Eclipse 2
Eclipse 2
Who is Eclipse?
I’m a rapper and song writer with proficiencies in music production and acting. With a vast musical exposure, my sound/genres include Rap, Hip-hop, Afrobeat, Dance-hall.
What’s your story? How did you get into the music business?
I started writing my own songs as far back 2004 in JSS3 and at the time music for me was not only a strong medium of expression but also a form of refuge in my rather slightly complex and lonely world.
My family moved around a lot because of the nature of my dad’s job, and being unable to have a lot of long lasting friendships, I found solace in writing songs and sharing my thoughts through rhythm and poetry.
It was not until 2006 that I recorded my first song and by the time I got into the university, my passion for music was constantly growing, I recorded more songs, performed at school shows and enrolled for rap battles across the southeastern parts of Nigeria.
In 2012, I signed a record deal with Aboriginal Productions and one can say that this was the point where I was fully adopted into the music business.
Which musicians are your greatest influences?
It’s impossible for me to know every musician who has influenced me but definitely a few names stand out – such as Eldee, Ludacris, M.I, Eminem amongst others. These are artistes who have been able to connect to their immediate environment and also attain commercial success.
Although more recently and every so often, you can catch me listening to some J.cole, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, YCee and Phyno.
If you could work with an already established artist, who would that be and why?
I would love to work with Angelique Kidjo at some point in my career. I think she is a great musician with a very rich sound and amazing vocals. In the past I have sampled her vocals on some songs I’ve made, one of which is “Agbalaba”, released in 2014. It would be nice to make a fresh and all original song with her.
What do you hope to achieve with your music?
In March 2016, I put out my debut EP “City of Dreams” which featured Eva Alordiah, Evaezi, Poe, Ruby Gyang, Demmie V and M.I Abaga.
The project is the soundtrack to the story of a young man’s encounters with love, loss, peer pressure, and spirituality on the road to success but most of all it shows that even with all the obstacles life presents us with, our dreams are still very attainable.
I hope that with the music I make and the career I’m building, I inspire a whole new generation of dream chasers, people who aren’t afraid to dream, people who dare to do better than their immediate circumstance rather be just another statistic.
What are your challenges in life and in the music industry?
As a dreamer, having people who support you is a major key to success. So be it a team, squad, crew, clique or anything else you call it, it is imperative to have a support system of some sort.
Sadly these days it’s increasingly difficult to find people who are loyal and keep to their words, people you can count on to have your back any day and that’s what I find most disturbing in life and the industry.
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Once upon a time I would have answered this same question saying my biggest challenge in the Industry was money or acceptance from people but I find now that once you have a plan, focus and a solid team the sky is your limit.
What’s your word of advice for upcoming artistes like you?
If you are an artiste working to make your dreams a reality then you need to stay hardworking and dedicated. Those words might seem clichè but success truly is when opportunity meets preparedness so you owe it to yourself to constantly work on your craft while you hustle like your life depends on it.
culled from Naija.com

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