Solomon Nwosu better known as ‘’D Large’’ is one of the few top cats flying the Afrobeat flag high across various cities in Europe. The well-rounded rapper cum singer is no newbie in the Nigerian music landscape; He started out as a rapper in his formative days at the Rivers State Polytechnic before the lure of greener pastures took him away from his motherland in search of that elusive pot of gold.
D Large has dropped a slew of singles in the past which enjoyed appreciable rotation on the airwaves. For those who knew from the get-go that this lad is a bunch of talent. It’s not surprising seeing him launch an onslaught unto the African music landscape with his most recent offering ‘’Badda’’ which has got him raking in the applause since its release.
In a chit-chat with Acada Campus Magazine, D Large let us into his musical odyssey. His vision about becoming the toast of Nigerian music industry in few months to come.
Excerpts.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Solomon Onyebuchi Nwosu from imo State, Nkwere to be precise.
Can you give us a sneak peek into your journey as a Musician?
It’s been a tough journey with lots of hardwork being put in place so far, I have dropped a couple of songs and videos in the past such as Obuchukwu, Meet Up, Dance For Me,Turn me on in the past but here I am now with a fresh one for my fans titled ‘’Badda” and it’s been blowing up the airwaves like a cyclone.
What is the inspiration behind the name D Large?
As you know, the world is large, my country Nigeria is big, what I have in my thinking faculty is massive. So I just had to settle with the name D Large because I am way too loaded with too many stuffs to making the world a better place.
When did you start doing music professionally?
I can’t say precisely when it actually started, music has been part of my life. it’sjust like a lifestyle to me. Have been rolling with musicians right from childhood, the likes of 2much(who manages Duncan Mighty at the moment),Roughhouse Crew to mention a few. I started out back in Rivers state Polytechnic campus mimicking Wyclef Jean, I studied Auto-Mechanical Engineering.
You studied Auto-Mechanical Engineering, why music over what you are trained for in the polytechnic?
Music like I said earlier is a lifestyle thing to me so my love for it supersedes any other field of human endeavours, to be honest, I took this music thing more serious when I got to Europe and I was really doing fine flying the Afrobeat flag high in the beautiful city of Belgium but It was necessary I come back home for me to break into the bigger market and to reach out to my roots. Like they say, charity begins at home.
How long have you been away from Nigeria?
It’s been off and on for some time now, I pump into the country and dash out at will over the years because I already have a very deep affiliation with the white people’s society and that’s where I make the funds to pay my bills but am fully back home now and ready to take my place in the African music industry.
How big is Afrobeat there in Europe?
Afrobeat right now is topping the charts, there used to be major focus on American sounds but there is a paradigm shift at the moment, people like me have been spreading the gospel of Afrobeat and they love us for it. For now, I can say Afrobeat is the new music culture in Europe.
Can you tell us how far you have gone doing music in Nigeria and overseas?
I have been performing all over Europe and have won several awards that I cant even remember all. I have been the opening acts for many African Artist that came to perform in Amsterdam such as Patoranking, Duncan Mighty and so many other ones.
What inspired your new song ‘’Badda” and the accompanying video?
Badda is a movement, am just trying to tell the story of a man who loves a very beautiful shy girl, the introvert kind of lady but who also loves to enjoy life but do not possess the charisma to show it to the world. She is ravishingly beautiful but she doesn’t know it so I was only trying to encourage her to come out of her shell in the song.
The video shot in Belgium showcased lots of luxury lifestyle, should we call you the Nigerian moneybag in Europe?
It’s all about showbiz anyway, I was just trying to show that I can take care of my woman , so every man out there should treat his woman like a Queen, a king deserves a Queen so I was just showcasing my roots as an African Prince in the video from my Regalia to the motorcade. It was just crazy and the pictures really came out beautiful. Big shout out to Don Kuluku for directing such a crispy video for me.
Who are your role models in the music industry?
I listen to Wyclef Jean a lot, Pharell Williams,Will-I-Am, Ace Hood, Osadebe, Oliver De Coque(My Mum plays his music a lot) Fela Anikulapo Kuti and so many others. When it comes to mastering afrobeat as an art, one has to be very open-minded so I tap a lot from all these music legends while I still retain my own style, so I can’t pick a role model per se.
How would you describe your sound?
I used to be a fulltime hip hop head but right now, I do more of Afropop with a fusion of hi-life and western sound.
Do you still rap?
I still do but I rap more in an unconventional style or let me say commercial rap with a blend of afropop.
Evidently D Large happens to be a power dresser with all d blingz and flashy dressing, how would you describe your style?
I grew up in a house full of fashionistas especially my elder brother whom I tapped a lot from.To be honest, I grew up watching lots of foreign TV programs as a kid, they kind of influenced my style of dressing. I love dressing flashy with a unique style that is peculiar to me. Fashion is like a lifestyle to me same as music.
D Large is fully back into the country pushing your new song ‘’Badda’’, what difference are you bringing into the Nigerian music industry?
I just reinvented my style and sound, so D Large is coming through with a sound wholly different from what the industry is used to.
Acada as a campus youth magazine, we are very passionate about educating the youths, what advice do you have for young ones out there who wish to become a part of the music industry?
First of all, you need to focus on your studies, get that basic education because it is very important when it comes to navigating the turbulent waters of this music industry. The entertainment industry is not like a tea party, many young ones out there only see the glamorous side of the industry. You need to be very humble, master your craft, learn from those before you and respect them. Above all, you need to develop a very large heart and a thick skin because many people are going to use you, betray you, take advantage of you but you just have to learn how to take things in your stride. Put up a proper team together (You can start with friends and family who are passionate about your craft and the music industry) then try get yourself where things are happening and showcase your talent. You never knew who is watching. If you are lucky, a well-connected music manager might develop interest in you and help you get signed to a record label. Study the industry deeply otherwise, you will just keep running in circles.
It’s obvious you are talking from experience.
Yes o! (Giggles deeply) Dem don show me pepper for this industry!! It’s not easy being an independent artiste. That is one of the reasons I have been off and on in the music industry, I have been duped many times but it’s a lifestyle, I just can’t let go.
Is there an album or a mixtape in the pipeline?
I have got so many songs recorded so far and am still recording but I am yet to put a timeline to dropping an album yet, let the industry feel more of my vibe then I and my team will decide when to drop an album. If we talking about songs. Have got a whole of them that are yet to be released.
Tell us the producers you have worked with so far.
I have worked with Dan Jiggy, Boombeatz,Hycent,Del B,Wizzypro,Illbeat,Selebobo to mention a few but presently, my official producer is Teekay Witty (The producer of B Red’s song featuring Akon)
How many videos do you have at the moment?
I have like six videos at the moment Obuchukwu, D Large, Turn Me On, Meet Up,Dance For Me and my freshest offering Badda which is ruling the airwaves at the moment.
What do you have to say to your fans both in Africa and Europe?
To all my fans around the world, I am here to let you know that your boy D Large is here to stay, I have so much for you all to enjoy from me for your listening pleasure. i know you all have missed my vibe for some time now but I am right here to stay and I am taking over real soon.
