Mr.2Kay is a Nigerian singer and songwriter signed to Grafton Recording Label which happens to be one of the biggest in West Africa. His entry into the music industry was one of the most fascinating because the CEO of the label actually called him to have him signed up.
In this interview, Mr.2Kay shares why he picked Kenya as his first stop on his media tour, his thoughts on East African music and why he prays for people. Oh, his name 2Kay, came from his cool and chilled personality which his friends and family made them refer to him as 'Too cool'. When he got into music, he adopted for the shorter, nuanced and easily memorable 'Mr.2kay.'
What was the biggest challenge when starting out?
I started singing professionally 5 years ago but I have been singing for quite a while. When I started out money was the biggest obstacle. I had the talent but I needed the funds to push the talent. I was like the raw material and I needed to be refined just like crude oil. All this changed when I got signed to Grafton Records. I had been approaching them for quite a while but they had their hands full. I had been praying and I think things happen at the right time because after winning a singing competition in my hometown that they had organized, doors opened for me. The CEO of Grafton Records called me and I was just in disbelief and it took me a second call for me to be completely convinced that it was from them.
What was the idea behind your song 'Pray For Me' because it feels more like a testimony?
I released the song a few years ago and it was just me praying for people. I consider myself a church boy so my faith is still intact. I just felt like praying for people, my fans, my country and all those who are hustling to make ends meet.  I was just journey with those who were praying for a better tomorrow through the music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5b4RRjOHP8
Do you have a 'Mr.2Kay' sound?
Urban contemporary with a fusion of pop is my sound.
You have a new album, 'Elevated'. What inspired it?
This album is for everyone who wants to be great and is looking to upgrade to the next level. I named the album 'Elevated' because I have been through life's struggles; from rejection to tribalism, racism…but despite it all, I'm still winning. There's no gravity to hold me back so I'm just going higher and higher. The album took l year to complete and I was supposed to release it last year but 2018 is my year.
You've collaborated with Reekado Banks in the song 'Banging.' What do you look for in artists in order to collaborate with them?
I look at their potential and fan-base. What can the artist do? Is he or she good? Do fans love their work? Reekado Banks has all that and lyrically he is strong which made the song totally balanced. We (in Nigeria) take a lot from East African artists because we see a lot of potential. The likes of Sauti Sol, Nameless and Wyre are doing good work and I'm looking into possible collaborations with these guys from Kenya. The reason I picked Kenya as the first stop is that Kenya is the place to be and it has a vibrant music scene.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tufZyLc34Q
Which African artist(s) influences your music?
The legendary Rex Lawson inspires me. He is long gone but his music is amazing. Flavour's song Ashawo (Nwa Baby) is a remix of Rex's song titled 'Sawale.'
What should we expect from you in 2018?
More cool music, more shows and more videos.

About The Author

Author
Omani Joy

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