Let's all get Ma'Ya

I'm a music buff and avid listener to Nigerian music every time I get the chance. I walked into a stall at the British Museum (yes you heard me right, British Museum) and heard 'Omo Pupa o' playing in the background and was so excited, I almost embarrassed myself. I bought the last copy of the highlife music album being played and cant believe how old this music is.

How much more excited was I to find a resurgence of Nigerian classics from the 1980s being reproduced and hitting the media with Wale's 'My Sweetie' and DMSquared's 'Nigeria go survive'.

I got a chance to touch base with a good friend and talented Nigerian rapper, DMSquared as he passed through London en route to Nigeria and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get a personal scoop:

 Viva La Stylish Living: It's been a while since I got the chance to say hello, how's music treating you?

DMSquared: Let me put it this way, I am treating music well. and music has been amazing to me.

Viva La Stylish Living: Has the Nigerian music industry been receptive?

DMSquared: I have received a lot of positive reviews. The Nigerian music industry is very competitive and I try to hold my own by not entering into competition with anyone. The experience I had working with Outtatown has served me well. I have my own unique sound for a specific target market. I cater to people who have a taste for good music telling a with a story behind it giving a positive vibe yet having a swell time.

Viva La Stylish Living: What is DMSquared up to right now?

DMSquared: I am working with a company called TDC which has evolved into Ma-Ya music. I am currently running independently and entirely self-funded. It's worked out for me so far.

Viva La Stylish Living: What does the term 'Ma-Ya' mean or stand for?

DMSquared: Ma-Ya simply means anything positive. For instance, if you are having a conversation with someone who is stating big dreams and aspirations, you respond by saying 'You too dey Ma-Ya' or you can compliment someone wearing a nice dress by saying 'Your dress too Ma-Ya'. It's my street slang for hyping anything positive or at a level higher than anyone else.

Viva La Stylish Living: You have a song called 'Ma-Ya' don't you? What's the public reaction to the term?

DMSquared: Yes I do have a song called 'Ma-Ya' and people have been receptive to the term and the meaning behind it. It feels good to hear it picking up on the streets of Lagos.

Viva La Stylish Living: I have noticed that you've been playing a few gigs lately, how's that going?

DMSquared: I have been lucky enough to get the opportunity to play a few great gigs especially performing 'Nigeria go Survive' at the Presidential Villa for Nigeria's 50th Independence Day celebration. I have a video out for the song and it has been well-received so far. However, I am more interested in seeing the impact of my songs on the people who listen to them, not for the fame and fortune, I am all for a Ma-Ya legacy with a timeless lifespan on my songs. I want to have the kind of impact Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey had back in the day and still have now when their songs get played.

Viva La Stylish Living: If you had a wild card opportunity to collaborate with any artist in Nigeria, who would it be?

DMSquared: I would have loved to collaborate with the Late Da Grin (RIP).  He was a great rapper with a great delivery and he had the tenacity to rise from adversity to become a successful artist. His life was cut too short. Currently, in Nigeria I would love to work with a group called New Wine. Internationally I would love to work with Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Will.I.Am.

Viva La Stylish Living: I love Da Grin and was bowled over by his ability to merge the Nigerian Yoruba language & culture into his rap music. He definitely had a powerful delivery. I am totally addicted to Kanye's latest album so I'm with you on the collaboration choice.

Viva La Stylish Living: There has been an influx of new music on the Nigerian scene lately with new music being produced by the hour and new talent (or non-talent) popping up everywhere, what do you think about that?

DMSquared: The digital era of music has made it easier to put out new material. in addition to this, there's a lot of talent available to be heard. Nigeria has a musical culture with lots of musicians and people who play a variety of instruments and they want to be seen and heard. There's a lot of talent out there and there is a slot for everyone in the industry. 

Viva La Stylish Living: What do you miss by being back in Nigeria?

DMSquared: The weather's extremely hot, and car traffic isn't lightening up. Home is home really. I have a line in a song I'm writing now which states "Naija, that's my heart. I feel her, she ain't pretty but I still feel her". Nigeria can be likened to a girl you're dating, who's not obviously pretty but you love her nonetheless. The relationship with Nigeria goes beyond the physical outlook. Nigeria is ill in a lot of ways but you decide to stick it out and live there trying to make your mark and make a difference.

Viva La Stylish Living: Ha ha, it kills me to agree with that analogy because I am a woman but I love it and agree with you. Nigeria is not for the squeamish at heart. Only the strongest survive.

Viva La Stylish Living: I lose a lot of respect for artists who don't have any social consciousness or conscience, so bearing that in mind, what's your opinion on the state of events in Nigeria particularly the forthcoming elections?

DMSquared: I don't dabble in political conversations because everyone knows the problems with Nigeria and there's no use reiterating the same point over and over again. It's better to proffer solutions and make a change. I'm going to play my part by voting for my choice of candidate. However, I will say that we want change and we hope the election process goes smoothly and democracy wins at the end of the day. I'll encourage everyone to vote and hope every vote counts exactly as they are cast. Nigerians should elect the candidates of their choice and let their votes speak for them.

Viva La Stylish Living: What's at the top of your playlist at the moment?

DMSquared: Wale's 'Nike Boots' is top of my list, I love his mixtape and I'm feeling him right now. I am following Drake and the Young Money crew especially 'Right above it'. Keri Hilson's 'Pretty Girls Rock'. I stumbled upon a Nigerian Artist called Pastor J on the Internet, and like his music. I also like the Rooftop MCs. Kanye and Akon make my playlist too.

Viva La Stylish Living: I love 9ice's second album 'Tradition', I could play it over and over again.

Viva La Stylish Living: What's next for DMSquared and the Ma-Ya movement?

DMSquared: The album is doing okay so far for a first effort but I am looking forward to the next six months producing some results. I am new to the Nigerian music scene so I am pleased with the reception so far. I am holding my own with the fans getting to know me and I hope to get into the international scene at some point in the future. Watch this space.