Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Ugo Stevenson popularly known as Ndaa Chineke. I hail from Olokwu Emeabiam, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State Nigeria. I am a trained Theatre Arts practitioner and the founder and producer, Ekwe (All Igbo Music) Awards.
A prolific writer, actor, singer, comedian, master of ceremonies, copywriter, theatre director. Author “Pride of the Living”, an Association of Nigerian Authors, National Literary Prize Shortlist 2009. Winner, Best Highlife Artiste, Nigerian Music Awards, 2008. Arts Entrepreneur, Pan African Youth Parliament 2018.
I and the Ojezigi band has written composed and produced sixty two songs in our nine album collections of Heartland Call, Ndaa Chineke, Thank You Teacher, Onyekem, Oke Mmanu, Unbanned, Ishiopi, Nnaochie, Kee Kwanu. Highlife music is our life line.
What inspired you to go into music?
The Muses.
Your role model(s)
I don’t have any but have my respect for Bob Marley, Joenez, Fela Anikulapko Kuti.
What is your aspiration?
To influence the living towards a harmonious human existence.
What makes you thick?
My distinctive style.
Your most memorable day
Yet to come
Most embarrassing moment
When those that need salvation defend their ignorance
Most treasured possession
Nothing
Your hobbies
My profession is my hobby.
Favorite Food
Ofe Owere and Utara ji (Pounded Yam)
What can you say about the Nigerian music industry?
There’s no music industry, it’s a hustlers ‘affair.
How do you impact the world with your work?
I consider what the lyrical content of my song is preaching. I can’t be caught promoting profanity.
Best Quote
“You won’t know how relevant you are until you die, if you doubt me die first”
Describe yourself in five words
I’m creative, resilient, conscious, spiritual and a mystery
As a highlife artiste what challenges are faced with?
Frustrating the highlife artistes into surviving as the public praise singers
Tell us about your new album and what it stands for
Onyemmeri is the album title. It is consistent the consistent Ugo Stevenson and Ojezigi brand of highlife. Originality is our motivation. To us inspiration is stronger than information and I will say it is our Grammy recognition project.
Word for people out there
There is no successful criminal. Pursue that vision to enhance humanity, remain focused on that positive thoughts and it is possible to succeed.
