He is one of the hottest things happening to our music industry right now. With a unique music and a unique dance step, Iyanya Mbuk, won all of us over. And he is still winning. We chatted him up recently…
Can you share a bit of your story with us?
My name is Iyanya Mbuk, I’m from Cross River, Calabar, I’m a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Calabar.
How was growing up like for you?
Growing up for me was so much fun. It was an experience that contributed to my love for music. I grew up in my grandfather’s compound, with a whole lot of kids. My grandfather was a reverend and so we used to sing hymns.
How did you start your journey into the music industry?
Project Fame was it. Project Fame was just the platform. Thank Project Fame.
But we didn’t get to hear from you after Project Fame? Why did you go underground?
It’s not as if I chose not to be heard or I decided to go underground. The problem was rejection, frustration. When I say frustration, it doesn’t mean that I was poor. I was frustrated because of the rejection I faced. People didn’t want to listen to the kind of music I was doing.
Would you say Kukere was the breakthrough you needed?
Of couse it was. Since the release of Kukere, it has been so wonderful. Thank God.
What’s the secret of the success of Kukere?
It has been wonderful. The song has received massive airplay and is still going to be receiving airplays. It has been from one show to another.
What was the reaction of your family when you ventured into music?
As a matter of fact, my family is the best gift God has given me. They have been so supportive right from the onset.
We heard you were supposed to be on the Dana Airplane that crashed sometime in June. How true is that?
I wasn’t on the flight neither did I get the ticket to board that plane. The fact is I was supposed to travel that day. I just told my manager I needed to go to the gym. But for the gym, I might have gotten the ticket and been on the flight. It was all by the grace of God. I thank God for saving me.
It was rumoured of recent that you were deported from Malaysia. What’s your reaction to this story?
Yeah! People would definitely talk. What happened was that I travelled alongside my manager to Malaysia for a show. We arrived Malaysia and we were well received. But the problem was when the organizers failed to give us the professional visa that would enable us perform. They wanted to sneak us in and so I told my manager I wasn’t cut out for such, so we came back to Nigeria. People are only talking because it was Iyanya. What I’m pissed over is the fact that people are not commending me for doing the right thing. But it’s all good.
What’s your plan for your album and how soon should we be expecting it?
I have great plans and I’m really working hard towards it. I have a studio in my house and I have been doing a lot of recordings. The album is going to be a combination of hip hop, R&B, Reggae etc. It would be out by December.
What do you have to say to upcoming artistes?
The journey might be tough and unbearing, but at the end success would prevail. Stick to your principles and do the right thing. You would definitely make it.
A word for your fans out there.
I must say that I’m really appreciative. Thank you all for your support. It wouldn’t have been this successful if not for you all. God bless.
NB: First published December 2013