Akhogba Onoriode, popularly known as Onosz, the African/Nigerian Pop sensation has revealed to his female fans that he is in relationship and he is not hiding the fact.
The Party Like Fela crooner disclosed this during an exclusive interview with Hitvibz, adding that a lot of musicians deny their relationship status but he will do the opposite.
Read the full interview:
Welcome to Hitvibz
Thank you very much for having me
Can you give us a short intro about yourself?
Akhogba Onoriode Zenith is my real name, while Onosz is my stage name. I am an African/Nigerian Pop, RnB and house music artist.
How long have you been making music?
Well, professionally six years, no need to tell the normal story of how I started singing in my mother’s womb. That’s over played of course a lot of us started singing at a very tender age but professionally six years.
What inspired you to go into music?
Ok so the truth is I have been singing and writing music for a long time. But I decided on music as a career choice because it’s the only thing I know how to do with ease. And I’m always happy doing it so why not do for a life time
Which famous musician do you admire the most and why?
Usher Raymond and Dbanj, Usher is the greatest RnB musician since Michael Jackson and I like how he carries himself, while Dbanj is one of the biggest African brand since Fela Kuti and he’s almost scandal free artist.
Do you play any instrument?
I play a little of the drums still learning the keyboard, and I play my vocal cords very well as well, Lol.
And when did you start playing drums?
When I was like 16 or so, played a little beat in church but I was more focused on being a better singer so I didn’t go full pro on drums. Good enough hold it down in church during midweek service.
Are you in any band/record label?
Nope I’m independent as of now I work with Off The Chain Management company
Ever been to any music competition?
Won Uniport idol whilst I was in school, think that was in 2012 or so went for a few talent hunt auditions including project fame, that’s about it for competitions.
Do you get nervous when you are performing on stage?
Not a bit funny enough, once I grab the mic, okpare (it is finished), don’t even know where I got that from.
How do you handle mistakes during a performance?
It’s all part of the swags, like its entertainment, you have to give them something to talk about intentionally or unintentionally.
So, how does it feel to be an artist?
Hmmmm being an artist is like being in any other profession. If your aim is to be the best you have to work your way through it, all the greats worked their butts off to etch their names in the sands of time. It is fulfilling when you are successful and people consume your music and are healed by it. Music is spiritual and it’s therapeutic as well. So don’t be surprised by my claim of healing through music.
I guess you walk on the street with your shoulder high?
Well I take pride in the fact that my music is quality African Pop music, from lyrics to delivery I’m not where I want to be and I will get there.
What do you think about Nigerian music now compared to the past?
It has a larger audience as of now thanks to the concept of globalization. Now there are no boundaries. Like a song of mine (Shabala) is a huge deal in Hungary and I’ve never been there before just off the internet. Aside that and the revenue that comes with it we still lack a proper structure. Over all we have made progress regardless.
What personal advice would you give to someone who wishes to pursue a music career?
Don’t do it because you want to be just famous do it because you love to do it, do it because you are talented enough to do it, do it because you have a divine call to do it. Else you will get frustrated and depressed.
What makes you stand out from other Port Harcourt City based artist?
I’m not a PH city based artist, I’m based in Lagos but like I said I’m an African Pop artist and I don’t mean disrespect in any way I am just stating what I’m and where I’m based.
A lot of Port Harcourt based artist are now heading to Lagos, what made you join the train?
Didn’t join any train ooh if there’s a train as such, I’m in Lagos because I like the place and career wise it is the entertainment hub of Africa and as a creative with a dream to take the African Pop music culture to the world Lagos is where I should be (smiles).
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing young artist like you?
The same issues young entrepreneurs face in our Nigeria of today. Issues of funding and structure, it’s basically the same thing because music is a big business with huge income revenue streams.
How many songs do you have so far?
Personal songs and features close to twenty, by that I mean released.
Seems you just dropped a new song?
Yes ooooh (Pariwo) to the world off my soon to be released debut EP Love and Hustle. Set to be released in a couple of weeks.
How can one get Pariwo?
Pariwo is available for streams, download and purchase, exclusively on the Mtnmusicplus platform but will be available for free download during the weekend.
How do you handle your female fans?
What’s there to be handled? No need to genderize music followership, fans are fans and should be treated with love and respect.
I know quite a lot of your female fans will love to know if you are in any relationship?
A lot of musicians deny their relationship status so I’m gonna do the opposite, I am in a relationship
Which of your songs do you think your fans relate to the most?
Pariwo, Lol, Last Love, Partylikefela, I don’t know really there’s no way to gauge that
Can you tell us three things your fans don’t know about you?
I don’t smoke
I still want to study law
I hate rapist (sad face)
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
in a more successful place
Ok, we wish you all the best, thank you for having a time out with us?
Thank you for having me
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