By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha
Anambra based journalist, Martin Ifeanyichukwu Ekezie who is a journalist has turned to be Hip-hop Artist and has written Hip-hop books.
Ekezie who is currently a producer at Ebeonadi 103.5fm Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State told journalists shortly after launching a Hip-hop book titled ” Hip-hop and Igbo Culture” that Hip-hop could actually be beneficial to humanity most especially those who are suffering from depression.
He said that there is often a message of hope in the lyrics, just as he noted that so many artists who parade themselves as Hip-hop Artists play Makaossa, Highlife, Afro-juju beats and other kinds of Music that get the biggest sales in the African Music Market.
” Hip-hop Music is also called rap Music. It is a music genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping a rythmic and rhyming speech that is chatted. Hip-hop Is not just a genre of music, it is a lifestyle, it is a culture that has elements such as Mc-ing, rapping, DJ-ing, scratching, break-dancing, graffiti writing, fashion beat, boxing with mouth and sampling,” said Martin.
He also explained that the creation of the term hip-hop is often certified to Keith cowboy, rapper with GrandMaster flash, the supurios five Keith cowboy, love bug starski, and DJ Hollywood used the term when the music was still known as disco rap.
According to him, hip-hop could play in a Christian gospel, saying that hip-hop artist is T-Born who became so popular in Africa after featuring in the movie alongside Cuba He Beyonce, Liliean and so many others.
Ekezie who hails from Ozubulu in Ekwusigo local Government Area of Anambra State hinted that media is imperative and should be appreciated in order to spread hip-hop musicians.
“I got the inspiration of music through God almighty. There is no way one is expected to exile in the music industry except through the help of God. I started playing music when i was at the age of 21 with Leonard Okpara.”
The talented artist also said that financial constraint is the major challenge in hip-hop music, saying that affluent persons should encourage them.
Similarly, one of the make up artists, Mr. John Anekwe who doubled as a leading vocalists urged Nigerians not to put more interest in foreign artists than home musicians as well as always emulate Nigerian artists, even as Chibunna Innocent Ejindu equally lamented financial crunch which according to him hinder so many up coming artists in showcasing their God giving talents.
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