Exclusive Interview With Citizen GP
Citizen GP‘s signature sound is a heady fusion of contemporary musical elements, exotic instruments, and rhythms. The independent Nigerian singer-songwriter who recently released his new single ‘Choose Right‘ incorporates a cocktail of compelling melodies and rich vocals by telling Nigerians to vote wisely in the forthcoming 2023 general elections
However, the newly released song “Choose right” was produced by Gideon The Music Prelate.When you listen to this song for the first time, the intro gives you a very good feel of the rest.Musically, Inspired by his Grandmother, who was also a singer Citizen GP, brings that soulful joy in his music.
We caught up with the singer to find out more about his new single and musical career in general. Check out the interview below and be sure to share your take on his latest single “choose right” afterward
Hi Citizen GP, good to have you join us for this interview. Could you please introduce yourself and how your music career started off for the benefit of those who don’t know you?
I am Citizen GP, real name Godspower U. Onomuakpokpo from Delta State, Nigeria. I was attracted to music by the glamour inherent in stardom, I wanted to relish how music stars feel when a multitude of people
gather to watch them perform. My first move into music was when my younger brother’s music group recorded some songs with Leslie Brunner a Ghanaian music producer then based in Onitsha (he was once a guitarist to Bongos Ikwe). I composed some songs, and went to him, he discovered my song arrangement was wrong and decided to help me by guiding me on how to compose and arrange songs.
Your latest song, choose right” is superb. What were your emotions while writing this song and what message would you like to get across to your listeners?
Thanks for the compliment. I believe the electorates need political enlightenment and that was what I felt while writing the song. The message is to advise them to choose men/women of good conscience in any election.
What do you think the most appealing aspect of your new song “Choose right” is?
The chorus of the song is the most appealing aspect because of the message.
As a singer and songwriter, tell us about your artistic process and how you brainstorm ideas for your songs.
My artistic process comes in various forms. Sometimes it’s deliberate other times it’s not. For instance, they are times I wake up with a melody or even get melodies from dreams. With the melody, I can decide to write about any topic that comes to mind.
Your Grandmother who was also a singer inspired your music career greatly. How has this inspiration helped in shaping your music career today?
As much as I was proud to see my grandmother sing as a lead vocalist, It was actually a great deal of American musicians that motivated me into becoming an artist. Some of these musicians are; Errol Brown (Hot Chocolate), Lionel Richie (The Commodores), The Temptations, Micheal Jackson, Abba, Billy Ocean, Shalama etc.
How would you describe your musical journey so far?
I have been in the music wilderness for many years; it is akin to the Israelite’s journey from Egypt to the
promised land.
How important is your Nigerian heritage to you as an artist and which Nigerian artists are on your radar?
My Nigerian heritage is very important to me but as humans, we have choices. The senior citizens Nigerian musicians I admired are; The wings of Aba, Bongos Ikwe, The Blo group, Ofege, and Chris Okotie. The new-generation Nigerian musicians I appreciate are; Timi Dakolo, Frank Edwards, 2baba Idibia, Faze and P Square.
