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INTERVIEW: Recording Artist, Songwriter and Performer, Ivan Edd talks Eye Van Edd Season EP, Working with Phyno, Runtown and Reminisce, Plans for 2017 and more…
Ivan Ede Oghene, better known by his stage name IVAN EDD, is a Nigerian recording rap artist, songwriter, singer and performer. He started his musical career professionally year 2012, releasing his first single “Before then” with a follow up song “Swag daddy” the year 2015 after a 3 years study break in the States and UK.
Signed to grounded promotions management company, he rose to prominence in 2016 with the release of the video “Swag Daddy” from his debut studio 12 tracks EP , Eye Van Edd Season (2016).
In addition to his solo works, Ivan Edd has collaborated with several artists, Runtown, Zoro, Dj Xtacee. In July 2016 he released his hit single “Work Work” (Gbera) which features Phyno and Reminisce.
The single “Work Work Gbera” has fast turned into a street anthem with its motivating and energetic vibe.
Check out my exclusive interview with him below:
Hey Ivan Edd! Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Ivan Ede, I’m a recording and performing rap artist.
Talk me through an average day in the life of you?
I wake up in the morning say a prayer to God then work on trying to achieve all my dreams of being great and a blessing to my generation.
What institution(s) did you attend and what did you study?
I studied civil engineering Enugu state university of science and technology, Enugu. In a matter of fact I’m a civil engineer and music makes me forget that sometimes…lol
Why the interest in music and how will you describe your type of music?
I tried all my best not to be an artist but after a long while it still came hard at me that I have to give in and ever since I made that decision no regrets things been working really fast and successful for me.
What will you say is your type of music?
My type of music in one word is confident. My music is actually to motivate my generation and make people develop confident in themselves.
How did you come up with the name “Ivan Edd”?
Ivan is my name Ede is my middle name and friends call me Edd back in high school so Ivan Edd is my real name Edd is just a short way of saying Ede.
How’s the music industry in Nigeria?
Not an easy one it’s as tough as the industry in the states because Nigeria music is the most popular sound in Africa and 3rd most popular after U.S. and the U.K. so to win in the Nigeria industry you gotta put in work work Gbera!
Listen to Eye Van Edd Season EP:
1. Man of the hour – Ivan Edd https://youtu.be/
2. Swag daddy – Ivan Edd https://youtu.be/
3. Win – Ivan Edd https://youtu.be/n92e_z_
4. B.I.G – Ivan Edd https://youtu.be/8H_
5. We made it ft Runtown – Ivan Edd https://youtu.be/_
6. Before then – Ivan Edd https://youtu.be/
7. Oluwa to’sure – Ivan Edd https://youtu.be/
8. Vasa’shi – Ivan Edd https://youtu.be/
9. Awilo longomba – Ivan Edd https://youtu.be/
10. Thanksgiving skit – Ivan Edd https://youtu.be/C-
11. Before it all started – Ivan Edd https://youtu.be/
12. Hard to stay strong – Ivan Edd https://youtu.be/gpn7TVr_
Tell us more about your 12 track EP “Eye Van Edd Season”. What will you say was the main message behind the EP and title?
From the EP tittle “Eye Van Edd Season” is just a way of saying Ivan Edd Season my season the word “Eye Van” was just a way to get people to pronounce my name in the right way lol. The EP is just an expression of me, I wanted people to have a feel of me instead of just putting out couples of single. And I would love people to really go listen to it if they have not.
You rose to prominence in 2016 with the release of the video “Swag Daddy” from your debut studio 12 tracks EP, “Eye Van Edd Season”. What as been the response so far?
It’s been very good the positive response people gave to me motivated me to want to give in more and that has brought me this far in this race to be being a successful music artist.
You have really come quite a long way with your collaboration with several artists like; Runtown, Zoro, Dj Xtacee and in July 2016 you released the hit single “Work Work” (Gbera) featuring Phyno and Reminisce with the single fast turning into a street anthem. What will you say keeps you motivated/inspired to stay dedicated to music?
The response from Djs, radio presenters across the nation and abroad and most of all the fan base that keeps growing by the day. This has been my major motivation seeing people loving what I do it’s such an amazing feelings and I’m so grateful to God for that.
You are a young entrepreneurial minded guy. How do you balance your personal and professional life?
I just love to stretch myself I’m never comfortable when I get comfortable I always want to do more so balancing might not be a problem for me at least for now maybe I will think of balancing it when I’m as successful as Jay Z lol
Looking at your photos from 2013 to now in 2016 there as been massive changes and improvements when it comes to fitness, why do you feel need for this?
I love to look good for them females cos I love compliments especially from the females lol
How often do you go to the gym and how many hours do you spend while you there?
Not often I just try to eat right drink lots of water and run alot to stay healthy and fit.
What’s your 5 Dos and Don’t when it comes to music?
Dos:
1. I like to sound confident
2. I love for my beats to be dope
3. I try to put a message to my music
4. I listen to lots of my favorite artist
5. I always keep it in mind to make my music sound simple and easy to digest
Don’t:
1. I don’t think I have much of don’t
2. But one major thing, I don’t do is to put out a song I don’t believe in regardless of what people might think about it.
What would you say is the main misconception the public have about musicians?
Perception.
What aspect surprised you the most once you started as an artiste?
The first day I got to performed my single “Swag Daddy” and everyone was singing along to it at the jam session edition I did in Victoria Island Lagos, Nigeria.
Which brands, producers, clients and musicians have you worked with?
Sick Tunez, Major banks, Princeton.
You studied at the New York Films Academy (NYFA) and London Media TV Academy, any plans to go big in film/music video directing?
Yeah I will have to retire with that when I get tired of jumping around on stage and traveling the world with my music at its climax.
What has been one of the most memorable jobs to work on?
Swag Daddy single. Because I produced the beat, recorded myself, directed the video myself
Who do you want to work with that you haven’t yet?
Femi Kuti.
Tell us two things people don’t know about you?
I can be as funny as hell and I love to read and develop myself everyday.
What do you consider your biggest professional success so far?
Having a song with my two favourite indigenous rappers Phyno and Reminisce who I’m a huge fan of their music and career.
Who do you want to work with that you haven’t yet?
Femi kuti
What has been your biggest challenge?
Getting my songs to the people.
You are very active on social media. Do you think its important to be online and if so why?
Social media is the new era of direct connection to the people that love your music. So it’s most important to me.
You are are from originally from Delta state, but now live mostly in Lagos. How is that working out for you?
Very well I have never been in one place for a very long time my folk always travel on a course growing up so it’s always easy for me to catch up.
What are your must visit travel destinations?
Europe, never traveled around Europe. I have only lived in Amsterdam as a lil kid. I would love to see Paris and shop in all the popular designers shop out there.
Name 5 things we should take seriously about our style choices?
I will just give 5 words instead:
Be
unique
In
everything
Possible
How would you describe your style?
Amazing!
What style genre appeals to you the most?
It changes with time ever that appeals to my eyes appeals to me.
Name your five must have accessories/essentials?
1. Face cap
2. Wristwatch
3. Neck piece
4. Bandana
5. And a nice foot wear depending on what I feel like to walk in when I’m about to step out.
What are your favorite fashion trends?
Anything that stands me out I’m cool with that I don’t have a favorite.
What is your favorite dish?
Banger soup and fish.
What songs are currently on your playlist?
Femi Kuti
Kanye West
Kendrick Lamar
Nas
Damian Marley
J Cole
Tory Lanez
Apart from music, what other projects are you currently working on?
None I’m just trying to put in my all in my music because I’ve got alot I wanna share and do with my music to be celebrated worldwide as Ivan Edd, that Africa artist to the world.
Seeing you’re doing your dreams, what advice can you give others to pursue their dreams?
Don’t let no one try to talk you down in what you are convinced in your heart that you want. Be confident in what you believe and nothing can stop you trust me.
Any specific plans for the future?
Having a beautiful daughter from a beautiful female as my first child and making lots of money to buy them the finest things in life.
Any final words?
Love yourself that’s the only way people can get to love you. And always so round.
Where can we follow you online and on social media?
Facebook: Ivan Edd Official
Twitter: @ivan_edd
Instagram: @ivaneddgram
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