Talented and fast-rising hip hop artist, Peter Obazeh, popularly known as Peter Trippy, is a native of Umunankwo in Ogbaru local government area of Anambra State. Raised and having spent most of his life in Lagos, he has also spent some time in Asaba, Delta State, where he attended his senior secondary school at St. Patrick’s College. In this interview with Quadri Akanbi, Trippy reveals that he started his first recording at the age of 14, among other issues.

When did you start music as a career?

Music, for me, began during my time at school in Lagos at Adebola Baptist High School in Surulere. I had my first studio recording then. I was about 14 years old, and in JSS 3.

How many songs/albums have you produced so far?

I can’t put a number on how many songs I have produced, but if I must, at least over 200. But not all of them have been released. Concerning albums, I have the ‘E GET WHY’, which was born from my experience of having survived a ghastly automobile accident in 2013. Then there is the Ep, ‘MAKE MONEY’, which I released earlier in the year 2021. It features Best Loven Award-winning fast-rising act from the ever-popular AJ city, where legends in our music industry, like Daddy Showkey and Africa China, were born.

I have produced a great many singles like ‘Gbakamisi’, ‘Mad oh’, ‘Under the sun’, one of the most recent to drop on digital stores is ‘Maga’, A dance, feel-good love song – which also features 9ice, Puffy-tee, and Dj Switch, mixed and mastered by swaps video directed by Jimmystrings.

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What is your memorable experience as an artist?

One of my most memorable experiences as a performing artist happened a few years ago at Enugu. It was a show which featured artists like P-Square, Banky W, M.i, Flavour, J-Martinez, Phyno. Mr. Raw, and Dr. Sid. I traveled from Lagos to Enugu without invitation, got there, saw over 300 upcoming artists, or local artists as they were called, and had to go through an audition, I was among the eight chosen artists to perform alongside the A-list. During the show, the first and the second act didn’t impress, so the fans started clamoring for P-Square who was the biggest artiste in Nigeria with the biggest hitz, as of then.

I was the third artist introduced by Gbanga Adeyinka, the first, but at this time, the fans just wanted to see P-Square; so, they did everything possible to make sure I didn’t sing. Many people shouted to get off the stage; some threw plastic cups and water at me, but thinking of the distance I went through to get to Enugu for the show, plus the fact that I knew I had a good song, and I could do break dance, I didn’t pay them any attention to their rejection. That was because they didn’t know me, and I didn’t know them.

I started singing, side-sliding, dancing from corner to corner, and the crowd went from noisy to silent. By the time I got to the chorus which said “if you want to go! na you go lose” (song title: Na you go lose), and the crowd sang it with me like they knew the song. And instead of the usual two minutes or less given to local artists, I ended up spending 13 minutes on stage because they bagged the accord for more time on my behalf. And that was how I knew Dj Switch who gave me my first radio interview. He also made the connection of the collaboration of 9ice and Puffy Tee on the song, ‘Maga’.

Which artist do you look up to?

There are a great many artists, local and international, that I draw inspiration from. Nigerian artists have made and keep making an impression on me and what drives me, especially with regards to their breakthroughs and success stories on the world scene.

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What does it cost to produce good music?

It costs a great deal to produce good music, especially in terms of passion, dedication, sacrifice, and conviction, or if you like, belief in oneself, even in the face of disappointment or rejection. Then, of course, it also costs money. The financial demands vary from song to song. One time, I spent as much as N2 million plus on producing one song. I know of other people who spend far, far more, today.

What advice do you have for the youths?

To the youths, please stay off drugs and violence. You have great responsibilities ahead of you. You’ll need a clear head, loads of energy, and the backing of the Almighty, to achieve and succeed. Above all, keep developing yourself and prioritise your education.

What’s your day like as an artist?

Every day, for me as Peter Trippy, is filled with excitement and challenges. There is always so much to do. I keep needing a lot more than I have. But don’t get me wrong though, I have so much to thank God and my fans for. Without them, without God especially, I literally will not have been here or come so far.

What is the most embarrassing experience you have had?

My most embarrassing experience happened years ago in the early days of my career. I was returning from a show and had had a little too much to drink. During my bus ride, I suddenly felt the need to pee. Unfortunately, the bus driver refused to stop for me too. I begged and begged, but still, he refused. Unfortunately, several young and pretty ladies in the bus also witnessed the exchange between the driver and myself. That wasn’t all they witnessed. To my utter shame, they also watched and laughed as I finally ended up peeing on myself.

Any new project From Peter Trippy?

Yes, I have an Ep Title (Make Money ), featuring Bestloven. And I also have another Ep on the line. I am so happy about this coming project.