Singers Don’t Need To Be Mad To Excel

…KC Maduka

KC Maduka is a German based Nigerian gospel musician currently making waves overseas especially Germany and other parts of Asia and Africa, with his ministry, "Shout His Praise".  In this telephone interview with some select journalists in Lagos among whom is Uzo Chikere, the singer talks about, his impending  video and sophomore album, as well as admonishing gospel artistes against recycling songs and taking drugs.

Can we meet you?

My name is KC Maduka. I have been living in Germany since 1993. My wife is a German woman and we are blessed with three children. I am a Gospel Artist, an Evangelist and a businessman. I have a ministry called "Shout his Praise."

How was your last trip to Nigeria when you came to put finishing touches to your second album?

My last trip to Nigeria was great. It was the most successful one I ever had in Nigeria. Though the time was short, we were able to achieve a lot more than we expected. My Manager, SB Mogom of Windz Records and the entire crew were wonderful. In fact everyone suffered, we worked both day and night and by the special grace of God, we achieved our goal.

What should your fans be expecting new from your second album?

They should be expecting something great because in the new album, I have different genres of music packed in one. In the album, whatever is your like, you will find it there, be it highlife, reggae, and pop just name it. It's just a complete album for everybody. So far, I have been receiving numerous calls from Germany and many other places where the album has been released. I have also performed in some places and people were like, wow, this is another dimension entirely. My fans in Germany are highly delighted about the new album because it has African vibes which give it a good feel. It is just a complete album for everybody.

How would you rate your debut album globally?

I will rate it number one because I purposely came to Nigeria to take this across to them because here in Germany and Europe as a whole, it is a different thing. Remember, this is my home; this is where I came from. I wanted my people to feel the vibes and I got what I expected. We did what one can play anywhere at wedding ceremonies, church's, parties and whatever events you are doing, this album stands for you. People are grooving.

Do you mean the new album is a great departure from your debut?

Yes, there is a big difference because this one, I did everything there in Nigeria with African vibe. So everyone can enjoy it. In fact, there is one track in the album that is already enjoying massive airplay in Kenya. Somebody just called me that, KC, I want to start airing your song, I say yes, go ahead and she is doing that without ever knowing me. Already, they are arranging with my manager to go and perform there. The song is a blast; it's a song of thanks giving.

When is your video coming up?

My video is going to be out very soon. My manager, SB Mogom just informed me that, they have finished working on it. Any moment from now, it will hit the screen. My fans should exercise little patience. I'm not going to let them down. I don't just want to do music; I want to re-define gospel music. I want to do it well; I want to do it better so that my fans will have a good feel of it. And above all,to glorify Papa God in a very unique and special way with my talent.

How successful was your collaboration with some Nigerian artists when you came to Nigeria?

Yeah, it was a huge success. It doesn't matter wherever you live, whether in the sky, on moon, wherever and whatever you do and no matter how successful you are, you still need your people. My collaboration with a good number of them was a great one, it was good and above all, it made me feel home. Because they are there, they know what the people like more than those of us living abroad. So it was a great time spent with them. I love those guys, I must tell you.

When are you coming to Nigeria again, because your fans would love to hear and see more of you here?

Yes, it's a fact that a lot of people have been calling me to come over to Nigeria for one programme or the other. My manager is trying to put a lot of things together and I believe soonest, they will see me. We are planning to have my album launch and other programmes. I want to assure my fans that very soon they will see more of my presence here in Nigeria.

Can you share the secrets behind your success in the gospel music industry with your fans?

The secret behind my success first of all has to do with my strong belief in Papa God. He is the one that gives me inspiration and ideas with which I work hard to actualise. Without God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, I can't do anything. As a man, I cannot do anything until I hear clearly from God. I mean very clear instructions and guidance from God. Success is not in my hand, it is in the hands of God because, He is the giver of wisdom, inspiration, success and understanding. Again, my advice to everyone is that, they should try and be themselves. I do tell musicians; don't recycle songs because they are some great songs that God wants to bring out. Just be yourself and allow God to use you mightily the way he wants. You don't need drugs, you don't need alcohol, and you don't need any intoxicating substance for you to flow. NO! You only need the Holy Spirit to inspire you. God is the giver of inspiration and nothing else. My candid advice to the youths especially is that, they don't have to 'Kolo' to be super stars. You can be cool and be the greatest super star in history. Just be yourselves and let God bring out the best in you.