INTERVIEW: Stream farming killing efforts of upcoming artistes – Music executive
NEWS DIGEST – Samuel Paul popularly known as sp_of_nig, is a Nigerian music executive, comedian, actor and content creator. In this interview with Reginald Tobin, he talks about his experience, challenges and future plans in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
You are a comedian, you have hosted two successful comedy shows on campus. Why did you venture into music?
Samuel Paul: Actually, the real truth is i have never classified myself as a comedian because I have never seen myself as a funny individual but people saw it and decided to tag me a comedian which I mostly do on my own personal stage. Music is actually a therapy for me, I have been a lover of music and have started the music journey from days of primary school. From being the band leader to coordinating the music side of thing which grew into high school and also was in the choir playing drum coordinating sound also because i got ears for good sound. This made me start music as a career 2017 to creating my own sound, featuring upcoming and also celebrities.
How have you been managing being a musician and a comedian?
Samuel Paul: I must say switching between comedy and music has been very stressing but the only thing exciting is that it’s under the entertainment business. Sometimes i need to focus and be serious in making a professional sound or melody in my head but all i hear inside that head is how to crack people up lol, like concept of some comic reliever will be coming up in the same head which will put delay to music till i am settled.
What’s your genre of music, and what inspires it?
Samuel Paul : I must say as a music executive and producer, i can’t limit myself to a particular sound because i might wake up someday and hear a new sound to produce or feature an artist on. For now, i am more focused on amapiano, afrobeat and dancehall, but I am creating my own genre out of what’s created to give a new sound or genre of my own.
You recently released a new song, ‘Wozani’. Tell me about it?
Samuel Paul: WOZANI means come get it. I must say it’s a collaboration I never saw coming at all. I actually love going through the internet searching for new sounds in South Africa then i hit alot of artists from there and i was following them up then I decided from what i heard from niakeyz and i told him lets do something. And for do2tun, its something i never saw coming too because he has been my mentor as an entertainer for like 5 years and the way i met him was just a magic and i must say its God’s timing and i really must say i am grateful for him accepting to jump on this record with me.
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What’s your relationship with Do2dtun like?
Samuel Paul: Do2dtun is a father, boss, mentor I really look up to. I must be real. Like i said before, i have been looking up to him as an entertainer (crowd controller) for 5 to 6 years before i met him for a feature. We have a tight and great relationship. Na my helper ooooo.
How has his influence in the industry helped your music?
Samuel Paul: Do2dtun is a legend. Na old cat like the funny rating is. Honestly, his influence has put more attention to my name and brand than it used to be. Yes i have been trying do little things on my branding and all, but his name and identity has put more pressure and respect to my career you know. I mean there are some places the song has been playing without my knowledge just because the ENERGY GaD is on my song.
I must say i am grateful again and again.
I hear people talk about stream farming. What do you know about it?
Samuel Paul: Stream farming aka agriculture. I must say alot is going on in the industry now. Alot of we creatives have been suffering from stream farming. we have been working endlessly to make music back to back and some of the top dogs that are well connected and rich use stream farm to make we upcoming look like what we’re doing doesn’t make any sense or we are not working hard yet at all. I can’t be pointing out or calling names but they should please consider and please let us who are great creatives breathe and let us hit some height in the industry.
Are most of the top artistes in Nigeria involved in this or just a few?
Samuel Paul: Honestly, who am i to call names and say they are into stream farming.
I actually love my career. I wouldn’t want to be picked as a scapegoat from what others see and decide to keep quiet.
How well is your song being streamed on streaming platforms?
Samuel Paul: I have not had access to the total streams but well i guess it’s doing good and more attention is what’s needed and more content will be starting soon to give the song more attention from all music lovers all over the world.
What have you learnt so far in your years in the entertainment industry?
Samuel Paul: There is no love in there, only business and just few got the real love. Only when you’re famous and there is something to benefit from your fame thats when you will see celebrities like you that want to tag with you.
Fame isnt forever. Make the money from it when you can and also know how to strategize like know next move to make at the right time.
Which artistes would you like work with in the coming years and why?
Samuel Paul: I have a long list of artiste i wish to work with but i will mention few. Looking forward to work with Chris brown, Drake, David Guetta, Davido, Calvin Harris, Busta Rhymes, Beyonce, Rihanna, Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Tiwa Savage, Olamide, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Meek Mill just to mention a few. I have been wanting to actually bring a collaboration thats never happened before like sound people don’t see coming.
