Gists in Nigeria

What is worth doing, is worth doing well. That is what up coming musician, EXNEL, thinks. In this interview with Kelechi Udensi, he tells how it all began, and what he expects in future. Enjoy

First, we want to know your background

My real name is David Ikenna. I come from a family of two - my younger sister and I. I am from Ntigha Umuaro in Obingwa lga in Abia State. I was born in Aba. I did my primary school there, did my secondary school in the very popular Government College Umuahia and then studied Purchasing and Supply at the Federal Polytechnic Nekede.

Purchasing And Supply? Why not music?

Well, that still doesn't change anything. All the time, music had been a passion for me. I saw it as a hobby, really. I have the talent, I know. But I always wanted to study something else.

How did you really develop this talent?

Once you have a certain talent, which in this case is music, it is naturally difficult to hide from it. I started singing while in primary school. Besides, my father had such talents while he was young. He sang, he used the instruments well. You could say I took it from him. My determination to make him proud, to achieve what he always dreamt of, spurs me on.

Your stage name is EXNEL. Sounds interesting. How did that come about?

That is a story of its own, with many processes to get to EXNEL. I used to be in a group named Bonesquad, in Aba. However, I merged with my close friend after a few years. We initially called it XfromL. We however settled with EXNEL. It actually means Excellence And Elegance.

How many albums have you released so far?

Two, so far. The first , titled Paparazy style, was released in 2009, through de creator entertainment while the second, Long Awaited, which is so far doing well in the market, was produced by Juxt music entertainment. I must tell you I am not the least surprised by its acceptance by the public. We worked so hard to make it get to this. So far, so good.

Talking about its acceptance, people are of the view your popularity only stops in Aba. Also, why haven't your albums had such acceptance in, say Lagos and Enugu, or Port Harcourt?

Charity, my brother, they say, begins at home. Besides, we aren't only popular in Aba. You could say we are more popular in Enyimba city. And why not? This is a city that made us. Whatever you say, I am so proud to be a product of a city that accepts and encourages one of her own. They love good things. Little wonder we are so popular here. Wherever you go, any club you enter, any joint you go to, our music is there. It is no fluke. Let me also tell you Enugu and Portharcourt and other cities love our music. Just go out there and you find out. Yes, we may not have reached the level of the D'banjs and Tufaces of this world, but I tell you we are moving to the next level. By the time we are through, you will understand that God is with us.

Which famous artiste(s) have you performed with?

I have performed alongside some. I performed alongside 2face once at the University of Portharcourt during their SUG night. I have also performed alongside Faze, Ruggedman, 2shots, Mode9, Baba sempe, Ruff Coin, Nigga Raw, Terry G, etc. I have also performed alongside Ice Prince, whom they say is my look-alike. So many of them.

Which artiste do you intend to perform with in future?

I would surely love to perform with Tuface again. I would also like to perform with other professional colleagues like D'banj, MI, Banky W, Whizkid, etc.

Considering your looks, how do you handle female advances?

It hasn't been easy my brother but I'm trying my best to handle it to avoid having a cross with my fans and at same not to create many enemies because you don't know who is who. I try to be friendly with them, and I hope they understand that. Basically, they are the reason I am here and who I am.

Where do you expect to be in the next two years?

Everyday I wake up, I ask myself, "EXNEL, what is it gonna be like in the near future?". But answer still revolves around the question. I wanna be at the top, the peak of entertainment, nay music industry, in Nigeria. But all these can be achieved when you are focused and determined, so I guess I have a lot of hardwork and task ahead of me. I believe it is not how far, but how well...and you will be there.

Nice chatting with you. I wish you luck

Thank you my brother.

Rocker Steven Tyler is in mourning after his father died on Saturday.

The Aerosmith star's dad Victor Tallarico passed away at the Hunt Community assisted living facility in Nashua, New Hampshire, aged 95.
The World War II veteran, who was also a musician, was surrounded by family when he died peacefully at the facility.
His obituary reads, "Victor was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Susan Ray (Blancha) Tallarico. He leaves a brother, Ernest Tallarico, of Tampa, Florida, two children, Steven and Lynda; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many friends.
"Among Victor's proudest accomplishments were his offspring: Lynda, a retired teacher who resides in southern Vermont, and Steven, who, having been well launched into the music business by Victor, became famous as Steven Tyler, the lead singer of the rock band Aerosmith."

Christina Aguilera is lending her voice to a Michael Jackson tribute concert planned for October in Wales.
Organizers of "Michael Forever — The Tribute Concert" announced Thursday that Aguilera would be joined by members of the Jackson family, Cee Lo Green, Leona Lewis and the band Alien Ant Farm, which is known for its cover of Jackson's song "Smooth Criminal."
The announcement came after more than two weeks of silence about performers for the Oct. 8 show at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
While the event is endorsed by the singer's mother and some of his siblings, brothers Randy and Jermaine Jackson have protested its timing. The concert is scheduled during the trial of a doctor charged in Jackson's death.
The singer's estate is also not affiliated with the concert.
Stars can never be forgotten, can they?