Ain’t they blazing? They sure are. Within a short space of time, Knighthouse has established itself as a group y’all got to watch out for.
Knighthouse is currently working on the ‘Knighthouse ‘Street Scriptures Volume 1’ which is the first album in the project is set to be released in 2nd quarter of 2009 and is definitely going to take Nigerian music to another level.
Here’s a new single from the upcoming album and this song is titled ‘Ijinle Pampam’ Ft. YQ, Eldee, Kel and Othello.
Listen to Knighthouse ‘Ijinle Pampam’ Audio Song Ft. YQ, Eldee, Kel & Othello
KH: Ijinle Pampam Ft. YQ, Eldee, Kel, Othello: Finally the wait is over and Kel is out with her debut album titled ‘The Investment’. The album is presently banging across all media stations and you gotta go get your copy NOW!!
As part of the activities to celebrate with Kel on her achievement, Allejo brings you the Part 2 of KEL: THE TRES INTERVIEWS. The Part 1 of this highly interesting interview can be checked on Werunthings while the Part 3 would drop on SwitchedOnNaija
In this Part 2 of Kels Tres Interview, She talks about her strengths, the rave she’s currently enjoying and how she was able to bridge all odds to deliver a successful album. (This interview was conducted before Kel released her album)
From a feature appearance to dropping your debut singles, why the long wait and why ‘The Investment’?
The wait has been due to a lot of things. First and foremost, publicity. I couldn’t put an album out without people knowing who I am and what Kel is all about. You need to give the people more because they’re not just going to buy your album based on 1 single alone. And then you gotta publicise your works. I’m not going to release an album that will sell only in Lagos. It has to be a hit everywhere; in and out of Lagos, in and out of Nigeria. There’s a lot of work to be done before you throw out an album. The album is called ‘The Investment’ because a lot of people have invested a lot into this. Time, effort, money, energy, sacrifices, compromises; whatever you name it. So this is our investment and it’s finally here.
Mode9, M.I., Illbliss, Ruggedman etc all try to express some lyrical punch line in form of views and opinions about each other, will Kel be hitting some folks below the touchline with this forthcoming album?
Nope. I’m not in this to start up fights or beef or anything. I love what I do and I have fun doing it. So am not thinking like I have to knock this person off or anything. Music is my thing and that’s what am doing.
You seem to be the only female rapper topping some Naija chart list, is there any real competition?
Well I don’t know. Like I said before, I’m just having fun doing what I know how to do best. There’s space for everyone to do whatever so I don’t know about competition or anything like that.
What will Kel consider as a successful album?
A successful album is an album that stays relevant over a long period of time. An album that you can pickup 5 years from now and still bump your head to. An album that you can sit and listen to without having to skip a track. An album that touches people. An album that helps someone get through his/her day. An album that when you put it on, makes you feel happy, sad, reminisce, groovy etc. An album that makes you realize and remember that music is one of the essentials of life. That’s my definition of a successful album.
You got two HHWA Nominations for ‘Wa wa alright’ will you say you deserve any of the awards or should I just ask if you are contended with the outcome of the awards, since it seem you created more online and viral buzz around your nomination?
Of course I’d say I deserved to win. Who wouldn’t? lol. But on the real, it is worth it and being nominated for not 1, but 2 awards was a trip. The fact that I’ve come so far with just 1 single is enough to give me a head rush. So yea, I didn’t win but that doesn’t define who I am and my stance in this industry.
What is your relationship with M.I.?
I never get tired of answering this question. It always makes me laugh. M.I. and I are very good friends. Let’s move along, nothing here to see folks. lol.
Where do your creative strengths truly lie?
Wow. My creative strengths? I guess I’d say in God. He gave me this talent to begin with, so everything I do, everything I am today, I owe it all to him.
Kel, one cannot but ask what you hope to achieve with your forthcoming album considering the number of supposed feature appearances, each with one with his/her mad skills?
With all the features I’ve got going on, maybe the album should have been called Kel and Friends. lol. But on the real, all these people are highly talented and gifted in their different genres. They bring a certain something to the album. All I had in mind was making beautiful music and each of these artistes fit the bill so hey, let’s have music then. lol.
3 things you cannot do without?
Lipgloss, Phone. dunno about 3rd thing o!
Nominated for 2 awards at the upcoming 2009 HipHop World Awards, Kel has definitely shown the stuff she’s made up of. With her performance in songs like ‘Wa Wa Alright’ ,’Beautiful Life’ and ‘U Go Wound O’, her nomination didn’t come as a surprise. Kel debut album should drop this month and its gonna be the BOMB!!
Kel tells us how she got into rap and what she’s up too. Its an interestin interview…a must read…
Can we meet you?
My name is Kel Ohia. I am a female rapper and hiphop is what I do.
Educational Background?
Currently doing my University degree in Lagos State University.
How did you found yourself rapping?
It was through a friend of mine who used to play rap music back in those days around me then because I never used to like rap, it kind of grew on me but I fell in love with rap when I started listening to Eminem.
Will it be right to say then that Eminem was your most admired rap artiste?
Yes.
Who are the artiste (foreign/naija) you listen to as a rapper?
I listen to Eminem, Lupe Fiasco, Jay Z, and M.I etc.
Have you ever been compared to any major foreign rapper?
Initially when I came out people said I sounded like Eve.
But now, what do you think?
I think I have developed my own style.
Your stage performance is always full of energy, have you ever flopped with your lines on stage before?
Yes, when performing on stage there is so much noise and i just kind of murmur along the forgotten lines until I can pick the lines back.
When was the last time you flopped with your lines on stage?
I think it was during the Guinness show.
Now let talk about the Naija female rap world, folks out there has these strong feelings that the real rap game is between you, Kemistry and Blaise. What do you think?
I think we all have our different styles, rhythm and image. I do not think there is any need for any comparison between us all.
So what inspires your kind of rap?
When I rap, I am basically having fun. I rap from what I see around me. I do not come across as some hardcore rapper, but I can definitely hold my own.
What drives/gives you inspiration when making your styles of music?
Most times I listen to the beat and its whatever the beat tells me. Sometimes I could just be at home and some lyrics comes I just write it out. Most times is the beat that brings the lyrics.
Does it mean that you freestyle?
I do not freestyle.
Will you still be around the rap world in the next 5-10 years from now?
I hope so.
What other activities do you engage in aside from music?
My life revolves around the music world. Music is everything to me.
Which producers are you working with or have worked with in the past?
Dr.Frabz, Tee-y Mix, also worked with Freestyle in the past.
You recently shot two videos from your forthcoming album ‘The Investment’, what were they like?
The first video is titled ‘Beautiful Life’ while the second video titled ‘Too Fine’ featured Alaye.
When should we be expecting the full album?
Before the end of May.
Any last word for naija youths?
Do what you got to do and believe in your self. Hardwork and perseverance pays.
If you have been wondering what to expect when you bring three of naijas best artist together for a collabo then you don’t have to wonder any more. ‘U Go Wound O’ was one track that got the raves when it came out.
Blessed with performances by IllBliss, Kel & Tha Suspect, ‘U Go Wound O’ is a song that is lyrically furnished. Kel is one of naijas top female rapper, IllBliss is a born lyricist while Tha Suspect is a topnotch producer.
Listen to IllBliss ‘U Go Wound O’ audio song Ft. Kel & Tha Suspect.
Kel grew up in Satellite Town (a.k.a. Sat Town) in Lagos, Nigeria. She got involved with rap as a hobby but then it stuck after months and months of constant mimes to tracks by popular international acts like Bone Thugs and Harmony, Eminem, Missy Elliot, Eve and Left Eye.
Now signed to Capital Hill Music, her debut album will soon be released with great music and newsworthy collaborations with artistes such as M.I, Shank, Nyore, SLK, Iceprince, illBliss, YQ, Durella and many surprises.
Kel is regarded as one of naijas female lyricist and her ‘Wa Wa Alright’ video lay claims to that.
Watch Kels ‘Wa Wa Alright’ video
