Music business is a costly venture – Cgaine

Osoba George Oluwaseun, professionally known as Cgaine, is an emerging Nigerian singer-songwriter who hails from Lagos, Nigeria, during a musical era where Afro-pop reigned. He began his music career eight years ago but recently released his debut single titled “Jaiye x4.”

With a deep love for African music traditions, Cgaine in his new single has shown a distinct musical style that combines playful elements with introspective lyrics. His classical music influences, combined with magical sounds, create a captivating listening experience for music lovers.

In this interview with PM News Entertainment, Cgaine speaks on his journey, his current project, and challenges among others.

Who is Cgaine?

I am a Nigerian artist from Ogun State, Nigeria who resides in Lagos with his family. I am someone from a humble background of six family members with core values. I am also a goal-oriented individual and I like to enjoy life and nature. My style of music is Afrobeats, Afropop,  RnB, and Afro-dancehall.

What was your growing up like?

I grew up in a family of six (6) consisting of my mom, dad, and three other siblings. My childhood experience was indeed an adventurous and fun one to an extent.

Growing up for me had always been in phases as I started basic elementary school at Monade School in Lagos, I then proceeded to Lagos State Model College Meiran for High school. In the course of growing up, I picked several interests in events and decorations as I always watch my mom execute event and party projects distinctively. I found a passion with music and dance but I didn’t take dancing too seriously.

I loved music more and I never allowed it to get in the way of my academics as my father has always been that academic motivator for me.

I grew up in several areas in Lagos and Ogun states and this has allowed me to have that experience from different sides. I grew up in the Ojodu and Akute axis before going ahead to further my education in Accounting at Yaba College of Technology. I also did some catering and a lot of event decorations and management while growing up and I have also been a lover of live performances as I have featured distinctively in the choir of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) for several years on different stages.

Take us through your creative process.

For me, it starts with what inspires me, my environment, what’s going on, and the people around me. Also my life experiences. I try to make music to tell a story that applies to me or to us as humans.  I bring this to reality in my music and I just make sweet melodies with it.

How did you get into the music business?

I got into music business from the desire of me deciding to share my sound with the world.

Music has always been a sweet hobby for me from childhood and I have been building the experiences singing with Bands and the choir over the years. I got into music business seeing the likes of amazing artists I look up to conquer Big stages and that’s an inspiration for me to put in the work into my craft and succeed exceedingly.

How long have you been in the music business?

I have been in the music business for about 8 years.

Your debut single ‘Jaiye X4’ which dropped middle of April, how is the reception on it so far?

The reception has been amazing so far. I am not where I wanna be yet but hey I don’t take the love I am getting for granted also. It’s been a positive reception as it’s a song for go-getters and people who desire to get what they really want and they go for it.

How was the process of making this song?

It was a beautiful one produced by @shugavybz.  There was just this beautiful evening we were all gathered and I decided to pour out my beautiful state of mind into melodies.

How challenging is it to be a musician?

It may be considered a challenging path due to Inconsistent income and the need for constant self-promotion and networking. It takes a whole lot of concentration and commitment.

How do you balance music and other obligations like work, leisure, and family?

I just say I do my thing and I don’t get too worked up as I take out personal time off to rest and I also spend time with my Family and loved ones. I also the feel the ability of me being able to multitask is another factor that helps balance the cycle.

Tell us about your upcoming projects.

I just dropped a new music Jaiye x 4 and I am promoting that for now. I have lots of recorded songs and I’m putting much more creativity into making other great records. I look forward to dropping my EP in the last quarter of the year 2025.

How do you hope your sound evolves/changes going forward?

It evolves with the quality of music I put out as I’m going hard in writing and collaborating which exposes me to bigger markets and a wider audience.  It evolves with investing in myself and my sound. Working with other amazing creatives and super-talented producers.

How would you describe your struggle over the years finding your feat in the industry?

Firstly, It’s been a very challenging one trying to find the right producers that can take you to the level where one’s melody can be fully harnessed. Secondly, it’s been challenging having to network over the years. The expense of doing music with peace of mind has also been a big challenge. Music business is about show business which is a very costly venture.

What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to ten years?

I see my music crossing borders and dominating charts globally. I see my music touching people’s lives for good and I see myself being recognized and celebrated globally for my sound.

What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?

That would be my ability to actually really sing live and also the ability to make music that connects to reality. I must also talk about my ability to make signatory melodies that stick.

What are the challenges you’ve faced so far?

That would come from the challenges in promoting songs. It involves a whole lot from finances to networking, human effort etc

Who influences you in the music industry both in Nigeria and Diaspora?

A bunch of amazing musicians I can’t mention all. Anyone who does good music influences me, directly and indirectly, to always do something magical.

If you’re not doing music, what will you be doing?

I would work as a Chartered Accountant and perfectly work as an event planner which I still do to date and forever. I also would work as a salesman where I connect buyers and sellers for my commission fee.

Are you an independent artist, and does having a record label play a big role in the industry?

Yes, I am an independent artist. Record labels play a big role as they perform a whole lot in the administrative and other process which builds up an artist’s career.

Who would you like to collaborate with among the heavyweights in the Nigerian music industry?

All of them. I love Big Wiz, David, Burna boy, I am also a fan of Kizz Daniel, Flavor, Simi , Adekunle Gold, Fireboy , Olamide. I can’t name them all cause there are a lot I’d like to collaborate with.

When are you going to drop another major project?

Project in October.

What do you think the future holds for the Afrobeats in the Western world?

The future is really big for Afrobeats as our sounds can compete internationally and we can have people from diverse races and cultures enjoy our music. It’s really big for us because Afrobeats as a whole will also continually announce us as Africans that we are to the world. It’s going to show and tell how beautiful our cultural heritage is too.