Q: Freestyle can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
A: Freestyle is Mfon Essien’s extroverted alter ego. A songwriter, producer, recording &performing artiste as well as an entrepreneur. The fifth born and second son in a family of 8, both parents inclusive.
Q: How did your career as a musician start?
A: It formally started out some years back when two friends of mine &I formed a group known as the “Trybesmen” where I was the youngest of the three. Prior to that time I had only been a keen listener &lover of music.
Q: How did you come about that nickname “freestyle?”
A: It actually should’ve been “Switch-style” because I was really good at mimicking styles and could sound like whoever I wanted, but I guess since I could also deliver impromptu renditions of rhythmic applied poetry without prior rehearsal, the name “Freestyle” eventually stuck!
Q: Why did tribesmen split from your former group “Trybesmen”?
A: Trybesmen in my opinion, split because there were conflicts, arising from irreconcilable differences, clash of egos and divergent perspectives and approach to handling issues.
Q: Do you still talk to your former group members – KB (Kunle Bello & Eldee)
A: Yes, I do. I maintain a high-level of cordial and professional relationship with them both.
Q: Is there any chance of the group ever coming together again?
A: Possibly, since the initial meeting-point for us was creativity, as far as making good music &making money is concerned, sure why not?
Q: How is your solo career going?
A: I have a lot to be grateful for, my debut album picked up the Hip-hop-world Best Rap album award, as well as several other awards; I enjoyed heavy rotation &general public acceptance from both radio and club circuits; I am also widely traveled and have had the privilege of performing both within and outside the shores of Nigeria.
Q: Do you have any regrets about being a member of Trybesmen
A: No, I don’t.
Q: Do you have any regrets about the group splitting?
A: No, I don’t.
Q: We know that you recently broke your relationship with a very popular girlfriend, what happened?
A: Irreconcilable issues.
Q: Are you dating anyone presently?
A: No I’m not.
Q: One of your former band member Eldee, got married recently, were you at the wedding?
A: Oh sure, had to give him all the support I could at the traditional wedding, but I missed the white wedding.
Q: Any plans to get married in the near future?
A: When I meet the right person, yes.
Q: What happened with the Tunde & Aboderin video shooting set?
A: I was misinformed by a member of my defunct management about the date of the shoot and had scheduled a performance outside Lagos and as such, I was not available for the shoot.
Q: Some people have described you as cocky; do you see yourself as such?
A: Freestyle is NOT cocky or arrogant; people just misinterpret my “self-confidence”.
Q: Why do you think people have a misconception about you?
A: Probably because I’m not one to hide my feelings on an issue, or because they have an inferior complex or maybe because most people are actually tribalistic towards me.
Q: What is going on in the world of Freestyle today; any projects?
A: My long awaited, highly anticipated sophomore album, “VirTuOSo… My Name Is Essien.”
Q: Which Nigerian artists have you done collaborations with?
A: On my first album, I worked with Tuface Idibia, Sound Sultan, C-mione, Sasha, Niyola, and Blasie. On this second I have tracks with 9ice,Wyre (from Kenya), W4, T-pain, Pype, Paulplay, Dagrin, Shank, etc.
Q: Which Nigerian Artists would you like to do a collaboration with if the opportunity came knocking?
A: Lemar and Tunde Baiyewu (Lighthouse family)
Q: How would you describe the Nigerian music industry as it stands today?
A: Dynamic.
Q: If the opportunity came would you like to explore the music industry abroad?
A: Yes, definitely. Apart from doing what I can to put Nigeria on the map, I’d believe I can compete very favorably against any of my foreign counterparts in diasporas.
Q: Would you encourage artists based overseas to come home or stay where they are?
A: Its better to come home and make an impact on their primary market. That way, they’re easier accepted by Nigerians everywhere and subsequently everyone else.
Q: If you could change one thing about your career, what would it be?
A: The record label under which I released my first album. It lacked the wherewithal to effectively springboard my career to the favorable altitude it should have attained.
Q: Tell us what we might catch you doing on an island if you were by yourself on an island?
A: Sleeping or thinking of how to get off that island as I get bored easily.
Q: You just finished a collabo with T-Pain, I mean how is that possible?
A: He produced the song, sent it to me via electronic mail; I recorded my part, finished it up and sent it back to him.
Q: What was the experience like and do you think it will open a lot of doors for the next generation of musicians
A: The experience was quite fulfilling for me and regarding opening doors, I believe so. The opportunity to have an international artiste like T-Pain, complimenting me on a song is proof that the Nigerian music industry does have a lot to offer in terms of talent and creativity.
Q: Name 5 Nigerian Musicians that you have great respect for (both old & new school)?
A: Tuface Idibia, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, M.I, Asa and P-square.
Q: Any role models?
A: Yes, my older brother Emmanuel Essien and Sean Carter (Jay-Z)
Q: What do you think about the entertainment industry in the 21st Century especially with the worldwide economic crisis, any hopes?
A: Yes definitely, the entertainment industry does seem to be getting overcrowded but good music is still appreciated and is gradually being exportable and accepted the world over.
Q: Musician or Actor, which would you rather be and why?
A: Musician, because your musical compositions allow you to express yourself much more than interpreting a role from someone else’s script.
Q: DO you think acquiring an education is very vital to being a true artist?
A: Yes definitely, it would help your versatility and dexterity writing about your perspective on different subject matters and various fields. Also it would greatly improve your spoken grammar and fluency.
Q: What is the competition like for the Music Industry in Nigeria is?
A: The age-long, hydra-headed monster called “PIRACY”. It’ll take a while before artistes are commensurately compensated monetarily for the mechanical use of their intellectual property.
Q: Are you proud to be a Nigerian in the face of the 419 labeling of everything and everyone Nigerian?
A: Quite. I believe Nigerians are creative, talented and intelligent people and the fact that some people express these qualities negatively doesn’t mean I shouldn’t acknowledge the fact that the qualities are there and should be commended.
Q: What do you think of the Nigerian Celebrity Network Initiative?
A: It’s a great initiative since it not only promotes networking and highlights the recognized talents and individuals birthed by our great country, but it also brings provides a common platform for Nigerians to celebrate the diversity of our rich culture through entertainment.
Q: When I first met you, you were a budding entertainer, are you where you thought you would be now?
A: Being a greatly ambitious individual, I wouldn’t say I’m where I want to be yet, but I’m definitely not where I used to be.
Q: What world known super star would you rather be, if given a choice?
A: Sean Carter better known as Jay-Z. It would be such a trip for me to be that talented and have the whole world know that. Also to have a fiancée or wife like Beyonce is simply amazing. Her backside alone should be the 8th world wonder. They say, “The beautiful ones are not yet born...” that must have been when Beyonce’s mum was pregnant with her. I’d give anything to cross genes with her.
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