Pedro Millli is a fast-rising artiste
who is set to take the music scene by storm. A few days ago, he spoke
to ROTIMI IGE about his plans for a place among the stars, among other
issues.
How did you start/recognize your talent?Right from childhood, I had always loved music. I remember during my secondary school days, we would engage in rap/hip hop battles and I always performed exceptionally well. So, right from those days, I always knew that I would end up doing music. I needed no soothsayer to tell me that and all thanks to God, I started doing music professionally three years ago.
What influenced you to become a musician?
So many factors influenced me on becoming a musician, summing them all up, I would say life. Yes, life has influenced me a whole lot. From nature and her beauty down to my love life as well as all my experiences while growing up in the ghetto, I best express my innermost feelings via music.
What challenges have you faced over the years in your craft?
As an upcoming artiste/fast rising act still trying to carve a niche for myself, I’ve faced so many challenges. To be prominent in Nigeria’s music industry, you need to be very hard working and learn never to relent despite the backlash/negative comments you get from time to time. Financially it hasn’t been easy as well, but in all, I give thanks to God. I have a goal and I’ll do all it takes to accomplish it.
What kind of music do you do?
I do Hip Hop and Afro pop. But the genre of one of my most recent songs was of reggae fusion. The title of the song is ‘I need you’. It will drop for public download very soon.
Most say Lagos is the music capital of Africa. Do you think this is true?
It is very true. To be prominent in Nigerian music and Africa at large, you need to conquer the Lagos audience.
So, are you saying an artiste cannot do well outside Lagos?
Sure, an artiste can do well outside Lagos, but in terms of location, Lagos is the hub of entertainment. Your music can ‘blow’ in Benin but not blow in Nigeria or Africa; but any song that ‘blows’ in Lagos, has blown not just in Nigeria but the whole of Africa.
Rate the music industry at the moment…
I would say eight out of ten. We are rising rapidly and the world is taking note.
Tell us about your songs
My songs are very rich in lyrical content and rhythmic flows. Each of my songs has specific messages that it passes across. My latest single ‘Love me’ has been doing very well. In the clubs, it is a banger. The feeling I get as people and fans chant and vibe to my song is orgasmic.
What should fans expect from you this year?
A whole lot. I have the most amazing fans and I’ll never let them down. They give me the enthusiasm with which I put in more work and the best I can do for my fans is to bless their ears with euphoric sounds and good music.
Any regrets thus far?
No regrets. The love I have received so far is massive and it conquers any negative comment and backlash. From family to friends to the rest of my fans, it’s been love all through.
What would you have become if not an artiste?
An engineer.
Your typical day?
That has to be days in the studio recording songs.
Background
I was born in the ancient city of Benin. I grew up on the streets. I come from a family of six and all my siblings are all boys.
Follow Pedro Milli on Twitter &Instagram
