By Vivian Iwuoha
Up-and-coming Nigerian artiste, Marcel Obute, popularly known as Marcel of Africa, says he is embarking on a global tour to help expand his music career and fan base.
Obute disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of his ‘Lagos Experience’ show on Sunday in Lagos.
According to him, his musical identity, centred on his unique sound and instrumentals, needs to be projected on a global stage.
Describing platforms, including concerts, as important for gaining visibility and reaching audiences yet to discover, the artiste said his planned tour would help achieve that.
Citing an example of mucic icon David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, Obute said he admired the way he organised his activities, and hoped to emulate him with his planned global tour.
He noted that Davido did not become popular in one day, adding that he also had his humble beginnings.
“My tour planned for the end of this year would feature the release of my new single, ‘My General Piece,’ in a bid to build my music career and expand my growing fan base.
“My journey has not been easy but I will continue to progress from my first single, ‘Ada’ to ‘The Inspirational EP’ and my latest single ‘Follow You Go,” he said.
The artiste said inadequate finance and difficulty securing sponsors were the major challenges emerging artistes were faced with.
“Funding is a major setback for young artistes who do not have sponsors.
“We often count losses at the end of the show,” he said.
He urged fans to look forward to his new single in October.
“The release would add another song to my music library as Nigeria marks the Independence anniversary,” he said.
Obute advised young people aspiring to pursue music to put themselves out there by recording songs, creating social media content and consistently promoting their work with zeal.
Also, Rev. Fr. Amos Olenin, a fan who attended the show, told NAN that events of such nature could help young artistes gain exposure and experience.
The cleric also said funding and promotion were major challenges for emerging artistes.
Olenin urged Obute and other up-and-coming artistes not to relent in spite of difficulties.
He further urged them to remain focused on developing their music career.
“It is a vocation that takes some time to grow,” he said. (NAN)www.nannews.ng
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
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