Mode 9 is one of Nigeria’s most notable rappers and lyricists ,however, many feel he needs to change his style of rap and go commercial like Ice Prince ,Olamide and even MI…However, he veteran rapper says he won’t be pressured into changing his style.He told the Nigerian Tribune
Mode 9 is cool, still doing music and still relevant in the industry. My recent single, ‘Dobale’, a rap in pidgin, is trending and my fans love it. I released my album early last year, even though some media organisations refused to support us, just as these set of gate keepers have not given due recognition to our kind of music, but we are still pushing on. I have noticed that the industry does not like some kind of raps, but I will not relent in doing what I do best. I have been in the industry for a while now and records have it that I have an impact in the growth of the industry. However, I’m still working and doing music.
On why he doesn’t go commercial
I have heard that said too, but it isn’t totally true. Fuji and juju music are still selling. Are they commercial music? Gospel music is selling here and we all listen and love it. Is it also commercial music? Of course not! I promoted my songs with the resources I have. Today’s music demands that you spend millions in promoting your songs and shooting videos. If I shoot the video of “Babatunde”, or any other in Las Vegas, and bring Jay Z or Nas to have collaboration with me, that kind of a thing will make a buzz because of the place and the artistes involved. But should these kinds of music accompany our music? Today’s music is evil, they say, but who made it evil? What I’m trying to say is that my kind of rap, which people used to love sometime ago, may not be loved today, but that doesn’t change my music. I’ll continue to do what I love doing and what seems right with me and my fans. Let others do ‘Shoki music and make their money, I’ll also make mine in style.
Your hiphop is not on the frontline?
It’s not that it is not on the frontline, television. Reggae music is suffering same. It is a bandwagon effect. Everybody is doing danceable music, but what about other genres of music? I released my album ‘Alphabetical Order’ early 2014 and some people said I was not doing the kind of music that sells. I ask the question; which kind of music sells? The problem is that we don’t encourage or support people’s dreams in this country. Instead of appreciating the intellect behind a successful work or effort, some tend to castigate, and even be sentimental about things. Mind you, I am not saying we should not give room for criticism, but it is sometimes done to condemn what one has vigorously done.
Why did you say that the media refused to support your music?
I did not say that please. Don’t get me wrong. This is one of my grouses with some journalists. You will discover that an innocent interview you granted has been twisted. This is why I have decided to be conscious of whatever I say during an interview. I had even made up my mind not to grant any interview again because I know people are only interested in negative reports, which is very embarrassing, but I need the support too. It is natural to feel bad when you discover that what you said has been twisted, especially in a controversial way and people begin to insult you without even reading the article because of some crazy headline. I never said the media or a section of the media refused to support my career.
