26th November, 2022
Afro Pop singer, and song-writer Johnson O Grace, who goes by the stage name “La Grace” is the next generation of Nigerian music stars. Born and raised in Nigeria, he went to settle in Ukraine representing his country in the entertainment industry.
La Grace has shown his versatility in this body of work and has proven to be ready to conquer the world. Like they say; Good music content oftentimes serves as an extension of an artist’s personality, and a reflection of the taste of music lovers and fans, the artist caters to.
His musics are laced with strong, loving, sensual, and powerful lyrical content is an attestation that he is up to something big.
In this interview with Taiwo Okanlawon, La Grace gets real about carrying the torch for Nigeria music industry abroad as he narrates different challenges he had and still facing as an Afrobeats artiste.
You recently dropped the official video for your latest single “Shaye”, how is the acceptance of the song so far?
The acceptance of my recent single Shaye was great. A lot of people have a good and real review of the song and in particular the lyrics and the modest style of the video. Everybody was able to relate to it.
What was your growing up like?
I grew up like every other child in my neighborhood. Walked to school and back home. Played football on the street and also enjoyed most of my time in the church.
How difficult is it to be a Nigerian talent outside Nigeria?
Being a talent outside Nigeria is a chance anyone would like to have but that’s being outside Nigeria nothing is special apart from the fact that you get the missing amenities and infrastructures that are missing in Nigeria. As a talent, your base I mean your residence country has a lot to play in growing your talent.
How would you describe your struggle over the years finding your feat in the industry?
Well, I still don’t have a feature yet. I am not also struggling. I will just keep vibing till my vocals become relevant. I’m just trusting the process.
How long have you been in the music industry?
In the music industry, I would practically say 3 years behind with the release of Chocomilo. The previous year has just been something of ordinary interest but the last 3 years have been more dedicated and filled with industry-standard way of life and music.
Tell us about challenges you face and was there a time you feel like quitting?
The major challenge involved includes not being in Nigeria and residing in a country where Afrobeats is not allowed even into their radio station. Producers here are way not into Afrobeats. The sound engineers are not into it, and video production in Afro way is so wack, I had almost given up to the extent that I almost became a rapper just to fit into the system here but God saved me. Now, I am glad I didn’t switch ways or gave up my dream.
Does having a record label play a big role in the industry?
Yes, being signed under a record label has proven to be the backbone of most stars. Even those without a record label company have a non-exclusive agreement with some really rich and influential people.
Basically, if you lack these, you are in God’s hands. So trust the process keep vibing!
Who would you like to collaborate with among the heavyweights in the music industry?
Collaboration is a great deal. Well, we have seen OLAMIDE blow breath life into the dead artists’ career and they not only come to life but remain in life. We have seen Wizkid do the same, Burnaboy so if I’d have a collaboration I would be glad to have a chance with these world music heavyweights.
What do you think the future holds for the Nigerian music industry?
There’s no other future for the Nigeria music industry other than growing better in the style of the Afrobeats sound, and new artists fast rising. What other future? Afrobeats has already taken its rightful place in the world. Nigeria music is already in the future.
If you’re not doing music, what will you be doing?
I’d I ain’t doing music I don’t know what I’ll be doing.
Is the ongoing war in Ukraine affecting your craft and Entertainment generally? How are you coping?
The war in Ukraine is affecting me so badly! We used to have shows but the pandemic disrupted all that and just when we had hoped for a peaceful 2022 to start all over, The rift between Russia and Ukraine started. Hard to write lyrics under the missiles I think you know. I wrote Shaye and recorded it in Prague, CZ Republic.
What other project do you want to embark on now?
My next project is to release my first EP. I don’t know when or how that will be but it will happen soon.
Your advise to younger artistes like you?
Never give up, trust the process, and keep your heads up. Pray and remain steadfast in faith in God. Encourage one another. Look over each other’s shoulders. Be willing to use the stage you have attained to help those still crawling in this craft.