Fast-rising Afro dancehall and performing artist, Phillip Chidiebere Jude, popularly known as Mane Transaction, is a native of Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State. He was born and raised in Lagos state, the 29-year-old performing artist had his primary and secondary education in Lagos. In this interview with Quadri Akanbi, Mane Transaction reveals the motive behind his stage name.
What inspired your stage name, Transaction?
I have always been a money-minded person. I love business deals; that’s what inspired the name transaction. But I added MANE to my stage name when I recorded my first song in 2020… Mane is the hair that grows on two animals; lion and horse. So I’m a rare breed (Mane Transaction).
Who inspired you to make music?
I’m a big fan of Marcelatty Dube; his lifestyle and kind of music inspired me to do music. And ever since I started in 2020, it has always been part of me.
What genre of music do you do?
Afro beats. I vibe to more of Afro dancehall.
Since you’ve been in the industry, how many songs have you produced so far?
Well, since I have been in the industry, I have been able to record at least six songs; three of my songs are singles and I featured three artists who mixed and mastered them professionally. Here are the tracks listed:
(1) DGL (2) Frenemies (3) Make it Rain (4) Hustle (5) Long Time (6) Pray for Me.
But I have been dropping covers. I did a cover for OMOX100 (Olamide ft Reminisce and I did a freestyle cover for ‘Bounce’ by Michael Adebayo Olayinka, popularly known as Ruger. He is also an Afrobeat singer and songwriter, few to mention.
Of the lot, which is your favourite, and why?
My favourite is (DGL), and that is because I recorded that song when I was lost. DGL means don’t get lost, so after dropping that song, I discovered my talent, and I found myself…
Most MDAs don’t account for money they collect – Senator Urhoghide
Which artist would you most like to collaborate with?
Tems, Wizkid, Omah Lay, Angélique Kidjo, and Burna Boy… to mention but a few
Which qualities do you think to make a great musician?
Hustle, loyalty, respect no competition, believing in myself, and staying focused on the goal.
What’s your day like as an artist?
Every day, I keep my head up, and I read inspirational books to help with my lyrics…
Which instrument is your favorite to play and why?
Piano. Why? Because I’ll be going into production of sounds.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
My mum always tells me to stay away from trouble.
What is your memorable experience as an artist?
Recording and listening to my first song, DGL.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
I have nothing to change, I’ll just bring a different vibe into the music industry.
What is the most embarrassing experience you have had as an artist?
Getting hyped when broke…
What’s next for you?
Fame w
