Harrison Tare Okiri aka Harrysong, in this interview with ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM dishes on his inspiration, female fans, as well as other sundry issues.Tell us about your journey into the music industry.I started music in a Celestial Church when I was growing up in Warri with my late Mum and left to another Church before I relocated to Lagos six years ago and started the music hustle on the streets, clubs and various studios. Life as an upcomingartiste was very rough and tough. Nobody wants to invest in what they’re not sure of, but I made it to this level through hard work, God’s grace and mercy.My music has grown to the point where it’s paying off. I started the hustle from square one to where I am today. No matter how successfulor rich you are, you still want to achieve more and pray for more blessings; and to get more blessings you have to keep saving and hustling. Yes, I’m making moneyright now, but the thing is, as the Bible says, “Seek thee first the kingdom of God and every other thing will be added unto thee”. The money, success and every other thing is your comfort, but the hustle is the focus.I was a music director in Church for 15 years but I diverted to secular music because I got to a point where I needed to step up my game. However, I do soul lifting songs that teach and spread love, the grand norm of existence, rather than corrupting the youths. I use my music as an instrument to make a difference.As a music insider, how do you view the Nigerian entertainment industry today?The industry is really growing big. In Africa, Nigeria has the biggest entertainment industry and right now Nigerian music is inspiring the world. I think in the next four or five years, we will be signing American artistes back here in Nigeria, because we have the platform and it’s growing from strength to strength. So, I’m proud of our industry.What’s your opinion of the annual LEADERSHIP Awards which you attended recently?The experience was okay. I assimilated a lot of information from our leaders- their real opinions, ideas and plans for Nigeria. I’m happy to be a Nigerian but I’m also crying in my heart. I wonder if these leaders really feel what the masses feel, because when they want to get into power they promise a lot of things, but when they get there, look how things turn out. When I die and reincarnate, I would still want to come back as a Nigerian because obviously Nigeria is a blessed country. So, I wish that everything said in the conference will make Nigeria a better place.It’s a good thing to honour those that have done well. It must have been tough for the organisation to select the awardees. I’m here as Harrysong; im a musician not a politician, but I must say all the governors that got awards deserve it. If it’s said that you have done well,it means you must have done well and they are encouraging you to do better. I hope as LEADERSHIP Newspapers recognised them, they will do better. I wish them the best.What’s your relationship with KCee like?He’s my elder colleague and like an older brother to me. We are signed to the same label and he’s the vice president of 5 Star Music (our label).So, basically we are family.What inspires your music?I’m inspired by everything around me, life and nature. Music penetrates and liberates the souls ofmen. So, the government can use music to liberate militants and the restive youths. They should from time to time, organise musical concerts and minister to youths. It would keep their souls free of evil plans. Some people can get angry when commands are issued to them, but music teaches, urges subtly and liberates without opposition. Music is life and can be used as a strong tool to liberate restive souls.My music is inspiring the world.Better Pikin and Koloboare everywhere. I bless God that I have the best fans in Nigeria and my fan base is growing from strength to strength. I appreciate God for that.Recently, in an interview you revealed that you were a fisherman, tell us more about that.I’m from Warri and I grew up with mygrandmother who was a fisherwoman. So, I used to accompany her to fish all the time. I know how to swim and fish well.How do you handle your female admirers?I try as much as I can to reciprocate, because it feels good when women appreciate your songs and what youare doing. It makes your songs sell. So, personally, I make my female fans feel good about me and my music.What’s the secret of your fame and popularity and advice to upcoming artistes?The secret is hard work and I have people who believe and support me financially. I also have a platform that backs me up. As for upcoming artistes, be focused, hardworking and pray to God for guidance.What are the challenges you’ve faced in the industry?It has been quite challenging bute dey de bodi(it is in the blood). Like I said earlier, I was a music director for 15 years before venturing into fullscale musical production and performance. So, music forms a large part of my life, more than any other thing.I grew up with music and I have been living music. For me, music is not hustling to make money and be famous. No! Music for me is what I must do to be fulfilled. It is fun for me. I was born to sing and perform. Even when I am in the studio producing, I don’t feel fully fulfilled. I want to be with my fans, performing.What next from Harrysong?Expect more singles from me. I’m going to drop one more single and a video before the end of the year.
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