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CHRISTIAN OCHE ELIAS (a.k.a kindx of the Repx) hails from Okpokwu local government area of Benue State. He is fluent in English, Hausa and his native Idoma. Second in a family of six and the first male born to late Mr. Elias Ameh & Mrs. Mariah, he was born in the 80s in Bauchi. He spoke with CHRISTY AROGUNJO. Excerpts:

ART & STYLE: When did you start singing?

I started so early that I can’t remember. I grew up singing so I believe it an in-born heritage from my mum who still sings in the church.

How did you come about your first song?

Well, I started writing songs 2003 after finishing my secondary education at General Hassan Usman Katsina Unity College, Bauchi, Bauchi State. At that time I was awaiting my result, and noticing the development in the Nigerian music industry, I first wrote a song titled “she say.” it’s a love song but I used western style of music and I was advised to do something more Nigerian.

What type of music do you sing?

I sing R & B type of music.

What is your message?

My message through music is life and truth. Life – what concerns you and me. Truth – nature (reality).

Why music?

Music because it is fun, togetherness, it is a talent that only the gifted deliver and music because I can do music.

Are you in a group or a solo artiste?

I started as a member of a group. Tony and I recorded four songs and four unvoiced sound tracks but then I decided to go solo before coming back to the group album project.

How many songs have you put out?

None yet because there’s always a process of doing everything and music is not exceptional. Test your songs at shows, know how acceptable they are and let people’s views lead you and always remember all you need is a hit track. Don’t forget, only people can determine your hit track.

How many shows have you featured in?

As to how many shows, too many because my executive producer, Dan Hausawa is always there to hook me up. I can only mention the few I enjoyed. Performing along X project, Azadus, Professor Linkin, Puffy T and some eminent Kaduna artistes like Dan Hausawa, Buzzu, Xwell, Tokurance and many others.

What are your likes and dislikes

My kind of person justifies what I like, I like fun, I want to be noticed, and carried along and I am too emotional. I dislike lies, don’t want to see tear and blood.

What is your ultimate goal?

My aim is to create a positive effect to live after me, contribute to restore the glory of my mother land and finally stand as an element of motivation to all Nigerian youths, if God so help me. Amen.

Did your parents object to your music career?

They did not. My dad is late, but my mum and the rest of the family were cut breathless. I had been into music before leaving home. So, they thought I was joking when I told them I do music in Kaduna. Recently, they heard my songs and they were proud of me, and also assured me of their support.

What is your source of inspiration?

God Almighty, the giver of talents (if hungry know man him go dis- cover his talent).

How many songs have you produced?

As to number of songs produced, I’ve done a minimum of an album containing my hit single: “My friends,” a song I wrote from experience, it’s mind-touching and goes with the message - life and truth.

What are the challenges in music?

Time, marketing and finance are the general problems confronting many Nigerian artistes today. As a result, many talents are dying in Nigeria because rich men give birth to inheritance while the poor give birth to talent. In Nigeria 85 per cent of the citizens live below the poverty line. Then, tell me how do we get to the promised land?

What’s your advice to fellow up-and-coming artistes?

If you don’t have it don’t try it. Some artistes today are into music to become celebrities and the fame attached to it. It is not bad to aspire to greatness and good things of life but be sure of the foundation on which you aspire. Let it be real and reliable. It is not about getting there but remaining there. Moreso, the quickest way to destroy yourself is to compare yourself with others. Please, don’t fight to be special; you should rather fight to be different because that’s what makes you special. Let me say God bless those that have a hand in what we eat, to complete this interview. I can’t afford to forget those that have brought me this far – my able manager, Mr. Mike Adogah, my co-worker, Mr. Emmanuel Ezeh, my family, my executive producer, Dan Hausawa who has been everything. Thank you all and God bless you.

And your final word?

Sometimes, things aren’t the way we want them and we wonder why we can’t prevent or stop them. We know that life is a challenge and don’t ever be afraid to try to make things better. You might be surprised at the result. Don’t ever be guilty of the past . What’s done is done, so take things the way they are . Let’s work for a new Nigeria.