New Afro pop act, Ejiofor Chidozie John, aka Bonkwe, knows what he wants and has been following his passion from childhood, with the support of his parents. The Insurance graduate of Imo State University, from Idiato LGA of Imo State, took us through his life, revealing his crush and so on. Enjoy…
Let us meet you…
My name is Ejiofor Chidozie John, also known as Bonkwe. I’m from Imo State, Ideato L.G.A. I was born into a family of ten children, with a set of twins, of which I belong and I’m the last child of my parents.
How did your journey into music begin?
My journey into music began since I was a little boy singing in my church choir. I developed interest in music since then because I love singing. I was always trying to compose songs for our choir master, so that was how I fell in love with music.
At what stage did you decide to go professional?
I decided to make it professional when I realized my passion for music was greater than anything else. Also Boss L.A Kashmire was another reason I decided to go pro because of the way he believed in me. He encouraged me to believe in myself. Boss L.A Kashmire is my boss and the C.E.O of Kashmire Records, the label I’m signed to.
What was your parents’ reaction when they knew you were going into music?
My parents were really skeptical about it at first, because I was in the university then and they felt it was going to affect my studies. But when they saw the effort I was putting into my music and how good my grades were, they became relaxed. They realized music was my passion and they didn’t want to discourage me, especially when it was not affecting my grades. So, they became very supportive. I remember sometimes my dad will give me money for recording and after studio session, I’ll bring the song home and we will all listen. They became really supportive.
How do you see music? A passion or a means to make money and make a living?
To me, music is passion, music is love. It has absolutely nothing to do with money. When I’m in the studio, there is this feeling of fulfillment I have. Music comforts me. I write all the time, I write about everything, I don’t see music as a means to make money, because as we all know, it is difficult to make money from music in Nigeria due to piracy, etc. But rather I see music as a means of expressing myself, reaching out to people. Music is more of love and passion to me.
What genre of music do you do?
My kind of music is afro pop.
Who inspired your music the most?
I am a very huge fan of Psquare. I’ve been in love with them since I was a kid, I love their music, I look up to them. When I was younger, I used to learn their songs and perform them to my family members, so I’ll say they inspire my music.
How do you get inspiration?
I get inspiration from so many things. I get inspiration from day to day activities that happen around me, but I’ll say my greatest inspiration comes from my childhood, the way I was brought up, the hood I grew up in, the life I’ve seen and the kind of lifestyle I want to live.
How do you intend to promote your musical brand to out-class the already established ones?
The truth is that most of the artistes out now want to be like other successful artistes. This is not right. In this game, being real is everything. Artistes lie a lot, they live fake lives, I am true to myself, I’m me, I want to be me, I don’t want to be any other person. I want to be real and stay real in this game, and I also want to put out real materials. That’s how I intend to stay relevant in this game. The moment you try to be someone else, you lose your place in the industry. That’s the truth.
When you become rich and famous, how do you plan to manage your new status?
I don’t think money and fame can change who I am. I am a very simple person, I’m from a very humble background, we are not proud in my family, so managing my new status won’t be a difficult problem for me. I just want to chill and make good music for the world to enjoy, I want to make Africa proud. I’m not here to get rich and get arrogant because we know pride goes before destruction, Good music is all I care about.
What inspired your new song, “Na you I go Marry”?
‘Na you I go Marry’ was a song I just came up with randomly. It wasn’t inspired by anything. The melody just came to me one day at home, so I took my pen and paper to write it down. I wrote the whole song under 30 minutes . And when I was done writing, I went to see T.Spice and he cooked up the beat for me.
Are you planning for your wedding?
No, I’m not planning to get married. I want to focus on my music for now.
How many tracks do you have now?
I have up to 70 tracks that have not been released, but “Na you I go Marry” is my second released track.
When do you plan to drop your album?
All things being equal, I’m making plans on it and it will be very soon.
So many upcoming musicians spend their money on weed and women, what do you intend to invest on?
As for me, I intend to buy houses so as to help the less privileged. I love charity work, I love to help those in need, so if I’m blessed with wealth, I’ll buy houses and also help the less privileged.
If not music, what else would you have been doing?
I would have been working for an insurance company, because I studied insurance at Imo State University.
Of the female entertainers, who is your crush? Why?
I have always had a crush on Chidimma. I think I’m in love with her. I love her because she is very simple and very talented. She is also beautiful and one of the ‘realest’ female entertainers we have in the industry today. She has been my crush for a very long time now.
Where do you see yourself in 2 years time?
In 2 years time, I see myself at the top!