INTERVIEW: Nigerian Born Artist and Songwriter, Zara Ozay Talks Being a “Confam Benin Boy”, Label Deal, Living in Lagos, Clothing Line and More…

Ogbebor Ogie Leo also known as Zara Ozay was born on march 26th 1994, in Benin city, Edo state, Nigeria.

Zara Ozay finished with NYSC in 2016 and was signed under his brother’s music label called Mula Gang Entertainment which has a producer, DJ and another artist including Zara Ozay making it a total of 4 people in the music label. That was the official beginning of everything for Zara Ozay.

“Comfam Benin Boi” was the first ever official single by Zara Ozay under the label’s influence. “Confam Benin Boi” showed everything one needed to know about Zara Ozay and also how good and consistence he will be.

Check out my exclusive interview with him below:

Hey Zara Ozay! Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Ogbebor Ogie Leo also know as Zara Ozay.

Talk me through an average day in the life of you?
Well am more of an indoor person most times if am not in the studio I’ll be busy plotting and making plans ahead of tomorrow.

Why the interest in music and how will you describe your type of music?
I think music has always been a part of me in fact entertainment as a whole because before I started to do music I already use to dance at social nights in school and partake in dancing competitions in parties so I just feel the whole energetic and vibeful feeling has always been inside also Rick Ross the American rapper also motivated that natural feeling into taking real shape because I loved his sound so much and wanted to do what he was doing.

How did you come up with the name “Zara Ozay”?
Zara came from me always wearing the clothing brand Zara and I always flossed about it so I had a friend who always teased me by calling me Zara man so the name just stuck while Ozay comes from my love for Rick Ross I took out the R from Rozay and I was left with Ozay lol

You recently signed to Mula Gang Entertainment, tell us how you got signed to the label?
Well Mula Gang Entertainment is a family owned record label it was formed by myself and two of my elder brothers due to the fact that I told them I wanted to go into music and they were willing to assist me so we set up a label.

You recorded your first song in 2011, while in 200 level which was titled “UnSuB”. Do you think the experience from that as helped built you and your music to what it is today?
Yes it has done a lot, because that record gave me the confidence to know I could actually give music a try because people kept telling me they loved my flow and my vocals so I gained the confidence to give it more tries with more efforts shout out to my hommie Cypha for putting me on that record.

Do you feel the industry is doing alot to encourage upcoming acts?
I can’t say they are because to do anything now it requires lots of money and not everybody can afford that it’s not really about the talent anymore u must just have a very good budget alongside your talent.

You just released a new single titled “Confam Benin Boy”. What will you say was the main message behind the song?
“Confam Benin Boy” was recorded with an aim of introducing my self, and also representing we’re Am from if you listen to the song from there you would be able to say the basic things about me, so it served as a perfect introduction into the music industry.

So what will you say makes you a “Confam Benin Boy”?
Well basically it’s a tribal thing but also your experiences of the place either by schooling, living or working could also verify u as a Confam Benin boi.

As a youngster, you faced many struggles and tribulations, will you say that as given you a brand-new perspective towards life?
Oh yes it has made my reasoning more mature and gave me a conscious mind.

As a young entrepreneurial minded guy. How do you balance your personal and professional life?
Am not still a 100 percent perfect with that but I always try to discipline my self to know the difference. It’s actually very difficult but u just have to discipline yourself every body is their own masters so u would have to tell your self not to cross the line.

How often do you go to the gym and how many hours do you spend while you there?
I try to go at least 3 times a week then I spend about 5-6 hours Maximum.

What’s your 5 Dos and Don’t when it comes to music?
DOS:
1. Try to always do something different.
2. Your closest friends should be your producers.
3. Try to always record even if it’s once in 3 days because your vocal strength gets better that way.
4. It’s also good to watch other artist record in the studio u can always learn new things from there.
5. If it’s possible learn how to play at least one live instrument it would help u a long way.

DON’TS:
1. As for the don’ts I would never underestimate any ones talent because you can learn a lot from other people.
2. Don’t ever think u have arrived keep recording keep vibing because there are other people who are in search of what u got.
3. Never mix your business with pleasure because in this case making music is your business never get to comfortable and mix it up it always fails.
4. Stay humble.
5. Don’t ever give up.

What would you say is the main misconception the public have about musicians?
Well they feel music leads to a wayward lifestyle of drug abuse and womanizing, but I still stand to say everybody has a personal decision of how they want to leave there lives if you decide to be a disciplined artist of cause you would end up achieving what you what so as the other way round it all depends on what the artist chooses to do with the opportunities that comes with fame.

What aspect surprised you the most once you started as an artiste?
Well from afar you think music is just about going to the studio recording a song and like magic your a star no way music is way deeper than that it’s like a game of chess the man with the best strategies wins so u have to have a master plan aside having GOD on your side you need a team of strategic people who would help make major decisions and moves to put you out there and that’s the real work promotion.

Which brands, producers, directors, clients and musicians have you worked with?
Well am barely a year old in the industry so I haven’t really been opportuned to work with a lot of people but I have a song with Cynthia Morgan, produced by Leriq, am working on a video for Confam Benin boy with Adassa Cookey and I look forward to working with the likes of Reekado Bank, Mayorkun and some other top artist in the nearest future as for brands I have worked with Int Sahar which is a clothing company well this are just the few for now but I know more are on the way.

What has been one of the most memorable jobs to work on?
Well I would say the recording of Confam Benin Boy, because it was like we just got everything right from the beat to the verses and it was so easy I think it was my easiest session so far and I really enjoyed working on that project.

Who do you want to work with that you haven’t yet?
Well the list is kind of very long starting from 2face to Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Don Jazzy, it’s really long though there are too many talented people in this our industry to work with but we would accomplish that one step at a time.

Tell us two things people don’t know about you?
I am a complete joker and really shy.

You are very active on social media. Do you think its important to be online and if so why?
Yes, it’s very compulsory as an artist because your fans want to always know what it feels to be in your shoes that’s what keeps them motivated.

You are mostly based in Lagos. How is that working out for you?
Well it’s working fine except from their lack of good bathing water on the island we’re I stay but aside that the city is fun to be in because it’s the definition of the night life.

What are your must visit travel destinations?
Internationally I haven’t gone out of Nigeria, but locally I always frequent Abuja, Owerri, Port Harcourt and Benin.

Name 5 things we should take seriously about our style choices?
1. Am different
2. Original
3. Unique
4. Creative
5. SHWAGED out

How would you describe your style?
As for my style I would say it is out of this world because I style myself out of my own ideas which are insanely creative so it would be difficult for anyone to match that, I call it SHWAG.

What music genre appeals to you the most?
Rap.

Name your 5 must have accessories/essentials?
1. A mansion beside the sea
2. Rolls Royce wrath
3. A private jet
4. A couple diamond chains
5. Rings and watches and lastly a yatch.

What are your favourite fashion trends?
Well I like the new Migos style of tucking in T-shirt with jackets and also the fanny packs.

What is your favourite dish?
Beans and plantain.

What songs are currently on your playlist?
Migos Tshirt, Scotty Too Hotty by Migos, DJ Khalid’s Wild Thoughts, Bodak Yellow by Cardi B, Juice by Ycee, WO! by Olamide, Mama by Mayorkun and some others.

Apart from music, what other projects are you currently working on?
Well I have a clothing line of mine which I have been pushing while I was still doing my NYSC so I still have that going on it’s called UNSUB (unknown subject)

Seeing you’re doing your dreams, what advice can you give others to pursue their dreams?
Well I didn’t get here by doubting myself or hesitating so don’t stop keep pushing and believe only in GOD for he provides for all.

Any specific plans for the future?
I can’t really say it’s all in GODs hand I would follow his directions and see we’re I end up.

Any final words?
It’s your boy Zara Ozay and I want you all to watch out for me because I ain’t here to play no games we coming for only the Wins no Losses.

Where can we follow you online and on social media?
You can follow me on:
Instagram: @zaraozay
Twitter: @zaraozay
Facebook: Zara Ozay
Snapchat: @ozayamurder4ker