‘WE ARTISTES ARE FALSE PROPHETS’ –TERRY G

Gabriel Oche Amanyi whom we all know as TerryG has transformed. Notphysically but mentally. As it seems, the young man has put his unruly past behind him, and has stepped up to his new position as a father and businessman.Terry G, who owns a water and poultry business, is true to himself. He admits his music and that of many other artistes lack positive message, but he exempts 2face Idibia from that class.Why is that? Amayi says Nigerian youths don’twant message. In other words, he gives them what they want (dance/party jams). And gets paid for that too. Who will blame him? But all that would change, maybe soon, as Terry G claims he’d deliver good message when the time comes.He said this during a recent interview he had with hiphopworld magazine.
WHAT WAS GROWING UP LIKE?
Growing up wasn’t easy. We stayed in a face-me-I-face-you kind of house, always going to church because my mum was a deaconess and choir mistress, so I developedinterest in the choir and also playing musical instruments such as the drums and piano.
HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THE NAME TERRY G?
Like they say,your name represents who you are. So it simply means ‘Turning Extremely Rhythms and Rhymes to Youths in our generation'.

AT WHAT AGE DID YOU START MUSIC?
Well, I can’t remember the age but definitely when I was tender, because of my interest in the church choir and playing instruments. At some point I also did backup vocals for FAZE of formerPlantation Boiz, I joined him during his travels and tours for shows.Did you really produce the song ‘in case you never know’for 2shortz and for Timaya? Yes, Idid. I used to produce beats and back up before I started being noticed.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE YOUR STYLE OF MUSIC?
Back then it was R&B I did, shot a video in South Africa but the response was not what I wanted (no hype). I wanted to be number one. Sometimes, mistakes enlighten you. I made a mistake while producingFree Madnessand the hype came. The mistake brought about my style of music which is ‘Shanteshante.’

DID YOUR PARENTS SUPPORT YOU IN THE BEGINNING?
My mum was in support of my career choice but my dad was not because he wanted the best for me. He wanted me to be a pilot because back then anyone doing music was tagged a nuisance. If not for music, I would have probably been a footballer and a strong striker at that(laughs).

WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU MADE MONEY AND HOW DID YOU SPEND IT?
Like I said earlier, I played musical instruments in church and I was being paid for that (salary), also producing beats. I spent the money mainly on transportation and responsibilities as the first child.

PEOPLE CRITICIZE YOUR SOUNDS BECAUSE YOU STICK TO ONE KIND OF SOUND, WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON THAT?
Criticism is allowed but one thing you have to know is just be yourself. For me, I’m good as long as my listeners can dance to my beat, then that’s it for me.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?
My environment, where I grew up from. I also have this drive that I’ve not gotten to where I want to be which is being number one.
YOUR NAME POPS UP AS ONE OF THE BEST, HOW DO YOU FEEL?
I’m humbled,i keep working to retain my present position.It’s all about working hard atwhat you do.
HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH FANS OF THE OPPOSITE SEX?
(Laughs)I keep wondering why questions about the male fans are never asked because they are worse. You know I represent the street. For the female fans, just being cool and playful with them,that's all.
WHAT’S THE CRAZIEST THING A FAN HAS DONE TO YOU, MALE OR FEMALE?
There are so many but I remember one at a concert in the UK while I was performing, all of a sudden a female fan started playing with my ‘football’ and then they became two, three and in my head I was like ‘whaaat?.’I just ignored them so that I could finish my performance.

WHAT message ARE YOU SENDING ACROSS THROUGH YOUR MUSIC?
Well, we artistes are false prophets because we portray what we are not in terms of stage performance and personality difference. This realm of youths doesn’t want any message. They just want to dance so I make good beats and when the time for message comes, I’ll deliver.Till date, Tuface is the legend in message delivery.

WHAT MAJOR AWARDS HAVE YOU WON?The one I remember is Hip Hop World awards (now THE HEADIES) 2010 for Free Madness.

ASIDES MUSIC WHAT ELSE DO YOU DO?
I like reading at home and playing games because it gives me ideas. I’m not an adventurous person.I like being indoors

DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AS A CONTRIBUTOR TO THE AFRICAN MUSIC?
Yes, I’ll say I’m part of the civilian contributors that scattered music, chose my style and left the rest for others to choose from.

WHAT'S IN STOCK FOR TGP ENTERTAINMENT?
Currently we have two artistes ‘D money’and ‘Terry G’also a new act‘Larry lance’ofHouse of Ginjahhas being involved.

FIVE YEARS FROM NOW WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF?
Process leads to success. I have a water company, poultry, and into properties too. It’s all about spreading your tentacles into business not just music.

TELL US THREE THINGS ABOUT YOU THAT WE DON'T KNOW.
I’m calm, observant, shy, a good cook and I love babies

WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY IN LIFE?
I met life, I’m still going to leave life so don’t take it serious, be easy on yourself.

WHAT IS THE HEADIES AWARDS TO YOU?
It is the best award so far in Africa. Putting up such an event is a lot of hard work, coordination and improvement each year. So Igive it to the organizers.Kudos!

BEING NOMINATED, HOW DO YOU FEEL? I appreciate being in that category because it is my style of music.It is a privilege.

WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST CONTENDER AND WHY?
For me it is Olamide because he represents the streets strongly than any other in that category.

WHAT’S FOR 2014?
Run Madvideo will be out early January. It’s going to be full of crazy, creative, dope dance.Watch out.