Meet Ajay Rock, Nigerian rapper seeking to change the world with music
By Victor Akuma
Ewurum John, young Nigerian rapper better known as Ajay Rock, is a man on a mission.
Growing up listening to global music heavyweights such as Kendrick Lamar, Drake and J. Cole; Ajay Rock is gunning to bring uniqueness into the Nigerian music industry with his brand.
The “Redemption” crooner has continued to pull the strings with series of works including recent release of his Extended Play (EP) titled “Red Bull”.
His impressive run has seen him featured on several media platforms for interviews including Silverbird Television.
In this exclusive interview with CRISPNG’s VICTOR AKUMA, Ajay Rock — currently a student of Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) — talks about his foray into music, dreams, challenges among others.
1. When did you started music officially?
I started my professional career in 2015. Before then however, I have been exposed to lots of hip-hop songs from the West, I loved flowing with the artistes’ raps and that helped me build the nature of my own songs.
2. What prompted you to do music?
Basically I’m extremely introverted. Music was my escape, it was my only tool of expressing myself as well as creating an impact to people out there.
3. How many albums and singles have you released so far in your music career?
I have released just an EP, prior to that I have got six songs released already before dropping the EP that consists just five songs.
4. What type of music do you do and why?
I do Trap/Rap. I do this genre because I always want to do something different, unique and creative, I like being unpredictable. I know and believe my fans are out there waiting patiently for me to blow up.
5. Talking about fans, what is your fan base like?
For a start, I think it’s average owing to the much love shown me by my homies here at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. But I still need to attract more attention especially outside.
6. What kind of music do you listen to and who is your source of motivation in the music industry?
I love Foreign musics created by the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Drake and J. Cole. These guys are really good in the kind of music they do and I love the flow of their raps.
7. What do you have to say about Nigerian artistes?
We are really doing good and representing the culture well but I will like Nigerian artistes to be real and genuine with their music. They should sing from the heart. Songs like that last longer in the ears of the listeners.
8. Do you think upcoming artistes in the country are treated as they should?
Honestly, being an upcoming artistes it’s not easy. Sometimes, even your friends don’t even show genuine support, but they find it easier to famz blown artistes which is quite disheartening.
But my advice to all upcoming artistes is to keep pushing for a breakthrough and watch how strangers will bow to them.
9. Do you have any single or album coming up soon?
I recently dropped an EP but I have got a new single coming through
10. What is your advice to your fans and others who probably are not supporting young talents?
Keep supporting young brands around you, it pays more than the celebrities you famz that don’t know you.
To support this young blood in streaming some songs in his latest EP titled ‘Red Bull,’ follow the following link: https://audiomack.com/album/ajay-rock/red-bull-4
