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| Frenzy up close |
Many people know him as Frenzy the music producer, but Emmanuel Okafor is more of an artiste than just a producer. He's one individual who decided to carve out his own niche which today many people see as a unique style, especially with his special style of production. In an Xclusive interview, Frenzy sheds more light on the journey so far on the path he has chosen, and enlightens us on the song of late Da Grin and the challenges thus far..
Could you please tell our readers who you are?
I'm FRENZY...that's who my people know me as.
So, how did Frenzy start his career as a music producer?
Ok. First of all, I started as a rapper in a group known as “Black Survivor” back in my high school days. Then, we used to rap: my other group members and I. Matter of fact, I was always making beats with my mouth, you know? That was how it was. Along the line, we saw that we needed something different from what other producers were giving us, and therefore decided to create something different for ourselves, so I started making beats.
So why did you choose the name “Frenzy”? Why not something like “Nuel” or “Emma,” - a part of your name “Emmanuel;” something that in a way relates to your name? Why “Frenzy?”
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| Lyrical Werey |
Truth is, in this business, one has to look for a catchy name - something people can easily relate with. So I decided to choose a friendly and frenzy name which is ...”Frenzy”. We've got to make some money, you know... (both laughs)
What’s up with the expression you always infuse in all your works – “Naija!!!” or is it all about the money?
That's like a brand to me...not all about the money though, but something to stand me out in the industry.
Frenzy, you know you and I have known each other for a couple of years now and even worked together. You've done a track with P Square, Ill Bliss... You want to talk about that or...
Yeah, I did the track “Break It” and “Super Fans” for P Square in their album “Danger”. I also worked with Ill Bliss Ibo Boy on the track “U Go Wound o!” which won him the best rapper award when Nas came to Nigeria some years ago. It was nice and loving working with P Square... no doubt.
So, which artiste did you first produce in your career?
Is it a prominent artiste or... because I don produce many artistes o...
Know what I mean; the first job you ever did.
Oh! The first work I ever did that made me big? Ok! That was the track “U Go Wound o!” by Ill Bliss.
What do you think makes you unique as “Frenzy?”
Ok! What I'd say makes me unique is that I don’t joke with my work, and as “Frenzy,” I GO CRAZY ON MY BEAT...
What were your parents’ reactions then when you told them you've chosen the path of music production, compared to their reactions now?
They never liked it at first, but now they are proud of their son. They are seeing results of my dream. The dream is so clear...now, they can see. Thank God for that.
You're one of the well-known music producers in the industry who have crossed some unimaginable bridges so soon than certain people ever thought. What do you think is responsible for that?
Hard work, GOD, keeping it real...
There's a particular job you did which still raises dust. I know you're thinking what I’m thinking... (both laugh)
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| Frenzy |
Yeah... I think that must be the track of late rap icon Da Grin. He's resting in peace now. In fact, e pain me pass because I met Da Grin in a short period of time before he passed on. Yes, we had the same taste in some things, thinking we could do some more jobs together, but I guess the will of God prevailed. I miss him a lot... Rest in peace, bro...
In your personal relationship with him before his death, was he just a neighbour or brother in the game?
Actually, we're not that close really, but we met in this game, same way you (Kika) and I met in this game. Now, e be like say na media be the way... (both laugh).
Any personal job with him before that particular track?
No, not really.
Tell us about some things that made his personality unique with your little experience with him.
He's real, humble, dope for real, blessed...
What do you think inspired the song...was it an in-house idea or a personal thing? You know...some people still debate the song till date.
No idea, man. Perhaps, he had foresight and acted according to his inspiration. People must talk na...that's humans for you. No be Da Grin be the first artiste wey sing about im death naaa. Many people don do am...coincidentally, he died... so let them say whatever, man. All na promo... (laughs)
There were some unproven speculations which I know you must have somehow heard that he was involved in some mysterious acts that made him predict his end before time. You want to tell us something on that?
Anyway...whatever they think is promo. (laughs). He has always been in this game before that track. Besides, it’s not how long but how well, you know? He took a shot while he was alive. Like Tupac, his songs will live long. In fact, the Yoruba’s are lucky that he's from that tribe. Sometimes, I wish he were an Ibo boy...for those who don’t understand his language, they may not enjoy his lyrics like those who do.
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| Car after accident |
Ok, Frenzy, let’s talk like artiste and producer now. Which motivated which in the song? Was it the beat that inspired the lyrics, or he wrote to the beat which was already laid?
It was a freestyle. I guess he was in the spirit.
Ok. So, what was your reaction when he was free styling. Songs have moods, you know?
How? Explain more...
Ok! I mean...let me use myself for instance. While I was doing music before I went back to school, I did a sad and depressing song, which I didn’t notice until some guys in the studio drew my attention to it...do you understand? Did you ever pause to wonder why...why not “If I Blow,” “If I Hammer?”
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| Dagrin |
Ok...that! Yeah, I remember I asked and he said that was how the inspiration came, so I said “Ok, no wahala. Let’s record” I guess he followed his heart...
Did the song come out after his death?
Yeah, I feel because it got into the wrong hands, which delayed the song from being out before the unfortunate event. I personally posted the song to some people; to Missofunyi Entertainment earlier. That guy was good, man...believe me, Kika.
Did he ever take advice from you?
He has a heart ready to learn. He opens his mind to corrections; he's humble, wasn’t proud, but got his swag and knows his onion....
Can you remember what the mood was like during the song production? Did it make you feel good or moody...
Wow! I’ll say it was another man's lyrics. Besides, music makes me feel good...it takes my spirit high.
Hahahaaa... bros, you never change...
I can only grow...
Some people got to hear your job for the first time through that track “If I Die”. Did the experience diminish your reputation in any way.?
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| crowd at Dagrin's burial |
Talking about good or bad image... funny enough, I never bothered to think that. What matters most is how much work you try to put to the masses. No matter what they do or talk, all na promo...
What song or track gave you a platform in the industry?
Ok! To that, the track would be “U Go Wound o!” by Ill Bliss featuring Suspekt and Kel, which won the SMVA 2008 award presented by Nas.
So, does Frenzy have restrictions in the type of music he produces?
Ok. I’m all about hip hop...must have a frenzy touch and hippy, with a good feel.
Who are some of those artistes you admire and look forward to working with in the future?
I desire to work with Tuface, Wande Coal, and some international artistes like The Game, etc.
I desire to work with Tuface, Wande Coal, and some international artistes like The Game, etc.
Any upcoming project for your crowd? What do you have cooking for your fans?
The “Black Survivor” is what’s cooking. It’s a group of three persons which started back in my secondary school. We have stuffs waiting to be out soon. First, my album, Nasty J's album, St. Vino's album, Black Survivour's album, mix tapes...many things to come, you know? I’ve been working on my record label also. It’s like a clique thing, you know? Black Survivors Records...we intend to work with bigger names in the game.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Frenzy has got loads of plans for the future, but let’s take it step by step.
What do you have to say to someone out there who is confused on how to kick-start hi/her goal?
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| R.I.P Dagrin |
For those who are confused, keep it real and concentrate, persevere, believe in God, do one thing at a time, though it may not always be easy.
Nice chatting with you, Frenzy. Any last word to your fans and disciples...
Ok...ok...ok! To my fans...I love y'all. Keep doing what you're doing. Frenzy will always try to give out a frenzy beat. One love to y'all. Thank you. It’s frenzy! It’s Naija!!
