Exclusive Interview With Rudebone, A Nigerian UK Based Music Artist
Carl Chinegwu is a Nigerian Afro beat artist based in the UK. His hip-hop style is unique as it fuses Afrobeats, Afro-Fusion and Afrodancehall. He is from Enugu state and graduated from the University of Nigeria Nsukka with a bachelor’s degree. He also holds a Master’s degree from Robert Gordon University Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. On stage, he goes under the stage name Rudebone. He has a good ear for music, and his songs tell stories that people can relate to. Carl’s music goal is to make people happy and pass along positive messages to listeners.
1. What first got you into music?
Dancing got me into music. I loved dancing a lot and I represented my secondary (Kings College Lagos) in breakdancing back then.
2. How did you discover that you could sing?
Well I’ll say that I am not a natural singer, I developed interest in singing when I moved to Abuja from Lagos. The friends I made were all rapping each time we hung out in the streets, and when some decided to take things further to go into a professional studio to make a song I tagged along.
3. Who inspired you to make music?
Listening to dancehall music and wanting to try dancing to my own songs.
4. How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Afrobeats/ Afro-Fusion & Afrodancehall
5.Neighborhood magazine has a long reach so think well about this: Who would you like to collaborate with?
I’ll say Blaqbonez
6. We know you’re still running underground, you have also picked up a couple of fans, and as you know, I am one of them. So, what is that one message you would give to your fans?
Keep listening and sharing my music.
7. I don’t know if this happens to all artist, but do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Nah I don’t sing in the shower at all
8. We all got talent and we also have a career path, so if we flip it. What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Digital marketing
Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite Venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
To be honest I can’t count or mention everywhere I have performed but what I can say is that I have been performing on stage for over 20 years now in front of beautiful audiences in different countries and venues.
My favourite is the O2 indigo in London and I don’t have a least favourite because every venue is unique in its own way. Even in a shitty venue the attendees can make your performance worthwhile.
10.What is your favourite song to perform?
Bandana because it’s very easy to get the audience engage by giving out couple of bandanas as I perform.
11. Which famous musicians do you admire?
I’ll say Davido in terms of how he worked his way to the top with strategies and still staying in at the top.
12. If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
Well the industry keeps changing on its own but I’ll love to change the mindset of some artists that music is all about mainstream instead keep building fans they would enjoy your music weather it’s on the radio or not.