Fast-rising Reggae/R&B singer and performing artist, Majesty Attah Ogebe, popularly known as Majesty, is a native of Ado Local Government Area of Benue State. Born and raised in Makurdi, the state capital, Majesty had his primary education at Makurdi International School and the secondary component at Aveco Model College, Makurdi. He then progressed with his education at Caritas University, Enugu, where he bagged a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. In this interview with Quadri Akanbi, Majesty reveals why he decided ure into music. Excerpts:
What inspired your stage name, Majesty?
My stage name was previously A.T. Ogebe. My day-one peeps used to call me A.T. I released my first EP with the name. Few people still call me A.T to date. I changed my stage name to Majesty in 2017, which was after my university. During my NYSC, I felt like I was evolving as a person and getting to know and appreciate myself more. My tribal name, Attah, means father, patriarch, king of kings, and leader. And Attah is a kingship title In Igala land, where my mum is from. So, I thought of a name in English to describe Attah perfectly, a name that would suit me, and Majesty came to my mind. Majesty has to do with impressiveness, greatness, royalty, nobility, and excellence, and I’m all that. My dad used to call me ATT or chief when I was a kid. I had uncles who used to call me Chief Attah. So, I have always had great self-esteem, and I always feel Majestic. Plus, I’m the only one in my family who was not given another name besides the tribal one, so I gave it myself. Lol.
And who inspired you to make music?
I can’t remember a particular person who inspired me to make music. I just remember that I grew up listening to music all the time; on TV and the radio, and I always tried to repeat what I heard and saw on TV in childhood. Plus, I started buying song lyrics and books from primary school to learn the lyrics properly and started to write and compose mine from like age nine.
When did you start music as a career?
Let me say 2017, during my NYSC. But I’ve always done music. I’ve been recording and releasing songs and also performing since I was in JSS 3, around 2008.
What genre of music do you do?
Reggae, R&B, Afro, Hip Hop; any genre I sound good on and connect with, I do.
Since you’ve been in the industry, how many songs have you produced so far?
Both released and unreleased, including features, about 80+. Don’t know the exact figure. Could be more.
What is your creative process like?
Sometimes, I could be feeling a certain way, or I could be thinking about something or someone, and words and melodies start forming in my head. Other times, I hear a beat, a random sound on IG, a sound in a movie, or I could just hear someone playing the guitar or keyboard and melodies and lyrics start forming in my mind. I’ve also heard songs in my dreams a few times.
Which artist would you most like to collaborate with?
I don’t know about most…but I would like to collaborate with any artist who makes good music. 2baba, Damian Marley, 6lack, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Simi, Wande Coal, NF, The Weeknd, Kizz Daniel, Lauryn Hill, and so on, They are plenty lol.
Have you been nominated for any awards locally and internationally?
I was nominated for the Rising Stars Awards in Benue State 2015.
Of the lot, which is your favourite and why?
I don’t have a favourite. They are all special to me.
What’s the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?
Can’t think of any right now.
Which qualities do you think make a great musician?
Self-belief/Confidence, Patience and Hard work, Practice, Humility, and Creativity.
What’s your day like as an artist?
I work a 9-5 alongside being an artist at the moment, because music has not yet started paying the bills, and I don’t have a record contract or sponsor yet. My days are usually very busy. I have time for music during breaks at work, at night, and on weekends.
Which instrument is your favourite to play and why?
My vocals. Lol. You know the vocals are an instrument right?
I love the piano. I was learning at some point. It has been years though. Will be rusty now. I gotta buy one. The piano just feels good and serene. It is the mother of all instruments, and I love to use my fingers too.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
I was wrongfully detained and interrogated a few months ago. That doesn’t count as me getting into trouble right? Na trouble come find me. Lol
What is your memorable experience as an artist?
When I was in university, I performed in front of the whole school for the first time and they sang my song with me.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
More investors to invest in talents and more unity.
What is the most embarrassing experience you have had as an artist?
I don’t have any.
Tell us about your love
My love is music. Lol
Have you been served breakfast or you’ve served someone? If yes, what was your reaction?
I’ve served people and I’ve been served too lol. Who hasn’t? I’ve been served breakfast a couple of times. The first was when I was at the university, it hurt. I’m introverted and very private, so people hardly know what’s up with me. I mostly express myself through my music and poetry, so, I wrote songs about it. The second one hurt too, that was a few years ago. lol. You know, I love soldiers. But it was easier to contain though cuz I had already grown to a mental level where I expected anything from anyone, and I was already carefree. So, I just prepare for the worst, but pray and hope for the best.
Received, thank you.
