All it took was "a positive energy" for Casey to navigate from his dream to reality. In 2010, he won GloNaija Sings; he was given money, car and Clarence Peters shot the video for his song, Not the Girl. He became a star. Then, slowly, he disappeared into oblivion. But he resurfaced after working diligently in different recording studios, garages, basements, singing his voice out and gathering material for his debut album, Parisian Blues, to be released this summer by Paris-based record label, La Cave Musik.
Casey Edema has moved from Lagos to Paris. The first week he landed in Paris, he performed at the closing ceremony of Nollywood Week Paris and hung out with Nigerian-German musician Nneka at Le Comptoir General, an African-styled boutique very close to Republique metro in the City of Love. They talked about Nigeria.
We caught up with Casey in an open bar in Paris.
When did you first realise that you wanted to become a musician? We understand you have an album coming out now? What is the title of the album?
I realized I wanted to be a musician as early as when I was a little boy. I had watched the likes of Micheal Jackson and I was always in the know. When I sang as a kid, it was as if I found myself in a comfort zone. And yes, I have started working on an album. It’s an album with a unique approach and sound.
A sound that comes from my heart not head. The album consists of positive, conscious and love songs. Songs that everyone can connect and relate with. The album is called Parisian Blues.
Recently, you released a single that a lot of people loved, OritseJolomi. Who produced it? How long had you been wanting to take over the music industry?
Oritsejolomi was written and composed by me. Oritsejolomi which means "God made you well", that is, you are not a mistake or you are complete. It’s a language called Itsekiri spoken in Delta state. The track was produced by Oscar Heman Ackah. I have always had the desire to influence the industry with my music, nationally and internationally, as far back as when I was a kid. When I decided I wanted to be a musician, I hoped, prayed and worked towards being good at what I do.
How does it feel to be compared to Adam Lambert?
It’s a huge honour being compared to Adam Lambert. I actually like Adam Lambert. He is a great vocalist and performer. Spotted him on the American Idol show where he performed. I think we have some similarities. We share same birthday; born on the same day of the same month and the difference in our years is almost coincidental.
He sings with a lot of passion just like I do and he has the high range like myself. I particularly love his album, Beg for Mercy. Nevertheless, I look up to him and hope to achieve as much that he has and even more.
Can you tell us about your challenges in the industry and why you chose to do music?
My challenges in the industry are really big. First of all, the almost general perspective of what is defined as great music by almost a greater percentage of the populace is one of the keenest challenges. The idea that you have to make your production very local and upbeat or very fast; also you have to say words or use lyrical constructions that really make no sense but as long as its accepted.
The structure of the music industry is another fact too. It isn't yet properly structured. There are a whole lot of things but I don't want to sound like a critic or whiner so I'll just zip it for now.
Vocally, you are one of the finest in Nigeria. Lyrically, how do you find inspiration?
I find my inspiration from everything. Starting with myself, my life experiences that have made me or challenged me. Then connecting with my environment at large, that is, people around me, their thoughts, their experiences, their stories, also with nature and the elements of the universe. But most of all I am a deep person. I believe music has its personality. It speaks.
So I always try to listen to what it is trying to say or says. Like if I hear the guitar playing or I'm given an instrumental without vocals I always try to connect the feed back in words in my heart. This is just one part of it.
What type of music have you always wanted to do? And how do you see a collaboration with Timi Dakolo or Bez?
The kind of music I always wanted to do is the kind of music that would affect the world. Music that would be evergreen. Music that transcends, that even 10 years after the line you listen to it and you can still feel its essence. A collaboration with Timi Dakolo and Bez is a positive way to go I would say, or a collaboration with Asa or Nneka because, not only do I like these guys’ music, they are quality music. Unique sounds, great lyrical content and internationally appealing. That's my direction.
Have you gotten any surprising reactions to your songs?
Absolutely yes! I've gotten many surprise reactions to my songs from different persons all over the world. Some from listening to my song on my Reverbnation to others who heard me through other means. Some say, "Wow, you don't sound like a Nigerian". I don’t know how Nigerians sound, but some say, "wow you sound legendary!" If I could show you a munch from a lady in Switzerland she said "Your music is better than a million". I could also tell you that Akon commented on my sound through my producer. I munched the chat!
What’s next for you?
Breakthrough internationally with my music and entertainment. After the album launch, we will go on tour and make things happen.
Casey opened for Davido on Friday, June 28 at 139, Avenue President Wilson 93210 La Plaine St. Denis.
Credit: DSTV News
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