FIRST+EXCLUSIVE: Emmy Gee talks #CHOAMVA14, #RandsandNairas, upcoming single with Davido and more…

Emmy Gee, born Emmanuel Nwankwo, started recording music at age 16.

Upon its release in October 2013, his debut single, Rands and Nairas, became an instant club banger. The song featured rap vocals from AB Crazy and DJ Dimplez. In July 2014, he released the remix to the song, which features Ice Prince, AB Crazy, Anatii, Phyno, Cassper Nyovest and DJ Dimplez.

In a special build up to the 2014 Channel O Africa Music Video Awards, talkmedia Nigeria had an exclusive chat with the South Africa-based Nigerian rapper.

What was your reaction when you heard you had been nominated for #CHOAMVA14? 
To be honest, I knew we made a great record so I did expect a nomination – not two though.

You are nominated in two categories: Most Gifted Newcomer and Most Gifted Video of the Year. What do you think are your chances of winning one or both awards? 
I think I will let the fans decide on this one. Whether I win one or both of them, I still remain grateful for the nomination.

With the large assembly of nominees from across the continent, do you believe that the Channel O Africa Music Video Awards goes a long way in building strong connections and unity among Africans? 
The Channel O Africa Music Video Awards plays a major role in the African music entertainment. First unity between artists from different nations in Africa and with this connection and unity among us, Africans can achieve and reach the rest of the world.

Rands & Nairas has been making waves across the continent, are you surprised at the positive response? 
Yes, I am quite surprised at the success of Rands & Nairas across Africa and beyond, but like they say ‘quality music goes a long way’.

In the Rands and Nairas remix you featured Ice Prince, AB Crazy, Anatii, Phyno, Cassper Nyovest and DJ Dimplez How were you able to assemble all of them on one track? 
Couple of friends and connections gave me the chance to assemble such huge African talents on one remix. I’m still grateful.

Do you foresee more African and international collaborations in the future? 
It has been on the pipeline and I’m sure more Africans are been recognised across the globe so collaboration between international acts are very possible.

Before you were “Emmy Gee”, you were Emmanuel Nwankwo. What was growing up like for you? 
Emmanuel is a young gentleman with great ambition and dream. I grew up among entertainers so learning was easy and I knew that one special day I’d be on TV.

How did you get into music? 
I’ve been a music lover since I composed my first song (At age 16).

What is Teamtalkless all about? 
Teamtalkless is an Entertainment outfit I started in 2009. It is co-owned by Nigerian producer Shizzi (Seyi Akerele) and Osaretin Ogbemudia (King Mudia) and specializes in Entertainment and a clothing apparel.

Any new single or album in the works? 
I’m finally ready to drop my second single, Champagne Shower (My Celebration), which features South African upcoming act King Jay. It is set to be released in November and I got a collabo with Davido which drops by the end of the year.

What final words do you have for your fans? 
Keep supporting Emmy Gee and expect greatness from his camp and I really appreciate all the love and support.

Don’t forget to vote for Emmy Gee in the Most Gifted Newcomer and Most Gifted Video of the Year categories. Voting is still open and closes on the 23 November at midnight.