One on One on Olomoinfo- Cyprus music art. Kevin Tita speaks on career, music, life and politics

Welcome back to One on One on Olomoinfo Blog. Today One of Cyprus big artiste will be talking to us about so many things, including his personal life, life as a singer, the music industry in Cyprus among others. 

Welcome to One On One on Olomoinfo Blog.

Thank you so much. Humbled to be on your platform today. Blessings.

-Introduce and tell us about yourself.

My real names are Philemon Chukuka Okezie other wise known as Kevin Tita. I am a student, business entrepreneur, a musician and all sorts of other things I am just now exploring. If that makes sense.

-What is your stage name, music genre and why did you choose the name?

My stage name is Kevin Tita. It's an amalgamation of two names gotten from two controversial incidents in my life. Kevin was given to me by my family on my dad's side. My mom and dad divorced when I was 7 and we moved to the Eastern Part of Nigeria with my dad so my family on that side changed our names so my mom won't be able to trace us there. I am still angry about that to date. Tita was a name I got from high school. I sucked at maths but one day I was able to solve a question on the blackboard that had something to do with the Tita sign and everyone began calling me Tita One. After high school, I decided to chase music so I merged the two names.

-That is wonderful. Can you tell us how long you have been in the business of music?

I have been a recording and performing artist professionally for about 8 years now. I didn't start in Cyprus so I count my years of practicing in Nigeria to when when I moved here.

- How did it all start for you and what motivated you?

I used to sing in the Children's choir and when ever we did solo numbers, my voice was outstanding and i learned how to move around the stage and incorporate facial expressions that made the audience connect with me on a spiritual level. One day I sand and a pastor came to the pulpit and said 'This child is special and should be groomed properly so he doesn't miss his way', Afterwards he gave me a small amount of money and prayed for me. Since then I haven't stopped. The fire can't cool.

-Who were some of your influences and inspiration when you started and even now?

I was born a singer, I began falling in love with rap music when my big cousin, Virus Detected will be blasting a lot of GUnit songs, Black Eye Peas and records like that. Naturally I fell in love with rap and i ultimately began to write rap verse and made my own playlist of artists I really loved. One stand out act was Chamillionaire and then I started bumping a few songs by MIMS the American rapper. Those two had a lot to do with me growing into my own artists. Other acts like ELDEE, The Game, M.I Abaga and Jay Z played their parts too through their music. I am also a huge Michael Jackson and Fela fan. I can say I got my sauce from different music chefs. (Smiles).

-What were your early passions?

My early passion was basically music but I loved to mold things, you like Pottery and things like that. I was never good at any sports apart from swimming so all that wasn't a part of my childhood but all the same music always had my heart.

-What do you personally consider to be the incisive moments in your music career?

I have had quiet a few and I am grateful to God for it. The first one was when I first began to learn about the internet and the endless opportunities it could afford me as a musician, It was mind blowing to be able to upload my song to the internet and have people far away in different country being able to access it and become my fans. It was mind blowing because I know it would cost me millions to achieve that without the internet. In 2010 I was signed by Babylynn Entertainment all the way from the UK and they heard my songs on the internet so you see why it's a key moment for me. The second is winning numerous awards and watching my fan base grow from justa few hundreds to a number of thousands. It's been a humbling ride so far.

-As a singer, What are your biggest challenges?

My biggest challenge right now isn't really the conventional one everyone has. Mine is just to see my brand grow and my music travel further so I can touch the people that need to hear my message. I know it takes a lot of money but that's a gamble I have been playing and so far it doesn't look like I am failing. Everyday I look for ways to get my music out there and I am doing it on every scale possible with or without a record deal. You can't lose if you bet on yourself.

-How many singles do you have until date?

I can't count but I will nip the digits around 14 so far so good.

-That's impressive. Which of your songs took you by surprise (reach, streams, views and downloads)?

It depends on what I am surprised about. I have quiet a number of songs that have hit the No.1 spot on the Afrobeats Charts in Cyprus and also made impacts in other markets as well. The one song I can say I was surprised people liked was my new song 'Better Than Drake'. You won't believe the amount of media outfits reaching out to me. MTV did an article on the song and Rolling Stones reached out too. I recorded the song in two parts during different years and when it dropped, people were shocked to know I rap that good. They were used to my more commercial songs.

-Tell us one of your song that best describe your emotions.

Kevin Tita - Grass To Grace. Ever green song right there. That song will outlive me.

-Speaking of your stage performance what do you usually start with as preparation?

Nothing really. You can't prepare for something that you already are. I was born to be a musician and performing is a part of it so I just turn on the switch and go with the flow. One thing I know is that no stage performance makes sense without a well promoted and publicized song. You can dance like Michael Jackson and sing like Rkelly, if your songs is not promoted well and people don't know it, they will just be staring at you. That's why some artists have to resort to gimicks like bringing a girl on stage and things like that. When your talent is top notch and your songs are well promoted, you don't need all that. The crowd gonna vibe with you.

-You just hit the nail on the head, promotion is very important. There's so much music out there, is it possible to build meaningful long-term relationships with a particular track or album?

Yes it is and it has been done over and over again. Look at FELA's catalogue, he has been dead for a long time now but his music is still the soundtrack to a lot of things now. 2Face too. All you have to do is have a message in the song and it will resonate for ever. The amount of songs from artists out there isn't intimidating to me. I am doing my own thing and who ever doesn't pay attention will do so later.

-As a singer, you should dream of where you want to be in years’ time, do you see yourself on the same level with the likes of Davido, Wizkid, Timaya and the rest.

Yes I see myself even higher. Everything I wanted to have before the age of 22, I kept speaking them into existence and they came to pass. I used to rehearse award thank you speeches and I ended up giving that same speech 13 times later in life. As long as I keep my head down, my hopes up and my nose clean, I will definitely get there and surpass what ever has been done. I have no doubts.

-Who’s your idol in the Nigerian music industry and why?

I am inspired a lot by ELDEE The Don. A lot of people don't know that he is the one that started the independent distribution wave we have going on in Nigeria now. I studied his methods both in song writing and his business model and I have applied some of what I learnt from him and it has been working. I also let him know this on Instagram. But just purely on the music top, I idolize 2Face Idibia, WizKid. I like what Davido has going on too. I am inspire by these guys.

-What is the best part of life as a singer?

The best part of being a musician is watching how these 3 minutes tunes you record become a part of people's lives. I have met a couple that told me they have had sex to my music and I have also met a lot of people that tell me my songs inspire them to be better. The impact of my work is worth more than a million dollars to me.

-Any experience of best or worst show?

I don't like to pin point any of my shows as the best or worst but I have a lot of treasured memories. One of the bests so far is performing at the FUTSAL Cup of Nations half time game in 2015 and I got booed. I returned back to the same stage in 2017 armed with a smash hit song and I tore the building down with my performance.

-What single night out has been the most memorable for you? Either as a singer or an attendee?

That would be the night the day I performed on stage with Stanley Enow from Cameroon. He is a big sensation in his country and one of the shining stars in the Francophone countries in Africa. At this time I was getting blackballed heavily by those that ran the industry at the time. They took my name off of his main concert line up and had me performing at his Speech presentation and that was where God took over. As soon I hit the stage and started performing my song 'CashOut' which was the biggest song by an African artist based in Cyprus at the time, Stanley was wowed and he joined me on stage. After the show, he gave me a signed copy of his album and afterwards we did a collaboration on a song which will be on my album 'The Miracle Baby EP'.

-If you could eternally be stuck in one year's music scene, which year would it be?

I cant say for now because I haven't been a big part of any of those years and when I finally get my chance it would be like a loop because I will make sure I work hard till I am a part of every Era I am a part of.

-What is one subgenre you think doesn't get the attention it deserves?

Afro-Rap. Because rap is highly stigmatized in some African countries so once you blend anything with rap it is authomtically considered a NO. But things are changing and will change, Afro-rappers just have to invest more in themselves. I commend Olamide, YCee, Phyno, M.I and others who are doing it in their different ways but more can be done.

-What is something that bugs you about the music industry in Cyprus?

What bugs me is that a lot of artists are very close minded. A lot of artists want everything to be handed to them on a platter of golf which never happens. You can't release songs you spent nothing in promoting and expect show promoters to pay you a dime or people to even show you any kind of respect in regards to your talent. I used to be scared to share my ideas with my fellow artists coz I was scared they would still it but now I know my ideas are too expensive to be stolen. Cyprus artists needs to realize that if you don't spend money in promoting your song, we will keep getting overlooked.

-Speaking of an artist's ability to have a "unique" style? Is having your own style separate from all the other artists out there important in modern industry?

Yes it is, because the market is already saturated with every one trying to either make fast club songs or the regular over flogged Pon Pon sound type songs. Artists like Nasty C, Simi, Burna Boy, Cassper Nyovest, Johnny Drille, Mallek Berry and co are really standing out and winning due to the their distinct sound. Even in America everyone sounds like the Migos but look at  JCole, Ella Mai, Nomani, Nikci Minaj who keep defying the odds.

-What is one track that never gets old for you no matter how many times you hear it?

My song 'Gras To Grace' by Kevin Tita. That's the soundtrack to my life and I said a lot of things about my life that is still coming to pass. I am my own consultant I guess hahaha.

-What is one track that got popular that you can't stand?

That will have to be 'Despacito' obviously. Because till date I do't know the meaning of what he is saying but I can sing the song (laughs). Music is a universal language that transcends every barrier possible so things like that is not surprising.

-What events would you most like to perform at and which one you won’t?

I would definitely like to one day perform at Coachella, Wireless, Marley Day, Lollapalooza Felaboration and that festival type vibe because it signifies a lot. You don't just get to perform there unless you are deserving of it and I am paying my dues now so that one day I can live that dream.

-What’s your favorite non dance music song?

Duncan Mighty - Farabale. That songs gives me chills.-If you had the power to erase & abolish one musical genre.

- Which one would you abolish for all eternity?

(laughs) I don't pray for such powers. What's trash to me might be some one else's escape from reality. I didn't use to like Ragge songs but today I am listening to a lot of reggae and in fact I am learning Patoir from these songs. I welcome all type of music except it's talking about killing kids or promoting things like rape or war between ethnicities or race.

-What is one mistake you see a lot of up and coming artist make?

Thinking they need a record deal to blow up and copying other people. If you are not ready to spend the little you have to promote your music, how do you want your music to reach the ears of those that will help you. Some artists will only post their song once on Instagram because WizKid doesn't post much, are you WizKid? lol. Like seriously. Give your all and you will see a difference.

-You have been in Cyprus for quite a while, how would you describe life in Cyprus?

Its an experience you don't get to make conclusions on. I have seen millionaires made in this country. I have made millions of Naira (Nigerian currency) myself in this country while some people don't get that lucky. Some just want to go to school and leave after wards, some came here to make it in life and will keep fighting till they make it. Generally, Cyprus is a journey for everyone so I don't take anything to heart because things can change at any time.

-How do you rate the Cyprus music industry?

Very fragile and full of uncertainties. Because the audience changes every two to 4 years. People that rock your songs change very often so things move very fast. It keeps me on my ten toes.

- Is there competition in the industry here in Cyprus?

What's there to compete for, For an artist like myself who has done it all and seen it all so far so good, there's really nothing to compete for. Focus on your own thing, those that don't support will come back as fans in the future.

-Where do you think the music industry in Cyprus is headed to?

It's not going anywhere bad from all I see. Everything you see now with the show promoters bringing various artists every week was started by other people and they too will inspire newer people to take their path too. Everything I am doing now as an artist was started by ElBee, FreshPac, King Josh and co. I too have inspired a new generation of artists that are following their dreams too. Same with DJ's,  Bloggers, make up artists, vloggers, cooks, fashion designers and everyone that makes the culture.

-What advice or tips would you give a young upcoming and aspiring artist?

This is not a game for artists that love free promo. Get a playlist of Alist acts and listen to their songs with a mind to coin your sound from elements of what you have heard. Get with a good producer and when you make songs, save up money to invest in promoting it.

-I follow you on social media and notice your interests in political matters, can you tell us about your political views especially in Nigeria?

I am of the school of thought that Nigerian's failed the day they told young people that they aren't old enough to run office. How can you expect young people to change things when you tell them they ain't old enough. The old men we have in office haven't done anything.

Thanks for your time.