Nigerian Afrobeat Dance hall Artiste Michael Tari Davies A.k.A Malam Spicey from Brass, is a native of Nembe West LGA, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, he was born and raised in Lagos state, Ajegunle Apapa to be precise where he attended his primary and secondary school cert, Spicey came to fame in 2004 with my former crew “TRYBUNALZ“ and in 2010
with songs like 1005naira blings which was a massive success, fast forward to 2022 Malamspicey teamed up with US/Jamaica base management Star ReggaeBeat and brought out a Smash hit single “one in a million” where he featured Jamaican singer Hezron which peaked at No 4 in the US iTunes Reggae chart in September 2023 in a conversation with Akanbi Quadri (Godsent) Spicey take us through his journey in the music industry and how he plans to feature various artists in his coming up album
Tell us about your journey in the music industry.
Well, I was launched professionally into Nigerian music in 2004 with my former crew “TRYBUNALZ“ We did one album together and lots of hot banging songs like “ E deh pain me” and “ Ahead of the game” which gained recognition all over the globe.
In 2010 I released a debut album “ SPECIAL REQUEST “ with songs like 1005naira blings which was a massive success, so I have done a lot of hit songs with various artists and 2022 I teamed up with US/Jamaica base management Star ReggaeBeat and recently my management put together a collaboration between me and Jamaican singer Hezron, the song title “bring your love” which peaked No 4 in the US iTunes Reggae chart. Presently I am working on my new album and looking forward to working with various artists all over the world.
What role do you think Afrobeat plays in shaping culture and society?
Afrobeat, Reggae / Dancehall is a music full of life and lots of messages. Even From the lights of Fela, Bob Nesta Marley, Buju Banton, Capleton, and Sizla. It’s been a great impact all over the world so far.
How do you stay creative and innovative in your music?
my music is based on everyday life, even if it’s a love song or any other topic, I get inspired by everyday life and things I see around me day to day.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hip-hop and who are your early influences?
I was born in Ajegunle Apapa Lagos Nigeria, I grew up listening to so much dancehall music, my brother was a dancehall artist, which played a big role and also inspired my music life, then his music friends used to come and visit him a lot, so that’s how I cultivated that music culture and lifestyle. at 12 years old, I started performing at street shows and parties, Early influences were Terror Fabulous, Buju Banton, Beenieman, Don Carlos, Capleton, Sizzla
Can you share any challenges you’ve faced in the music industry and how you overcame them?
when I lost my former Record label Boss Rip Nigga E , the real “E money” kinda shake me, because our relationship was close. A lot of people were like what’s gonna happen to me that I’m finished and done with? But I moved on I never let anything put me down. I stayed up, and here I am now, doing my thing globally.
What message do you hope to convey through your lyrics?
spread positivity globally is my main aim and to unify the world through my music, educate and make people happy, I’m a messenger of Jah
How do you balance staying true to your artistry while also appealing to a wide audience?
I just Be myself and I pour out my feelings in my songs and try to be as positive as I can.
Are there any collaborations with other artists that you dream of doing in the future?
yeah sure, I just did my first international collabo, a song titled “ bring your love” with a Jamaica 🇯🇲 artist named Hezron. I’m looking forward to working with various artists globally and locally like Capleton, Burnaboy, Davido, Olamide, Wizkid, Beenieman , Ruger, Sean Paul, Tiwa savage, Tems, and more.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or albums you’re working on?
I just teamed up with a US/Jamaica-based management “ Star ReggaeBeat “and we dropped a new song with Jamaica singer Hezron which peaked at #4 on the US iTunes Reggae Chart in September 2023. my UK 🇬🇧 winter tour is coming up in November, coming to a city near you, definitely working on my 2nd studio album for my fans. The name of the album will soon be announced.
What’s been the most memorable moment of your career so far?
I have so many beautiful memorable moments but I think the show I did with Pras of refugees at the Vault Victoria island Lagos MTV base event was one of my favorite ever because I was a young star just coming up, just launched into the Nigeria music industry, I tore down the show, my jacket was almost ripped off by the crowd omg lol. The love was massive
How has your music evolved since you first started?
Well, A lot has happened over the years good and bad, but I thank God I was able to inspire lots of young & old artists positively and able to make a big impact in the industry, modernizing the Afro dancehall music in Nigeria.
Can you share any advice for aspiring hip-hop artists?
keep doing your thing and Remember to Always believe in yourself. Stay out of drugs it will kill your focus and your drive
