Innocent Micheal Onyebuchi Onyemowa aka Daddy Fresh hails from Ikuano Oboro Local Government Area of Abia State. He started his musical career 20 years ago as a vocalist in a group called the Pretty Busy Boys that comprises Daddy Showkey, Sexiest Pretty and Cash Man Davies.
In 1993, he went solo with his first album entitled “It’s My Turn” and later released a sophomore “Come Again” for his fans to enjoy. In 1998, Fresh dropped his third effort “Eleru Gberu”, which brought him fame. Not long after, the award-winning musician came out with “Thank You Jehovah”, his fourth album.
However, there is another side to Fresh, apart from being a singer, he is also an actor. He has featured in a number of home movies including “Silver Spoon”, “The Most Exclusive Girl”, “To South Africa By Road”, “White Night” and “Decision”.
The talented artiste has now been signed on by Good Feel Music, a new record label based in Abuja, and he’s getting set to drop “Shine”, his latest CD. But then the music video of his single “Don’t Underrate” is already making waves. In this interview with Blockbuster, Fresh talks about his musical career, marriage, and why it took him five years to release his latest album.
Inspiration
We appreciate music so much in my family. My deceased mother then used to be a member of the church choir and the leader of their village meeting dance group.She was also a drummer and my elder brother was a DJ. I will say they contributed to my success as a musician. I use my music as a privilege to reach out to people on the need to love one another, need for national solidarity, preach against sexual harassment and immoral act of our girls, and for the youth to do away with hard drugs. I sing dance hall, R&B and reggae music. I’m also the originator of culture beat and I intend to refine our cultural music.
Don’t Underrate
My latest album is a 16 tracker entitled “Shine”. The music video of the single “Don’t Underrate” is on air, and we’ve started distribution of another video “Sunmomi, which would soon be released. I collaborated with some artistes like Ruggedman, Soul E, 2 Shotz, Eddie Remeddy, Sun Child, Femi Juggist, Black face, Wider from Brazil and Intruder, among others
Why Shine took five years
It has not been easy at all trying to put things in other and as well repackaging myself to do a good job, not just releasing an album but one with quality so that people will appreciate my work. But I thank God for all He has made possible for me. I must say that I went through a lot in the past five years; controversies and frustration but I give all glory to God for His mercies.
Acting
I love entertainment and it’s my life, if I’m called to act I will make out time for it though, it is not easy managing time. I also appreciate the movies industry.
Female fans
It’s an attitude of the mind. It all depends on you to reciprocate advances from female fans. I appreciate all my fans because without them, there wouldn’t be Daddy Fresh. Indeed, they are nice people and they made the industry.
Marriage
I don’t like discussing my family in the public, it’s my private life because of certain reasons. I’m married to the love of my life, a woman I appreciate so much and she is extremely beautiful. My marriage is blessed with wonderful kids.
My ideal woman
Nigerian women have come of age; they represent Africa, they are quite understanding and tolerable, above all loving and fashionable. Aside my wife, every hard working Nigerian woman with self-esteem is my favourite. My ideal woman? She should be hard-working, God fearing with charisma, confidence and also very down-to-earth with good sense of dressing.
Most embarrassing moment
My most embarrassing moment occurred in an award ceremony when my well deserved award was given to another artiste. Later, the organizers apologized to me. I felt sober that day but I appreciated God for all the other awards I have won by merit.
Future plans
I am aiming for the Grammy award as a talented artiste. My target is to attain greater level in the entertainment industry.
