How Music Cost Me A Valuable Relationship-Efa Iwara

Prolific rapper, hip-hop enthusiast and actor Efa (real name Efa Iwara) who was born in the ancient city of Ibadan has performed across the country having gone on tour with 2face in the past. He reveals more about his burgeoning career and how music cost him a valuable relationship in this interview with AHMED BOULOR.

As a rising up-comer, would you say you are satisfied with number of show and performance invitations you have received especially in recent times?

In truth, I am not. But I recognize what it is. The way I see it, everybody gets their 15 seconds of fame. All I need is one song to change my category. We are working on that song. When it happens, I know that shows will come, money will come and ‘friends’ will show up. I’ve been preparing for that eventuality.

 What really inspired you to go into music?

Growing up I have always wanted to impact on people's lives. Even from when I wanted to be a super hero, to when I wanted to be a doctor and now as an entertainer. Music communicates with people from around the world regardless of their race or financial standing. I have had people reach out to me and tell me how much my music has helped them through difficult times. This inspires me and also encourages me to want to affect people’s lives positively on a larger scale.

After taking that decision, what was the response of your parents when you told them about your intention of becoming a musician?

I come from an academic background. I grew up on the campus of the University of Ibadan and I lived a very reserved lifestyle. So, when I decide to veer into the unpredictable world of entertainment, my parents were shocked. There was the initial resistance as you can imagine. But now there is a mutual respect and they encourage me in every way that they can, and I love them very much for that.

What are your greatest fears?

I fear being unsuccessful more than death itself. I also fear being changed by fame, success, and money. I have seen it happen to a lot of people and I know how they ended up. It can turn you to an unrecognizable monster who will end up being hated by the very people who once loved you.

'Open & Close’ still remains one of your most popular songs; what inspired you into writing the track?

‘Open & Close’ which features Dammy Krane is a perfect example which buttresses the saying "when a door closes another window opens". I went for a show at the expense of a call back for an audition that I had really been looking forward to. I wasn't even allowed to perform at the show. I was downcast but enjoyed watching the legendary Sir Shina Peters perform. It occurred to me that he didn't do his open and close dance and then it hit me. That was how I got the title and the inspiration; the rest is history. ‘Open & Close’ went on to be a very successful recording. The movie that I wanted to audition for was never made. Enough said.

How are you coping with work on your debut album?

It's not easy to promote music, perform at shows and still be in the spirit of recording for a project. But I'm trying to cope. I might just take off for about two weeks to be alone and zone out and do majority of the recording. Working on musical projects is an out of body experience for me. I need to be in the right space mentally. I will finish recording it in time, God willing.

Are you dropping any follow-up single soon?

I have a lot of contenders for the follow-up single recorded and right now we are in the selection process. I don't know how soon it will be released. Left to me, I will put it out today to make up for lost time. I sat back and watched a lot of my peers put out singles while I sat in the corner. Now, it's my time. So, be on the look out this year for more singles and videos.

 When should your fans expect your album to be released?

The Now Muzik team and myself are looking at putting the album out in the year 2015. I'm in the studio right now working on the project and I pray it turns out to be a classic that will stand the test of time and silence critics and doubters.

You have toured more than twice with 2Face Idibia; how has that impacted your career?

2face is like a big brother to me and is one of the people who have been supportive since day one. Touring with him has taken me to all the four corners of the federation and I am eternally grateful for the opportunity. It has helped me interact with my people who might have been difficult to reach otherwise.

What has it been like leaving the city of Ibadan for Lagos to pursue a career in music?

It was a huge culture shock. Ibadan is a very peaceful and slow-paced city. Financial gain is not priority. We are more relaxed and friendly. My barber in IB resumes at 10:00am. My barber in Lagos has cut my hair at 5:00am because of my crazy schedule! Imagine the difference. And the traffic in Lagos! It is very different but also enjoyable. The truth is that Lagos is the entertainment headquarters of Nigeria and I don't regret making the move. I have adjusted and I hope I am making my Ibadan people proud.

 What have you been up to lately?

I’ve been busy. Believe that this year, the intention is to populate the entertainment stratosphere with content. I have been in the studio working on the album and trying to change the game in my own way as you can tell from the recently released single. The result will be new music, videos, a series, cameo appearances, features; I will be in your face. That’s the plan.

You once said in an interview that music has had a negative impact on your relationship with women. Have you been able to strike a balance yet?

Shamefully I haven't been able to strike that perfect balance. I'm still working on it. It cost me a very valuable relationship that I hold very close to my heart as you can tell from the "Fall In Love" track. Hopefully one day I will be able to strike that perfect balance.

How did you hook-up with the Plantaishun Boiz on your recent collaboration?

It took God and the hard work of my Now Muzik family. I had recorded the song and presented it to the label. But the CEO, Efe Omorogbe, felt it was missing something. He suggested putting the Plantaishun Boiz on the song. It took many months but it finally worked out and was worth the wait. It is a song that I am very proud of and I pray it stands the test of time as one of the greatest collaborations in the Nigerian music industry.

What was the feeling like working with the trio of 2Face, Faze and Blackface on the song 'Fall in Love'?

It was awesome! It was almost like a boy’s day out. We were hanging out at the studio and had so much fun that the song almost didn't get made. I mean, think about it. This is the P. Boiz we’re talking about. I grew up listening to them back then in Ibadan when I was still in Secondary School. We had a great time and I learnt so much from their vast wealth of experience. I will always cherish the opportunity.

How are fans reacting to the song 'Fall in Love' which was released on Valentine's Day?

They are really excited to finally hear something from me after all this time. And to top it up, it features legends. They enjoy the music and I'm happy to have exceeded their expectations.