Exclusive Interview With Upcoming Artist Harry C
Today we’d like to introduce you to Harry C; an amazing Afro fused sound and lyrics artist.
Harry C is an Afro hip hop artist based in Abuja, whose music is rooted in lyricism. The name “Harry C” was coined from his real names Harrison Chijioke. The young upcoming star hails from Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi state. However, he was born and raised in Abuja.
What attracted you to music for the first time?
I would say music is an in-thing in my family. I come from a family of music lovers and church helped as well. So I was inspired by these music lovers around me and coupled with the fact that I love the art too. So i got my heart fully into it in the first place
How did you discover that you can sing?
Funnily enough I started off as a dancer (laughs) and I danced for PIP Classic before I tried my hands on the mic and also my voice in the vocal boot. I participated in several rap battles within my hood and I won without stress. Then my guys started hyping and suggested I should try singing professionally, I also heard my inner voice and decided to take their advice and here I am…(more laughs).
Who inspired you to make music?
Runtown is my pusher-man… he inspired everything I’m doing and trying to do in the industry. I like his flows and the positive slow vibes he puts into his songs… his lyrical strength and depth especially with love songs is incredible. So although I have my pattern and kind of flow they are inspired by him. So yeah! Run Town is my man.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I take from two most popular genres: the Afro-beat and Amapiano, popular in the West and Southern Africa. So I can say Am Afrobeat (Chuckles). The truth is I intend to infuse every African sound into my music because that’s what I want my music to be seen as… ‘The African Sound’
Neighborhood magazine has a wide reach, so think well about this before you answer. Who would you like to collaborate with?
Omo mehn!!! Neighborhood Magazine is the real deal… big ups to you guys. My collaboration any day firstly will be with Runtown. He is my idol in the first place so Runtown first and then Big Wiz(WizKid) our Machala.
We know you’re still running underground, however you have already gained a couple of fans and as you know I am one of them. So, what is that one message you have for your fans?
Yeah the love is overwhelming after the debut of my first official single ‘Reality’. So I will say to them stay focused, be consistent and every other thing will be added to your success.
I don’t know if this happens to all artists, but do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Yeah I think we all wear that as a badge. I sing everywhere even inside the toilet not only when bathing ooo (loud laugh). Most times I move about with my music box playing a beat and singing along. Runtown’s from ‘Lagos to Kampala’ is always on my lips.
We all got talent and we also have career paths, so if we flip it. What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
It’s all connected for me so if we flip it, i would have been a professional dancer and dance coach as well.
Where have you performed? Which venue did you have your best performance? Do you have any upcoming shows?
I have had quite a lot of performances within and outside Abuja. I performed on many shows here in Abuja but my favorites was my performance at one of the biggest pageantry in Nigeria MBGA, then another show in Kaduna as well as one in Owerri. There are a whole lot of them but these are my most memorable.
Which of your songs do you love performing on shows?
Ahhh! It has to be my first official debut single which I titled ‘Reality’. I have gone ahead to produce bang breaker songs but Reality appeals to me more. Maybe because it was me talking to myself about what will give a man a voice and an edge in our world today. Also for the fact that the song was inspired by the challenges I have had to go through in life.
I have also made it the title of my debutante EP which is a collection of six (6) amazing songs ever to come from this part of our Nation.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
I have two musicians I admire so much of course I mentioned one earlier which is Runtown and then PatoranKing. The kind of music I make is also inspired largely by them.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
Music should not be restricted to a particular subject matter… it should be a free flow and should generally bother on anything so the change I will bring is versatility. Making sure that my music captured every aspect of our national life. So many artistes are doing that but I will have to reinforce it.
Are we expecting something new from Harry C and how soon?
Oh yes! My EP is dropping soonest and it’s a collection of 6 bang-breaker ever to come from this part of the country. The EP is titled ‘Reality’ and will be debuting this October. I can’t wait to show the world how blessed I am with music.