Why I didn’t sign on with Tuface’s record label – Joe El

Kennis Music artiste, Joe El, speaks about his music and other related matters

How did you delve into music?

I started in church like most people. I was about nine years old then when I joined the junior choir in my church in Sokoto State. Later, I formed my own music group. I started writing songs while I was in secondary school. It was then I realised that I wanted to take up music as a career.

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How did you get signed on with Kennis Music?

I got signed on with Kennis Music in 2010. I was supposed to get signed on with Tuface Idibia’s former record label, Hypertek Entertainment. I guess the deal did not work out because their focus was on Tuface and they did not want to sign anyone then. After that, I met Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye. They listened to my songs; we booked an appointment and discussed the contract. A lot of people thought Kennis Music searched for and discovered me but I was the one who went in search of them.

Did you go to Hypertek initially because of your resemblance with Tuface?

Tuface has inspired me a lot. Apart from the fact that we look alike, which I have been told a lot of times, he and my mum are from Benue State and we speak the same dialect. I see him as a big brother and mentor. I saw him as someone that could grant me easy access to the industry, but things did not work out the way I wanted.

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Why couldn’t you secure a contract at Hypertek or did they feel you would compete with Tuface?

It was because I did not really make my intentions clear to them. I planned to fix another appointment with the management but it never happened.

Do you regret not being signed on with them?

Not really. Sincerely, Kennis music has been doing for me what I have always wanted – the fame and achieving my dreams among other things. Moreover, I have a song which I did with Tuface, so it is as good as having both record labels in the picture.

There are talks that artistes who are signed to Kennis Music do not receive good treatment?

People always ask if I plan to leave Kennis Music and some have persuaded me to leave the record label, but where would I go to if I leave? I would not have become popular if I was not brought to limelight by Kennis Music. I prayed and fasted for God to fix me up with a good record label and He did it. Kenny Ogungbe, whom I fondly call Baba Keke, is like a father to me and I no longer see him as the chief executive officer. If I have any problem, I go to his house to discuss it. That is the best way issues between artistes and managers should be handled. Issues are not settled by taking each other to court. I will always appreciate him because he has done a lot for me.

Initially when you began making music, a lot of people mistook you for Tuface. Would you consider that as your first claim to fame?

It contributed to making me popular. When people saw my first video, some confronted me to find out if I was Tuface or if we were related. People tried to insult me because they thought I was imitating him, but I did not let it get to me. Instead, I took advantage of the situation and turned it around for my own good.

How have you been able to handle the fame?

It has been wonderful. Kennis Music, as one of the pioneers, has done a lot for me and all I can do is listen and obey simple instructions.

Did you see yourself getting to this point in your career?

I never doubted myself. My success is a function of hard work, focus and belief in myself. I knew that one day; God will put me in the same spotlight with the A-list superstars.

Has the fame translated to money?

Yes, it has and I thank God for creating a means of survival. If the money was not forthcoming, I would not still be doing music. I would have been complaining.

Have you had any beef from other artistes?

I have had beefs, but I also have them under control. I do not have to go to social media to announce it or let people know I am having issues with other artistes. I just pray to God.

How do you relate with female fans?

I am not the first male artiste. I do not take advantage of female fans; I try to be as nice as I can and also keep my distance. For the daring ones, I put them off politely.

Are you in a relationship?

Yes, I am; I am not searching.

What are your fashion preferences?

I like to wear black always. With black, you hardly go wrong. I do not like too wear too many colours at any point in time.

Source : Punch

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