In the late 80s and 90s, the name Alex O did not only ring a bell, it was a household name in the Nigerian music industry. Alex Oguguo Okoroigwe (Alex O) serenaded the music scene not only with his music but his looks were another stunner for ladies.
Suddenly, the ladies’ man disappeared from the scene to return years later to continue from where he stopped. Alex O is a total artiste. He sings, arranges, composes, writes and performs songs. No wonder he is still carting away many laurels as an ‘OG’ who is in touch with the modern music trend.
In this interview with publisher of SOLIDNEWSNG.COM Online Magazine, AZUH LILIAN, the music icon speaks on his foray in the music business as well as his love for suites and fashion in general.
Tell us about yourself?
My names are Alex Oguguo Okoroigwe. I was born in Obollo, Isiala Mbano LGA, Imo State, Nigeria.
What is the latest on your musical career?
I have been producing music for myself and many other artistes home and abroad. I have started releasing the songs that I have been composing, writing, and accumulating for quite some time now.
Last year, I released ‘Take A Break’ (Bodi Nor Be Wood). This Valentine’s season, I just released ‘Love Apara.’ After that, there are three other songs coming up. I and my team also produced the videos for the songs and those of other artistes. They are on Youtube.
Below is the link to the ‘Love Apara’ music video. It is all produced with Ai technology, with the exception of the music track.
Your long absence from the music; scene, was it deliberate or accidental?
After my music peaked, I thought about doing whatever was possible to upgrade myself, acquire more skills to prepare myself for the future. when my music might not be trending anymore. I left the shores of Nigerian to see what is out there. I studied, built my studio, acquired new skills and equipment, came back and repositioned myself in the industry for the years ahead. I am here again, doing the things I love, music, videos, film and much more.
If given the opportunity, which Nigerian music star would you like to collaborate with?
Any of them who would also like to collaborate with me. What’s important is that they are compatible and have the same level of understanding with me, for us to be able to work together. I nor get energy for fights and quarrels… with anybody.
What would you say is the big difference between the music of today and that of your era?
In terms of lyrical content and style, we were doing a lot better than what they are doing now. A sound engineer will make a beat and sell it to 20 people, then everybody’s music out there will be sounding the same. Some of them are doing very well, putting in a lot of hard work and succeeding while many others are just floating and enjoying their sponsors’ resources, and when the money is not forthcoming, then, everything collapses.
Any regrets?
No, not at all. We set out to do the things we had and still have passion for, worked hard, prayed and God answered our prayers. We are grateful to God for the things my colleagues and I were able to achieve. Our names, fame and all.
For how long have you been in the music industry?
I can say that my hustle in the music industry started after I received my training from the Late Uncle Steve Rhodes and his family in 1984. That’s almost 40 years ago, close to my entire life.
What makes a good music?
It all depends on what appeals to the listener. Some people like the beats, some, the melody lines…
But what’s important is what the listener takes away and remembers, long after the music has stopped playing, mainly the chorus lines.
Congratulations on your recent award. Tell us about it?
Recently, I have been receiving some of them, the AMAN awards, the Legacy Lounge awards, the CIG awards and so on. It’s of great feeling to be identified and awarded as someone who is making a great difference and contributing positively towards making the society a better place for us all. I am grateful to God for them all.
What makes a good musician?
A good musician is someone who understands that he or she is a role model in the society and therefore uses his/her art to influence the society positively and also make the people happy with his music.
What stands you out as a musician?
I compose, write, arrange, play instruments, perform the song in the studio during the recording and on stage in front of the audience, produce the music, produce the videos, promote the songs… not many musicians can do all the above mentioned.
Why did you choose to be a musician?
I didn’t choose music, music chose me.
I started from the age of eight to play in local bands and was getting paid little monies here and there for appearances, as little as I was then.
How do you rate the Nigerian music industry?
The Nigerian music industry has come of age. It’s now big, it’s doing very well and grabbing all the attention on the international scene. It must also be said, that it’s as a result of the strong foundation that we toiled, endured, sacrificed and laid, many years ago We are grateful to God that we were able to do the work we did for the industry to be where it is today, standing gidigbaa!
What is your best of origin/ local government?
Isiala Mbano local Government Area in Imo state.
What is the greatest thing God has done for you?
Keeping me alive, giving me the wisdom and strength to still keep doing the things that I love to do, music, videos, film etc.
What is the greatest lesson life has taught you?
As I grow older, I have learned more to be closer to God. That’s the only way our lives can be easier.
Describe yourself in a nutshell?
I am a nice guy, God fearing, hardworking, humble, considerate when it comes to other people and their spaces, honest. I think I trusted too much. I take my time a bit more now than before.
Who are your music icons?
The late uncle Steve Rhodes and Lemmy Jackson. They taught me everything I know in music today. God bless them for me.
What is the most important thing to you right now?
God’s grace, longer life and great health, so that work can continue and keep going well.
How would you describe your style?
Dance music. It can be Afrobeats, it can be RnB, AfroPop, AfroHouse, but it must be dance-music, at least for now.
When was the last time you wore a suit and what was the occasion?
I wear suits, blacktie and jackets to practically every occasion. I love wearing them.
Which is your favorite; corporate, casual or native attires and why?
I love the suits, blacktie and the jackets. I feel good in them.
What is your favorite color and why?
Black is my favourite colour, sometimes combined with white.
What is your favorite food and drink?
I don’t have a favourite drink. It all depends on where I am and the occasion. Sometimes, water or malt does it for me. Other times, a bottle of beer or two that doesn’t hurt a fly. As long as I do it in moderation. Food? Whatever is available is it.
What is your best fashion accessory?
I feel great when I put on a nice wrist watch after dressing up for an event. It must not be an expensive one.
How do you relax?
I watch movies, spend time with family, watch Arsenal football club matches or movies.
What is the most common thing in your wardrobe?
Suits, ties, shirts and jackets, blue and black jeans trousers, shoes.
What is your definition of a stylish man?
A stylish man wears what fits and makes him look good and confident when he steps out. They must not be very expensive.
Who is your best dressed Nigerian man and why?
Different people dress differently at different occasions. It’s difficult to determine one person who dresses better than everybody all the time.
Where is the most fantastic place you have travelled to recently?
I will always express my love for Singapore and how they were able to build their country from being a former fishing village of Malaysia to a first world country. That’s what happens when you have visionary leadership.
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is all about looking good, smelling good and feeling confident when you step out during occasions or events. Every city boy or city girl wants to make a statement with their dress sense, for you to see that they are doing well in life.
Share your happy moments with us?
Spending time with family is important. Secondly, after a job is done, and the client feels good and satisfied, the feeling is great. And then, every time you remember that the God you worship is always with you on every journey, one feels a lot better and in high spirits.
What does style mean to you?
Style is all about the way you do things and in your mind you feel that you’re doing the right thing that makes you happy. We keep learning more each day to make our lifestyles better.
Also, as we grow older, our choices change and everything will now depend on what is more important to you, putting your age in consideration.
What is the secret behind your good looks?
Oh, I look good? Thank you so much. The grace, blessings and favors from God Almighty do it all for me. All glory, adoration and praises go to him, always.
What is your advice for those up and coming musicians who see you as a role model?
I always advise them that humility is the key that opens every door and wets the ground for positive things to start happening for them, and for everybody out there. Also, hold on to your daily prayers. Believe me, God answers prayers. Things will eventually be fine.
What’s the highest amount you have spent on a fashion item?
I don’t actually check what I spend. And I must tell you now, I don’t remember the last time I bought a perfume, wristwatch or other fashion accessories.
I receive a lot of gifts from family members, fans and friends who show me love every year. I have perfumes that can last till the next five years. Na God na.
What’s your philosophy of life?
Believe in God, work hard, work smart and all things will work out greater for your own good.
What are the three things your fans don’t know about you?
There is practically nothing that has not been put out there. We live our lives in front of the entire public. They see us, know us and even pre-empt our next moves. They actually now know me more than I know myself.
Lastly, who are your close friends and what does friendship mean to you?
I have many friends. I make friends every day I go out to occasions. As time goes on, you will then figure out who and who will eventually be there for you in times of need.
Friendship should be all about being there for each other whether times are good or bad, happy or sad, protecting each other whether the person is there or not.
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