everything to be properly done. Apart from the pure water business, I am working towards other projects like the bakery and block-making factory. Also, I will be venturing into energy drink soon.”
Why pure water business?
I checked online and found out that, out of all the successful business we have, the water business is the most successful because no one can do without it.
When are you releasing another album?
That will be in five year’s time. Presently, I do not have any plans to release an album. I will be in your face doing other entertainment stuff, but I do not wish to release any album now because it does not make sense to me now. However, I will be releasing my singles, as I have been doing in recent times.
Why?
As I said earlier, I will still be on your face and be giving you singles. The reason I said this is because the Internet has taken over now. Everyone can go on the Internet and get any song he or she wants. So, getting to the CD will take time to end process. How many people want to buy? If they do, they burn it on the system and that is it. So, the Internet has made everything easy and accessible, meaning the market of CDs is dead.
Are you saying the Internet has done more harm than good to the music industry?
No, I am not saying that. It has done us good. What I am saying is that, it is faster than CD. What they need is just for you to give them good music and it is everywhere. It has done real good to the industry and I am sorry for the marketers.
At the moment, almost all the stars are brand ambassadors. So, why have you not got any brand endorsement?
These are the reasons you know. They say your past will haunt you (Laughs). Maybe I should say I have been unlucky. But I thank God, in spite of it all. I don’t really think about it. It is just on such a period as this when the question pops up that I get to think about it. Anyway, when I started, I had so many issues and controversies. Then, when I really started to make impact in the industry, there were so many distractions. So, I feel my past is part of the reasons for the layback, but I have started endorsing myself.
You mentioned good music from entertainment. Could you explain better?
The market is what we are looking at. All that you are doing is for the people. You are not doing the music or songs for yourself. For instance, the winner in this contest that we are trying to do now will be determined by the street.
Before I bring out any hit song, I go to the street to study what people are saying and enjoying at that time. Nko ti awo eyan so, ni emi nko (it is what people are saying that I sing about). That is how I get the slangs that I use in my songs. It is not about love and girls.
Taking about love, has it affected the way you now relate to your female fans?
Yes, you are right. I think I am mature now. I was not patient before and I thought everything was sharp, sharp. I have now learnt that everything is a process. In other words, you have to be patient to observe and be patient to get anything you want.
Are you actually married?
No, but you should be expecting that.
You are so much in love with your son the way you flaunt him all over the place. Could the same thing be said about his mother and when do you intend to tie the knot?
By God’s grace, we are making plans for that and when it is time we will let you know. But expect baby number two before that.
What is new about Terry G?
Now, I have a child and I’m a father. He has given me a new life as a father. This has made me to see the other side of life. It has put me in my right place because when you are thinking about tomorrow, you will want to be more responsible. His birth has helped me a lot and even helped me to stay away from the negative things in life. Also, I’m now focusing on my brand to make it accessible, while trying to shoot musical videos.
You have been keeping a low profile in recent times, what is happening to you?
It’s just that it gets to a level where maturity comes in and you just have to slow down on some things, unlike when you were still a teenager. So, now that one is mature, those things one indulges in have become distractions .I became responsible since I had my kid. Now, music is no more a pleasure, but a business for me.
How are you coping with fatherhood?
It has been fun and I think I am now cool. It has given me the chance to relax and think of a positive life as a father. It has helped me to scare away negative friends, among other advantages.
