Zdon
Paporrella, is one of the leaders of the new school of singers who make others
green with envy. Born to an army officer and civil servant, the singer’s early
life was shaped by the discipline and forthrightness of his father, Dauda
Nimyel who later rose to become a Colonel in the Nigerian Army and later Borno
State Military Administrator (1993-1994). Spotiks had a chat with him, and here
is what he told us about himself and his music.
1.
WHAT'S
YOUR NAME AND WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
My
names are Nansel Nimyel and I am from Plateau State.
2.
HOW
DID IT ALL START FOR YOU?
I
started dancing at an early age, one thing led to another and am here today, I
thank God.
3.
ARE
YOU MARRIED?
I’m
single though in a serious relationship. I guess u can say am not searching
(laughs).
4.
WE
ALL KNOW YOU'VE BEEN IN THE GAME FOR A LONG TIME; WHAT WILL YOU SAY ARE YOUR
PAINS AND GAINS BEING AN ARTIST?
There's
a lot pain but you know what they say, 'No Pain No Gain'; at the end of the day
it makes it all worthy.
5.
YOU'VE
GOT A NEW SINGLE WITH TERRY THA RAPMAN TITLED "WANTING" HOW DID YOUR
FANS REACT TO THIS WHEN THEY HEARD IT; ARE WE EXPECTING A VIDEO SOON?
I
have two singles out titled Crazy Luv ft Vector and Wanting ft Terry tha
rapman. The responses to both singles have been great and impressive. The video
for Crazy Luv directed by James Oludare drops any moment.
6.
YOUR
TOP FIVE NIGERIAN ARTISTS?
I
am afraid for sentimental reasons I can’t name a top five because I have many
talented friends.
7.
IF
YOU WERE TO GO ON A DATE WITH A FEMALE NIGERIAN STAR, WHO WOULD THAT BE (CRUSH)?
Please
pardon me for that, hmmmmmm no comment... (Laughs)
8.
DESCRIBE
YOUR PERSONALITY?
I’m
very unpredictable, you can hardly tell my next move or how I would react to a
particular situation.
9.
YOUR
FAVOURITE FOOD?
My
favourite meal is fried plantain and omelet.
10. IF YOU WERE NOT AN ARTIST, WHAT
ELSE WILL YOU BE DOING?
I
would be in the Army if I wasn't a musician.
11. MOST EMBARASSING MOMENT?
I
can’t remember.
12. WHAT IS THE CRAZIEST THING YOU'VE
EVER DONE?
There
are many contending situations but here is one situation. I laid down on my back
on the high way for 45 seconds.
13. DESCRIBE YOUR KIND OF WOMAN?
My
kind of woman is smart, humble, and domestic with meat on her bones.
14. HOW WILL YOU COMPARE OUR ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY OF PAST AND PRESENT?
What
can I say, there's still no structure, and the music seems to be getting better
and worse at the same time. For every step we take forward in the right
direction, we take ten in the opposite.
15. PIRACY IN OUR COUNTRY IS SOMETHING
ALL OUR ARTISTS EXPERIENCE; WHAT DO YOU THINK CAN BE DONE TO STOP OR REDUCE IT?
I’m
afraid its’ a little too late to fight piracy. I know most people would wonder
why am saying this but I am a realist. Where do you start the fight from? Who
do u fight? These questions require answers. Almost Everyone in Nigeria is a
pirate. Most are ignorant but the rest are conscious of their actions. Artistes
these days pay the pirates in Alaba to bootleg their music. You spend sleepless
nights, money and sweat recording music only for you to put your songs for free
download on the net because the cost promo on radio is outrageous. You cannot
also ignore the saturation of radio stations these days. There are too many
places to go to these days and there is no guarantee that your song will be
heard at all by the right audience. Consider also the fact that the audience
has too many options. People buy sometimes on designated music selling sites
but spread the same songs to thousands of potential buyers who could also have
bought but would not anymore. So you see that it’s’ a canker-worm that has eaten
really deep into our industry.
16. YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
Am
not sure which of my achievements is the greatest. I thank Baba God for all He
has done for me and I still trust Him for far greater ones.
17. ARE WE EXPECTING AN INTERNATIONAL
COLLABO FROM YOU?
International
collaborations, of course.
18. WHAT SHOULD FANS EXPECT FROM YOU IN
2013?
My
fans and friends should expect some videos and the album soon.
19. MESSAGE TO YOUR FANS?
I
love my fans and friends, I thank them for their patience and indulge them to
keep supporting me with their love and prayers.
20. MESSAGE TO SPOTIKS?
Spotiks
my fam; you guys are great and you have all my support.
21. TWITTER HANDLE?
22. My
twitter handle is - @iamzdon and u can catch me on facebook at www.facebook.zdon.paporrella.com.
God bless you all.
Interview conducted by @Orirefreshout
