One of the new cats buzzling in the ever growing Nigerian Afrobeats scene is the highly gifted and talented singer and songwriter Nwabueze Promise Chibuike better known by the stage name Pryme.
Pryme‘s musical journey officially began in 2017 with the release of his debut single, “Trumpet”, a captivating piece that showcased his early talent.
However, his career reached new heights in 2018 when he collaborated with two giants of the African music scene, Davido and DMW’s Peruzzi, on the track “Kilode”.
The young talent whose craft got the attention of Kizz Daniel who signed him on to his label, Fly Boi Inc in 2023 and now have his career been managed by Emperor Geezy led G-Worldwide is subtly taking the Nigerian music industry by storm with his brand of Afrobeats sound which he called Afro-soul.
Pryme‘s debut single under his new management, ‘Lavida’, is currently enjoying massive success across Africa and beyond.
In this exclusive interview, Pryme speaks about his sojourn into music, the industry and his plans for his music career.
What actually influenced your desire to become a musician?
I’d say the process of starting music professionally influenced my desire to see it to the end. I usually listen to other musicians, and I knew I could sing too but I didn’t know I was gonna take it up as a profession, but when it started, I wanted to see it through to the end.
How did you eventually find your way into music?
I won a competition in school, then the DJ of that event turned friend now, (DJ Billz) linked with me and wanted us to take it up a notch, do it professionally, and that’s how I started.
Have you released any songs?
Yes, I have a song out currently, it’s called Lavida and it’s banging everywhere, enjoying heavy rotations on airwaves.
How can you describe your type of music?
I will call it Afro-soul. Afrobeat with an element of soul.
What differentiate you from other artistes and what do you consider to be your selling point?
What differentiates me from other artistes is the sound I’m bringing to the industry. Refined and fine-tuned Afrobeats. My selling point is my voice… and my face.
Some musicians have music acts they view as idols or mentors, do you have such?
No I don’t think I do. I have people I listen to though. I love their music style and patterns, but I don’t have a particular mentor or idol.
How were your growing up years like and how did they influence your kind of music?
I grew up in church, joined the choir at a very young age, around 10 years old. I got exposed to different kinds of music and musical instruments. The older I got, the more experience I had in music.
Can you share with us your educational and family background?
I come from a family of five, Mom, Dad, myself, sister, and my little brother. I graduated from the University of Imo State, and I studied Education Government.
You must have faced some challenges while trying to climb the ladder of music; can you shed light on some of them?
Yes, I have faced challenges. In this industry, apart from the talent, you need finance for it. And that was my major challenge as I couldn’t get the public to listen to and digest my songs for a while. But thankfully with my current team G-Worldwide Entertainment, we have overcome that aspect.
When you compose your music, what drives your lyrics and messages?
What drives My lyrics has to do with my feelings. How I feel at that particular point in time.
Do you have any artiste you’re looking forward to working with in Nigeria and on the international scene?
Yes, I’m looking forward to working with the likes of Rema, Omah Lay, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Tems, Beyoncé and some other amazing musical gems.
How is your relationship with the music label in charge of your music career?
My relationship with the music label in charge of my music career is a very good and fruitful relationship. Everything is going well. We are all one happy family.
Talking about dressing styles, most musicians have preferences, what’s your preferred style of dressing?
My preferred style of dressing has to do with big shoes, bandanas, jackets, jeans, perfectly designed t-shirts, and the accessories that match it.
Are you into labels? If yes, who are your favourite designers?
Yes, I’m into labels, I like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Nike, Calvin Klein and Off White.
What is your favourite fashion accessory or item?
My favorite fashion accessory is nothing more than good Shoes.
What is that craziest thing a fan has ever done to you?
The craziest thing a fan has ever done to me was a really crazy love text I got from a female fan alongside a video…lol!
How do you unwind/relax?
I unwind by playing games, watch movies and sleep.
How did you get a recording deal?
How I got a recording deal is still shocking to me till date.
So one faithful day I got a call from Kizz Daniel telling me he wants to sign me. I was surprised for a second and then I became really excited and a little anxious. After I got off the phone with Kizz, Next thing, Emperor Geezy called on a conference call alongside Kizz and we started discussing the contract. Then next was an official email from the label introducing Louiza Williams as my official manager then everything followed accordingly. It happened so fast, but everything worked together. I thank God for everything.
What’s your take on the controversy trailing the recently held Grammy Awards where expected Nigerian artistes lost out? Are you looking forward to winning the Grammys?
I’m all about the money and not the Grammy. Winning the Grammys shouldn’t be a validation for one’s career but an icing on the cake. Even getting nominated for a Grammy is a boost to any artiste’s career. Whether we like it or not, the Grammys is still the biggest musical honour in the world and I sure look forward to winning it.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years in terms of your music career?
I see myself at the top in the next 5 years, Charting Number 1 on all music charts. Being the most streamed musician of all time by God’s grace.
Connect with PRYME on social media via:
Twitter: @prymeofficiall
Instagram: @iamprymeofficial
TikTok: @iamprymeofficial
