Why I went ‘underground’ for three years – Faze

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Chibuzor Oji, better known by his stage name, Faze, is a Nigerian musician and actor. He is a member of the defunct hip hop group, Plantashun Boyz, along with BlackFace and 2Face. In this exclusive interview with VICTOR UDOH, he talks about his new album and why he has been off the scene for three years.
You’ve been silent for long on the music scene, what has been happening to you?
Actually, I’ve been listening to what is in vogue, because music changes and the environment changes. As a result, music will definitely change, so I have to adapt to the current situation on ground. A week from now, I will be coming out with my new single. I’m actually working on many singles. Immediately they come out, my video will come out in a week. I have made plans to come out with the album, but not so soon, I am looking towards next year. I just want people to have a feel of what I have done.
What makes you think that this your new single will go commercial?
Having done my best, particularly, there are some songs people want to listen to; you know everybody wants to dance, so I have no choice than to give my fans a danceable song which I’m sure is going to be a hit. Also, I do my normal music. I cannot determine a good song; my fans and people like you will be in the right position to criticise my song. I will just do my best and leave the rest for God. I believe with prayer, everything is going to work out well.
You are one of the best voices in this country why do you just leave the music industry for three years?
As I said earlier, I have been working on some projects. That has really kept me out of circulation for the last three years. With my kind of person, if I set my mind to spend 18 million copies in a project, and I have N14 million, I will not do the project until I get the actual money to complete it before embarking on it. I wasn’t really ready before. Now, I believe I’m set to go, because I have been taking my time to record different kind of songs.
What was your growing up like?
My growing up was fine. Sometimes it is very difficult; at difficult times, we learn a lot of things. I have learnt a lot, that is why I am stronger today.
You have not been involved in any scandal, how do you manage that?
I must confess, I don’t play with God. I put God first in everything I am doing. I believe if I were to be caught in any scandal, at least, that would have happened before now. I will rather say it is not my own making, it is God’s making. We all have our bad sides, but God often provides a way of escape from every problem that would have come our way.
How do you handle your female fans?
Female fans! They will always come. The best I can do is to invite them to my shows. Most of them are desperate to come near me, but I try not to chase them away, invite them to my events to come enjoy themselves.
What is the boldest step you have ever taken?
That is the present step. After being underground for three years, am I just coming out? I believe a lot of young ones are really coming up with hit tracks. that is why the old generation ones are struggling. I believe coming out today is a bold step for me.
Have you been embarrassed on stage before?
I have not really been embarrassed on stage like that. I think the major one was when the MC was trying to stop me and the fans, and the fans shout, no, we don’t want him to leave yet.
The song ‘Kolomental’ was everywhere, what inspired you to do it?
Everybody has been asking me this same question. Well, that was its era, but now music has really changed. Music is changing, we have we have to follow the trend and make sure our fans keep listening to our music. I think there will be a different ‘Kolomental’, this time around, watch out for it.
What really happened to the Plantashun Boys? Do you guys intend coming back together?
If you listen to my last album, I featured the three of us in the album; that shows that we are still together.
How do you see the future?
I can see the future is pronounced. I took my time to listen to good music, and as the environment changes, I try to change my music to suit the present situation.
How do you give back to the society?
There’s a track in my album in which I talked about giving back to the society. Watch out for that track.
You have been absent for three years, what have you been doing?
Yes! Have been doing so much research on my own. I have been going to club houses to listen to current music and also the reigning and banging music in the street. So, I have been working seriously. I have not been sitting down. I am working on so many projects at hand. Very soon, I will start to unveil them to the public. And at the same time, I still have to showcase myself. No matter what I do, I have to satisfy my fans. The album is comprises of Hip- Hop, Reggae, Dancehall and Blues.
Nigerian music is played everywhere in the world, what is your take on that?
It is a wonderful thing for us, because I see that as a privilege for us as a country. It gives us an upper hand to break into the international market and also a clean name. Moreover, has improved the image of the country.
How do you feel when your music is being played everywhere?
I will say, I am really impressed, because if I can touch people’s heart, that shows that I can touch the whole world life.
Which of the American artiste do you intend to work with?
I’ll love to work with Chris Brown, Lil Wayne and Nicky Minaj.
What is your philosophy of life?
I will say stay positive in whatever you are doing, always pray and never doubt yourself.
What is your advice for those looking up to you? 
They should look at the same like a super star who is already made; never to forget to work hard enough. When you feel as if is over, when you should pick the courage to push forward, you will surely break through.
Who do you see as mentor in Nigeria?
I love Fela. Though he is not alive, he is spiritually. There is a song in my album that is related to what he had done. It is called common sense. Watch out for that single, it is going to be a hit track. I realise that no matter what we do in life, nothing is original. We still copy or steal from legends like Fela. Are you married? Not yet, but have seen the person I am getting married to.
If not for music, what is that thing you would have done?
I will do Accounting, because I am good at calculating, I know how to arrange myself in course of studying Accounting.