One word that rightly sums up Dozie Mbata is talented. The dude, in fact, is so talented that he can compete favourable with some of the biggest stars you can think of. At the 5th Annual YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine Lecture/Cocktail, where he performed, he did not only steal the show but also had the entire audience giving him a standing ovation.
Handsome and beautifully-built, he stopped by at our office recently for this interview with FEYISAYO TEJUOSHO. Enjoy…
Can we meet you?
My name is Mbata Dozie. Formerly known as Dizzy. I come from a family of six, four boys, two girls. I attended Immaculate Hearts Senior Comprehensive High School…
Where?
Maryland, Lagos State. Then, I proceeded to University of Ibadan, where I studied Theatre Arts and graduated in 2012. What else? I am male, I am an entertainer, I’m a Christian; sometimes a Muslim, when it’s Ramadan. I am God-fearing.
Where and how did your interest in music start?
It started in my early age. I come from a family that loves music. My father loves music. Growing up, we just knew that we had these stacks of records in the house, from all range of artistes. I think that was how it started. Then, my brother, Chibuzo brought the first song that inspired me. It was a rap song from DMX. It was the first rap song I listened to and I got hooked. I listened to the whole album of DMX, then I went to school and started pulling off the attitude of the same artiste. It helped me. Secondary school was like a learning ground, but music started properly for me in the university. I learnt managing crowds from secondary school. I went to a public school. We were 149 in my class and when I was in JSS1 we had A-O.
You said music started properly for you in the university, how?
Music started properly for me in the university. I was looking up to some artistes in school and I never thought I was going to get really popular. In my 100 level, I started with road shows because some of my friends were like you can sing, let’s do some road shows. Then, after that, I had one major event. It was UI Ivory Awards. It was my big break in school. It was funny because I was with the technical crew to make money. I was handling lights, carrying wire, dressed in shorts and a friend of mine was the MC and he called me and asked if I wanted to sing and I was like if you call me, I will sing. In the very large hall, nobody cheered for me, not even a single clap as I came on stage, because nobody knew me. It was a show that had Rugged Man, 2Shots and some other people. I was scared at first, but when I finished, I realized everyone was clapping and standing. Even 2Shots and Rugged Man, and from there I started on own to push my music further.
So, are you pushing your degree to the sideline and pursing music passionately?
I won’t say I have pushed it to one side because I studied Theatre Arts and you cannot just abandon it; you will use it everyday, like how to conquer stage fright, connecting with your audience. You will find out that you will find all these things when I am performing. And I do a little of acting. I did some acting in school, did some plays for Wole Soyinka, Lagos Black Heritage Festival. I was the lead character for the play.
What inspires your music?
God. It’s God, because sometimes I am even shocked at what I do. I have been to events where after performing, people will be like this guy has written this thing; some people even come up to me and ask if I write my freestyles before hand. I remember an interview I had at the YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine 5th Annual Lecture/Cocktail Party, the guy interviewing me was asking if my performance was planned. I’m inspired by God, what I see around me, my mood. If I am happy, I deliver, but once I’m sad, I can’t. The people around me also inspire me.
What do you think distinguishes you from other artistes?
Spontaneity, the ability to be versatile, I think that is something that I know that I have and I have God, and my style is different.
What would you call your style?
Unique.
Under what niche would you put your music?
Afro hip-hop. I will say I rap and I also freestyle.
In your music journey, what would be your most memorable moment?
There’s been a lot. I think one of them would be the fact that I graduated from school, performing on Charly Boy Show live. Also winning Amstel Malta Show Time. Performing with MI was also memorable, performing with 9ice, performing at Nite of A Thousand Laughs and at YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine 5th Annual Lecture/Cocktail Party. Another memorable event for me is putting my trust on God.
Your most embarrassing moment?
Ah…It was the day I fell on the floor in public and everyone was laughing. God! It was terrible.
How has the journey been since you ventured into showbiz?
There is no journey that is smooth. There are a lot of challenges in the music industry; there is also the financial challenge. There are ups and downs, smiles and frowns. There were times I had wanted to quit and become a Reverend Father. My mom was a strong supporter of that.
What’s your philosophy of life?
I have numerous. One, trust in God. There would always be challenges and success for those who don’t quit. Whatever it is that you are doing, as long as you have a passion for it, just do it. Be focused, be prayerful.
You are very vocal about your faith, how would you describe your relationship with God?
You know when you have been single for a long time, how tight you hug your pillow to sleep, that is how tight my relationship with God is. He is my father. I talk to God, I explain things to God. My relationship with God is solid. I am working on it everyday, I also pray to Him to help me increase my faith.
Where do you see Dozie Mbata in the next 5 years?
I know my success is going to be grand, so I see myself making impact in the country, the world, building up other brands like myself.
If not music what would it be?
If not music, I will be selling spare parts (Laughs). If not music, I would probably be acting, or I might be a pastor.
Your stage name is your name?
Yes, my stage name is Dozie Mbata, which is also my name. I am a very spiritual person and the name Dozie actually is Chidozie and it means “God will keep you”. And I know God is going to keep me in this industry for a very long time. Funny enough, some people still call me Dizzy, but I am going to stick with my name.
Do you have any song released right now?
Yes I do, but like I said, I changed my name so they are out under the name Dizzy. But I have Special Lady, You Say out and I have shot their videos. It’s online.
In the Nigerian music industry, who do you look up to?
I wouldn’t say look up to, I would say people that I admire and respect their courage in the industry. People like 2Face, Onyeka Onwenu, Sammie Okposo, Timi Dakolo, Wizkid, Davido. There are a lot of people that I admire.
Who has had the greatest influence in your life?
God.
Apart from God, a person?
Apart from God, I will say my dad. He is also a musician, he influenced me greatly.
Is there a special somebody in your life, are you in a relationship?
No, but I am working towards removing this crown of being single off my head.
If you are met on the spot and told to pick one person to work with, who would it be?
In Nigeria…
In the whole world; one person?
That would be Chris Brown.