I’m not intimidated by any artiste –Morell

Morell

Borno State-born Musa Akila, is popularly known as Morell. A hip hop and R ‘n’ B musician, he talks about his fondness for these genres of music

How did you arrive at your stage name?

Growing up, my father’s friend had a cassette that was labelled ‘Morell Collections.’ He used to play me the songs on the tape. Later on, he started calling me Morell.

When and how did you start music?

My dad loved music so I grew up listening to music of different artistes ranging from King Sunny Ade, ABBA, Boney M and others. I and my older brother discovered hip hop music in the mid 90s and that was how I embraced music. I began by dancing and writing out lyrics of songs that were played on radio. This helped me sing along to several songs. I think I started doing proper music when I was about 16 years old.

Who were your earliest influences?

My earliest influences were, Michael Jackson, Tupac Shakur, Notorious BIG and R. Kelly.

What is your genre of music called and why did you settle for it?

I listened to different genres of music when I was growing up and I picked from all of them. So, it’s really hard for me to say if I’m a R ‘n’ B, pop, reggae or rap artiste because I do them all. My music is an amalgamation of many styles but I find hip hop and R ‘n’ B engaging. I just try to infuse the African rhythm.

Is it not strange that someone from your part of the country is a member of the hip hop movement?

People say that to me. It’s strange to them but the amazing thing is my people are proud I’m doing this. Being the first person from the North to take music to this height, is a good feeling.

Did your family take kindly to your decision to do music?

Until a few years ago, musicians and footballers were considered ne’er-do-wells. Initially, my parents were not supportive of my career but I was able to convince them. My father flogged me many times for doing music. After much persuasion and explanation, he gave his blessings on the condition that I studied for a degree.

What was growing up like?

Growing up was fun. I had the opportunity to travel across Nigeria due to the nature of my father’s job. I had a typical childhood not devoid of making my own toys and visiting neighbours. I believe those experiences aided my development.

How often do you write your own lyrics and make beats to accompany them?

I write songs all the time, even though I’m free to share inspiration with other creative minds. When I am alone, I try to make beats and people have told me my beats are good. I and Dhecade produced Aina More’s single,Hustler. She is a Nigerian-born artiste based in the United Kingdom.

Where do you derive inspiration?

I’m inspired by everything around me; the people, the language, the beliefs and all the amazing things God has deposited in us.

Which is your most successful single?

That’ll have to be Oxygen. It was my first single and paved the way for me in the industry. Success isn’t really about how much I made off the song but how far the song took me. The song was played on major radio stations, and fans still tell me how the single inspired them. I have done other songs like Aboki, Ganga Da Garaya which was rendered in Hausa and Partyhard remix to mention but a few.

You have worked with a number of artistes. Were you intimidated by any one of them?

I’m not intimidated by any artiste. All the artistes I’ve worked with always let me handle the hook and build up for the track. MI is the only artiste that gave me a title before I wrote his hook and made me sing the hook in falsetto. I have worked with Naeto C, Ruggedman, Terry ThaRapman, Jesse Jagz and Kay Oresanya- the human saxophone from Britain’s Got Talent to mention but a few.

What schools did you attend?

I grew up in different cities so, I went to primary school in Maiduguri, Ibadan and Yola. I attended Police Secondary School Minna, Niger State and   studied creative arts at the University of Maiduguri. I majored in theatre arts.

Your home state is under attack by Boko Haram. Why have you not done a song condemning terrorist activities?

For that reason alone, I was unable to release any song last year. Now, I’m working on one but I’m taking my time to compose a song so I can get the message out flawlessly. From time to time, I go on social media to condemn terrorism and whenever I have the chance to speak to a large audience, I do the same.

What label are you signed to?

I’m not signed to any record label at the moment for reasons I do not want to share. But, I’m working on getting a label soon.

Are you for or against competition in the industry and how has it affected your growth as a musician?

Competition is good for the business. Music like basketball is a game for all but the competition inherent in each field makes stars out of individuals who get the job done properly. Competition keeps me on my toes and I love that feeling.

If you had to change one thing about the music industry in Nigeria, what would it be?

I would create a platform for local talents to exhibit their skills. When I say local talents, it includes people from even the remotest villages.

Next to fame what are you in music for-women or money?

Everything good that comes with the business but most importantly, I’m in this for the passion.

Describe your style and identity

In my mind, I believe and I’ve always convinced myself I’m from a different world where there’s no hate, no differences, just pure love. A place where people have the right to choose how they want to be seen. So, my style is basically my state of mind.