Rotimi Ige of nigerian tribune caught up with Fuji crooner, Taye Currency, where the artiste shared his ideology about his upcoming Hip Hop album, and why the Fuji genre will always remain relevant.
We hear that you are planning a Hip Hop album. Tell us about that.
It is true that I am planning collaborations with the hip pop artistes. As we all know, the music industry is competitive now and everybody is trying to upgrade their genre. Before you can upgrade your genre, you must get to a certain level in your game or genre before you can think of upgrading. I give thanks to God that that I have gotten to a certain level in Fuji music industry that not many would say they don’t know who Taye Currency is in the music industry. However, as part of plans to give my fans more entertainment and satisfaction, plus knowing that Hip Hop is trending right now, I am trying to fuse Hip Hop to Fuji music, thus giving everybody additional value every time they listen to the brand, Taye Currency.
Fuji music is known to be riddled with rivalry between musicians. Why is this so and who would you say is your rival?
There is no music genre that does not have rivalry. Also, rivalry has been in existence right from the inception of music. We thank God for development and civilization especially in Fuji music because negative rivalry is now a thing of the past. Everybody is out to make good music and make money. That said, I, Taye Currency does not have any rival in the music industry. Recently, I shared a stage with top Fuji musicians and there was no fighting.
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You have been able to stay scandal free for a very long time. How did you achieve this?
I am a much disciplined person; the Taye Currency on stage is different from Taye Currency at home. When I am on stage, I give my fans what they want and when I am off the stage, I maintain my dignity and reputation. I do my best to stay away from all sort scandals or anything that can dent my reputation.
You are currently based in Ibadan. Why not Lagos like many of your colleagues?
Well, many people believe that music has its base in Lagos and I am not one of those who share that train of thought. That is why I decided to stay in Ibadan and I tell you, I still have more shows in Lagos than some artistes based there and I have God and my fans to thank for this. Also, from Ibadan, I get shows outside the country i.e Dubai, Malaysia, London, Dublin and many more.
Fuji music is mostly associated with hooliganism and touts save a few musicians like Ayuba who have made the genre appealing to other social classes. What have you done, or are doing to change this perception?
I am trying my best to make my music appealing to the other social classes but no matter how hard I try, I still have to appreciate my fans irrespective of their class, which is why I said earlier that the Taye Currency on stage is different from off stage. I don’t discriminate but I try to carry along all classes of fans that I have.
Tell us a bit about your songs. How many albums do you have?
I make good Fuji music and songs that the coming generation can listen to.
Which album/song would you say is most memorable or dear to your heart?
My new record is the dearest to my heart. It is titled Birthday Bash & Message (B.B.M).
Which album (s) would you say has been most challenging?
My new album remains the most challenging record.
Mentors?
I have many of them but those whose music got me inspired are King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal and Otunba Wasiu Alabi Pasuma. These are the two Fuji musicians I look forward to.
By trying to diversify into Fuji/Hip Hop that some of you are doing nowadays, is this a pointer to the fact that Fuji music, on its own, has become less acceptable?
No! Fuji is still popular and acceptable. It is still recognised everywhere. But collaborating with Hip Hop artistes is one way of penetrating the Hip Hop audience while also upgrading our music delivery. We are not relenting in making Fuji music acceptable. We have many other plans that our fans and men of the press will be witnessing very soon but right now Fuji music is featured on many sold out concerts / events in Nigeria so we are still relevant and acceptable in the Nigerian music industry.
How do you relax?
I relax using two days in a week, the remaining days are for shows.
What should fans expect from you?
My fans should expect more good music, creativity and delivery. I also have many other plans which I will not like to disclose right now. But I promise my fans that I will never disappoint them.
Tell us something many people don’t know about you...
I am free minded person, very disciplined. I love sports like football, tennis and swimming. I do not take anything alcoholic or smoke. I have done these before but now I thank God for more enlightenment. Many people don’t believe this but that is who I am.
You ideal kind of woman?
All ladies are my fans and I appreciate them all but I like it when a woman is hard working and God fearing.
What would you have been if not a musician?
Only God knows o!
Tell us a bit about your background.
I am a native of Ibadan and the name of my family compound is Agbeni Foko. I started my music career early. I started gradually and I thank God for his blessing because he has made me who I am today.
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