Proper structures, positive government interference and empowering young talents would boost music in Nigeria- Shanky Mannie, Dancehall artist

Q. Can we meet you?

A. My name is Shanky Mannie , music artist and sound Engineer. I hail from Abia state.

Q. Relationship status?

A. Single

Q.Date of Birth?

A. 1994

Q. What style of music are you doing right now and what stirred up the passion of music in you?

A. Afro pop, dance hall, ragae and R n B. I'd say my Dad, though I always had music in me from the young age and I get fascinated at the sounds of music.

Q. When did you begin your music career and how has the journey been so far?

A. I would say it all started officially in theater late 2000 as I grew more interest in music I always enjoyed being in the studio.

Although the journey has been tough and uneasy but it didn't deter me from continuing.

Q. What do you think are the problems upcoming artistes are facing in the music industry, Nigeria?

A. Lack of structure, no support, lack of finances.

Q. What do you think can be done to solve these problems you highlighted above?

A. Proper structures, positive government interference and empowering young talents would boost music in Nigeria.

Q. Mention few things you think upcoming artistes can do to come to limelight?

A. Just continue working maybe one day some help will come , also working with the right people who can get them to the right places.

Q. What role can government play to support the music industry, most especially the upcoming artistes?

A. Laying down structures to snap talents without struggling to be heard and creating a body that will help artist get what they need and encouragement and supporting monetarily.

Q. Are you a signed under a management/ label or are you the one pushing your music by yourself?

A. Not signed to any label I'm the one pushing myself.

Q. In the area of promotion, what are the challenges involved?

A. Lack of funds to get your songs to be right platforms for your music to be heard.

Q. How do you fund or source for fund concerning your music?

A. No sourcing from anywhere, I just get my money which I'm supposed to live on to push my music.

Q. How has been the relationship between the upcoming artistes and the superstar in the area of support?

A. There's too much distance between the upcoming and superstar no relationship, we fight for our heads.

Q. Don’t you think that the industry should create a platform where upcoming artistes can easily get financial support/fund so as to grow the music industry fast?

A. Offcourse there should be a platform to help fund upcoming artist. 

Q. Since music is a lucrative business in Nigeria and the world at large, is there no way investors can come in?

A. The industry doesn't support the right investors coming in, Instead we get the wrong investors who want to rip you off and get you discouraged.

Q. As an artistes, mention some benefits you often enjoy in Nigeria?

A. Not a single benefit , until you're known which shouldn't be.

Q. Why is it that upcoming artistes don’t get endorsement from corporate brands no matter how small the deal could be? 

A. Lack of trust in the Nigerian system and the government isn't creating room to make it happen.

Q. Who are your role model and mentor in the music industry?

A. The legendary Fela, 2 baba , Wande coal.

Q. Mention five artistes that inspire you with their music?

A.  Fela, 2 baba , Wande coal, Wizkid and Burns boy.

Q. How often do you write songs and what gives you inspiration when writing your songs?

A. I write songs when I see something that inspires me and happenings around me also inspire me.

Q. When you a producer gives you a beat to voice over, would you prefer to freestyle on the beat or you will write the lyrics first then voice over?

A  I write the lyrics first and perfect it

Q. What are the challenges you are having with producers when working on a music project?

A. Impatience from the producer,  most of them work for money and not passion, and the time section may not be enough or you pay extra.

Q. What is your definition of music?

A. Music is life.

Q. What are the qualities of good music?

A. Good contents and if it's capable of driving the audience along.

Q. Do you think Nigerian artistes are still producing good music?

A. Yes off course quite a number of them are doing good music.

Q. Where do you see yourself in the next ten years in the music industry?

A. Having dished out good music becoming a music mogul and owning a record company. 

Q. Who do you intend to work with, in the music industry?

A. 2 baba , Wizkid, Davido, Burna boy, Reekado banks and the list goes on. 

Q. Have you faced any form of sexual violence/ sexual harassment before?

A. Never faced a sexual harassment.

Q. Tell us about your upbringing?

A. My parents really tried even though we were poor. Upbringing was kinda rough when you cannot have the kind of life you desire.

Q. While growing up, did you by any chance enjoy parental love?

A. Sure I enjoyed parental love and encouragement.

Q. Did your parents like your decision in becoming a musician and are they giving all the necessary support you need?

A. At first they didn't but later they had to but they didn't have the right support to give in terms of money just some advise.

Q. Did you by any chance have sex education at home?

A. Never had sex education at home.

Q. If yes, how often did you have sex education at home?

A. My parents only admonished and advised and gave the right lessons to follow.

Q. Do you think it is difficult to control sexual urge?

A. It's not difficult to control sexual urge.

Q. What is the root of domestic violence against women?

A. Lack of understanding and courtship.

Q. What is your say on Children regarding sex and sexuality?

A. They must be taught sex lessons.

Q. In which area parents are not doing enough regarding sex and sexuality?

A. Parents are not dishing out the right lessons or telling their children the truth about sex. They hide it and leave it until it becomes too late,that's one of the problems we are suffering today.

Q. Any advice for the government regarding sex and sexuality?

A. Teach the children from a young age and lay down proper measures.

Q. Does the media has a role to play regarding sex and sexuality?

A. Media has a big role after the parents.

Q. Do you think religious leaders are doing enough regarding sex education?

A. The religious bodies aren't doing enough, they neglect this things which should be part of their teachings.

Q. Do you think it is healthy for women to go into prostitution?

A. It's unhealthy for women to go into prostitution because most of them do it against their wish and to earn a living.

Q. We have a lot of youths delving into pornographic business in Nigeria, what is your thought on this? 

A. Most of them have been victims of abuse and rapes in the past due to government and parental neglect But government must help them from a young age.

Q. What role do you think we can play as individual or collectively as a society to create a sexually disciplined Nigeria?

A. Let their be gender equality.

Q. Who is your role model regarding sexual discipline?

A. Never paid much attention to that.

Q. What is your view about sex? 

A. Sex should be an agreement between two people not an avenue of taking advantage.

Q. What is your view about sex education?

A. I support sex education a 💯% in our society, it would help create awareness needed.

Q.What is your word of encouragement to all coming artistes out-there?

A. My advice is for upcoming Artist not to relent or give up their dreams. Continue pushing and get a role model to take after.

Q.Your advice to everyone reading this interview?

A. My Advice to everyone reading is, help create a better society where not one is abused or taken for sex object.

Q. One word for your fans

A. Keep supporting Nigerian music and projecting it and have a good moral behavior for a better society.

Q. Thank you for your time and attention?

A. You are welcome.