Priesst, whose parents are clerics, kicked off his official musical career against all odds in 2014.
In this interview, he speaks about his foray into music and how he hopes to impact his fans with his music.PT: Tell us more about your background.I hail from Ogun State and was born into a family of six. My dad is a pastor, and I am the last child. I’m currently schooling at the University of Abuja and in my final year, studying Political Science and International Relations.I got into music unexpectedly.
I was more of a songwriter. At first, I would write for my friends; then, in secondary school, they would use what I wrote to flow and get the audience. So, before I ventured into it, I knew it was something I liked because seeing someone using my piece to wow the audience has always made me feel like I got this! But I couldn’t come out to the forefront.Maybe a mixture of shyness and more of – I don’t know what my dad would say.At first, he wasn’t in support.
I have been singing Afro-pop since 2016. People classify Afro-Pop as a type of Afrobeats and a touch of Hip-Hop. While some call Afro-Pop Afrobeats, I think I’d go for the first, which is the blend of the popular Afrobeats with a touch of Hip-Hop.I think it depends on what I want to write about, but it is mostly from sad moods…that’s weird!The ladies. To become more successful in the Nigerian music industry, you must have a solid female base.It does not favour up-and-coming artists.
One thing that has affected me the most is fake promises. That stuff is painful! It just gets your hopes high… somebody texted you that they would do this and that; you try to follow up for months, and that’s just it. I think it is painful. If you can’t do it, don’t promise it.Well, I have a couple I’m grateful for, the likes of Falz and Dremo. I love Don Jazzy, and it is even beyond singing with him. I feel like he can make me the best version of myself. I’m open to that.