1) Give us a description that best describes you.
I’m basically a super-dupa passionate musician. I love my craft and take my time with it. I’m a top energetic performer. I’m Always messing around (haha I play too much). I love making people happy and I love my Gyal dem! Lol but most importantly, I love making music and that’s what gives me the most joy.
2) How long have you been an artiste?
Well damn to be honest I would say for about 8 years now, even though i just took it to like the next level this past 2 years or thereabout, but yeah, it’s around that time.
3) How would you describe the Nigerian Music industry?
I would say still very much developing, even though we currently have arguably the most prominent music industry in Africa due to the amount of exports we have, with the likes of Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Tekno, Runtown, Mr Eazi and so on who can be referred to as international acts. However, we still have a lot more to improve on in terms of structure, things like royalties, revenue distribution, streaming services and so on.
4) What Nigerian artist inspires you the most and can you list your top 5 African Artists?
4. Wizkid, just because he has broken almost every barrier in African music there is to break and is making history. My top 5 would be Wizkid, AKA, Davido, Burna Boy & Nasty C
5) Are you familiar with the Zambian music industry?
Yes a bit, I’ve always been interested in the Zambian market because my vision isn’t just to be a Nigerian superstar, I also see myself as an African superstar so wherever I go as much as I’m representing Nigeria, I’m representing Zambia and other African countries as well. I also listen to Zed hip hop mostly and sometimes Zed beats because the sound is somehow infectious and it’s almost similar with afro-beat in a way so I can very much relate. I’m looking forward to performing in Zambia soon, maybe one of these days I’ll be billed to perform at the R&G Oktoberfest, if it still holds or be nominated at the Kwacha Music Awards haha. That would be lovely.
6) Would you be interested in collaborating with Zambian artists?
Yes of course, I’ve listened to the likes of Jay Roxx, Ruff Kid, Cleo ice queen, Bobby East, Chef 187, Muzo, Roberto, Rich Bizzy and so many more and I love their music. I would also like to work with some of the producers who I’ve heard some of their works like Raydo, Killa Beats, TK, Ben Blazer, DJ Mzenga Man and so on because I know we’ll create magic! Haha.
7) where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In the next 5 years I hope to have taken my career to an international level and create a platform for other upcoming artistes to grow. Having multi platinum records, I also see myself touring the world, and performing at gigs like coachella, the made in America festival, Wireless, headlining my own show at the O2 Arena in UK and just pushing the culture forward and representing for Africa big time. And I believe I will achieve this by Gods grace.
8) You headlined a concert where Skepta and Wizkid have performed. Can you describe that feeling?
I headlined my own concert – The GHALIBONAWAVE Live Experince #TGLE at the same venue Skepta and Wizkid held the BBK homecoming concert just two months ago. Mine was like a week before though, but then I found out they did their show after mine and that just gave me some sort of encouragement and moral boost because it just made me feel like I could achieve whatever goal I set for myself. If I could hold a successful concert with no sponsorship, no label, no commercial funds, just myself and my team putting everything together at the same place my idols did, then the sky is my limit. And I’m gonna reach it.
9) What is your dream venue for you to perform?
My dream venue would be either the O2 Arena in UK or maybe Wembley stadium. But I think i would go with the O2 arena.
10) Do you think the Nigerian music industry is the best in Africa presently?
Honestly, No. I would say it’s the South African music industry because they have a more structured industry whereby their royalty system and Music distribution system works better, as well as the quality of the music and music videos they produce as well. Not to forget the quality of their performances, take for example the Cassper Nyovest #Fill Up concerts, they were crazy! And so many other music festivals over there that I watch. So yeah you can tell their industry is very much developed. Nigeria is still growing though and we are doing very well for ourselves, we usually have the highest music revenue earnings each year and we invest a lot in our music as well, so I guess it’s just a matter of time before we become a force to be reckoned with.
11) Which international artists would you want to collaborate with?
I would love to work with ASAP Rocky, Chris Brown, DVSN, 6lack, Rihanna, Bryson Tiller, Emeli Sande and so many other people, the list is endless.
12) What are some of the challenges you face as a Nigerian Artiste?
I would say promotion. It’s very hard to promote your songs to the level you desire due to what is popularly referred to as the payola system which requires a lot of funds. It’s very difficult (though not impossible) for you to get airplay, blog features, etc without having money. Talent can only take you so far, money and connections are really the most important factor, especially for someone like me who isn’t signed to any major label, I invest my own funds into my music because I’m signed to my own label, so I’m in charge of all expenses.
13) Wizkid or Davido?
Hahaha I really can’t choose one over the other. I love them both in different ways and for different reason. It’s hard for me to choose. Even though I might be more inclined to choose Davido because I know him personally and we talk, he’s like a big brother and mentor to me and I appreciate him a lot. But both of them are Legends and I love them.
14) Lastly, what would you be your words to Zambian artists?
I would say have a vision, stay focused, and keep grinding! We are all one at the end of the day. We are doing this for Africa. Let’s all just work together to push the culture forward and make as much impact as we can with little amount of time we have on this earth.
……………………END………………………………..
Alghalib is set to have a tour in Zambia this year and all Zambian musicians who could like to do collaboration are free to contact me. His EP is set for June. YOU CAN LISTEN TO ALGHALIB’S MUSIC here .
LET AQUILA SPEAK 