His
song, ‘Limpopo,’ has become a club anthem. In this interview, Kingsley
Okonkwo, popularly called Kcee, talks about his career and sundry issues
At what point in your life did you decide to go into music?
Music for me started right from when I
was in secondary school. Initially, I was playing football but later, I
started singing in the church choir. Moreover, my father was a Disc
Jockey and I was already listening to a whole lot of music. My musical
career took off effectively in 2002 when I emerged winner of Star Quest.
What happened after you won the prize money? Was your brother, Emeka Okonkwo, alias E-Money, rich then?
My brother was very poor at the time we
entered for Star Quest. I was the one who helped him. He was our manager
and we lived together in Ajegunle ghetto. He did not make money until
later. We hustled together.
Did your parents support your decision to go into music?
My mother supported me from the start.
My father, like most fathers, was hoping I would study hard and become a
doctor or lawyer. He was not in support of my career choice at first
but when I started bringing money home, he realised that I could
actually make money from music. Then, he started supporting and praying
for me.
What inspires you on stage?
It is when I see my audience cheering and getting ready to see me, it makes me want to go crazy; it makes me want to do more.
Do you see any other of your music tracks making waves like the hit track, Limpopo?
I would say yes. My music has been rising from when I did Okpekete.
I have been recording and getting better by the day and I feel the best
is yet to come by the grace of God. I just dropped a new single which
leaked and started trending on social media.
What did you study in school?
I studied Theatre Arts at the University of Nigeria Nsukka.
How do you keep reinventing yourself?
The major thing about me is that I like
creating something new and different at every point in time, my videos
are unique and different because I work with my brain every second. I am
constantly creating.
What language is Limpopo?
It was just a slang I created but after
the song, I found out that there is a river in South Africa and a street
in Abuja by the name Limpopo.
Your profile has been rising since you split from Presh…?
I cannot tie it down to the split but I
can say I have been working hard and been consistent. After the split, I
was determined to make an impact. I think that helped me get to where I
am today.
What do you miss most about working with Presh?
A lot. We have been friends for 12 years
and the arguments we used to have whenever we tried to come up with
some ideas are what I miss most. Sometimes, I am left to wonder if
decisions I take alone are better. We are still friends and I still wish
him the best and pray that God will elevate and project him also.
Rumours have it that your brother, E-money, influenced the split
That is a big lie; he never wanted us to
split. When we split, Presh’s first video was sponsored by him and he
has been supporting him since.
Presh is not doing as well as you
and there is this belief that he is not fortunate to have a brother like
yours, who pumps money into all your projects
The whole matter is beyond money, it is
about the drive. I know a lot of my colleagues that people pump millions
into their career and there are no results to show for it. My rise to
the top is by the grace of God who has decided that it is my time to
make a mark in the industry.
Do you see the two of you coming back as a group?
I cannot say because we never saw the break-up coming. We did not fight.
What are the tattoos on your upper arms for?
I have a rose flower, which is a sign of
love. Inside the rose, there are two birds which signify freedom. I
have a diamond by the side which stands for riches, and then there is a
star, which is a symbol of my image. I had them done in Spain.
What does style mean to you?
Style to me is telling people who you
are. If you see my car and the kinds of things I like in my house, you
would understand me better. That will also tell you that I like colours.
Fashion is in my blood. Sometimes, I don’t waste time standing in front
of the mirror. If I open my wardrobe, I know what to put on. I have an
eye to pick whatever suits me. At every point in time, I make sure I
look smart and nice. Before I put on anything, it is already selected
and on point.
What is your least favourite dress?
Native wear. It is not what I want to
wear every time but I wear them because of our culture. They, sometimes,
look good on me but it is not a style I can die for.
What is your favourite fashion accessory?
One thing I don’t joke with is my stud earring, I don’t have any particular reason but I can’t be caught dead without my studs.
What informs your trim figure?
It is natural but I also have a gym in
the house where I exercise regularly. I try as much as I can to look fit
because of my career.
What is your favourite meal?
White soup and wheat
Can you clear the air on your marital status and the alleged affair you had with actress, Ebube Nwagbo?
Most times, I don’t like talking about
marriage because it is a private issue. But to clear the air, I never
said I was married or not. The person that did the interview made a
mistake. They asked a simple question about a wedding in Lekki some
years back and I told them it was not my wedding, it was E-Money’s
wedding.
Were you dating Ebube at the time?
Yes.
Were you married at the time?
(Giggles) I don’t want to talk about it; I think we should move on.
People also said you were separated from your wife, only for you to be seen with her again?
I think we should go to the next question. Leave people alone, let them be talking.
