Naija’s Flavour Nwa baby

Nigeria’s Chinedu Okoli aka Flavour N’abania is the man behind the hugely popular ‘Sawa Sawale’ song that has everyone across Kenya and Africa hooked. Buzz sought to find out the reasons behind his success and the controversies that come with it.

First things first, what does ‘Ashawo’ mean?

I believe that is in reference to my song ‘Nwa Baby’. Actually the word ‘ashawo’ means call girl but the song is about a man who has a relationship with a woman but after travelling out of the country he comes back and finds the girl has become loose and betrayed the love they shared. ‘Nwa Baby’ means beautiful girl.

Is it based on a personal experience?

Yes it is.

There has been a lot of controversy about the song that even led to it being banned in some stations in Nigeria, what’s your take?

I don’t see why there should be any controversy because these are things that happen in everyday life and I am only sharing what happens in many relationships.

Do you have any idea how big the song is in Kenya?

I am happy to hear that. It is very inspiring to know that Kenyans appreciate the hard work and effort which is why I am here to reciprocate the love.

What do you call your style of music?

I play highlife music. It’s a form of native African jazz. I used to listen to the old music so I take the old and blend it with the new. I can blend reggae as well as rap and hip hop to it to make it suitable for the new generation.

Are there any Kenyan musicians who are as popular in Nigeria as you are in Kenya?

Well, I’ve heard a few Kenyan songs and there are a number of artistes who are quite popular but I can’t seem to remember their names at the moment. But they’re good.

What is it about Nigerian artistes that make you so successful?

Artistes in Nigeria take music very seriously. There is a lot of competition and as a result you have to be very hardworking and creative to make it in the industry, which is why we end up producing quality music that appeals to a wide audience. It takes a lot of dedication and sacrifice but in the end it’s worth it.

There were reports of a fall out between you and your record label Bad Beats earlier in the year, what exactly happened?

We had some differences regarding finances. I felt I wasn’t getting the best deal from them and as a result we had to part ways. But we have since ironed out our issues and that is water under the bridge.

Does that mean you are back on working terms?

Not really but there is no bad blood between us anymore. In fact we are planning on working some projects together and if all goes well we will be doing a tour in November.

How would you describe your journey in the entertainment industry so far?

It’s a continuous learning process really. I have achieved a lot over the years but there is still so much to be done and I intend to stretch the limits as far as they can go.

Your take on Kenya?

It’s a beautiful country. This is my first time in Kenya but I’m not new to East Africa. I have been to Uganda and I was in Tanzania earlier this week and I think I can generally say I like what I have seen.

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