Emmanuel Joshua Oluwaseyi is one young musician who is proving that science students can also be good entertainers. You have to listen to his single, Shout Out to know that the soft spoken Ekiti born crooner is leaving no stone unturned to make a mark in the highly competitive Nigerian music industry. He visited YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine’s office in Ojodu, Lagos on June 14, 2016 with his friends and had a brief chat with JULIET IKEOKWU and FEYI TEJUOSHO. Enjoy…
Tell us about your background.
I come from a music-inclined family. My brother is a producer, sister is a singer, father and mother were formerly musicians. In all we are five and I am the last child.
What’s your academic qualification?
I’m a 300 level Mathematics student, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti. I did my primary school in Staff School, Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti.
You said that you are a student, how do you combine music and your studies?
It’s not easy, but in this world, there’s always a way around something. So, I’m trying well to combine the two.
Aside music, what else do you do?
Apart from music, I am an actor.
Have you released any single or album yet?
Yeah, I have released a single already titled as Shout Out, but no album yet and I don’t think that’s coming soon.
How is it doing in the market?
It’s doing crazy, it is getting mad response. The song is really banging and I thank God for that.
Are you signed to any music label yet?
Yeah, definitely, EMA Entertainment.
How long have you been doing music?
Seven years now, but officially, started this year.
How did your journey into music start?
Music is something I’ve loved since I was little. Music found me and I found it. So, I have a passion for it.
What are the difficulties you are facing as an upcoming artiste?
There’s a lot of cheating, underrating and scam in the industry, so it’s really tough for up and coming artistes. Presently, I’m promoting and marketing my music. I think the industry is hard to break into, but definitely we will get there. Pushing the face and the music out there, I can say, is the major challenge.
Do you see yourself doing another thing that is not music in future?
Yes! I like to act.
How did your parents react to your decision to do music?
They are cool with it and very supportive. We thank God.
How do you relax?
A lot of ways, but major ones are playing football and working out. They help me to relieve stress.
So, how do you improve yourself as a musician?
I listen to all genres of music to improve and better my music.
What is your genre of music?
Urban afro pop.
Which Nigerian artiste would you like to work with?
I would like to work with Yemi Alade, Wizkid, Ice Prince and Davido.
Which language do you use most in your music?
English and Yoruba. Those are like the sweetest combination ever for me to handle.
So, which artiste, local or International, do you look up to?
The Weekend. I like his vocal texture.
Are you in any relationship now?
No, I am not.
If you are to choose any Nigeria producer to do your next project with, who would it be?
Falz, he is like the baddest I know right now.
How do you get your inspiration?
From the experiences I’ve had and things that happen around me.
Why did you choose Prince J as a stage name?
I come from a royal family, so I’m a Prince and J is from my name, Joshua.
Where do you see Prince J in the next five years?
I see my face on bill boards taking African music to a higher place.
What can you tell young people who are finding it difficult to also pursue their dreams?
Be determined, because there are many obstacles. Be hard working, don’t be in a wrong place, be focused and your work will speak and eventually make a way for you.