"I Named Tuface, Yet He Cheated Me" - Blackface


Tell us more about your new album?

My new album is entitled Defender. This is the first time I will have a song that is the title of my album. I was thinking of the name to call the album and I have no other better name than Defender and the song happens to be one of my best tracks in the album.



Does the song Defender have anything to do with your present predicament?

Not really. “Defender” is a love song. It is a reggae calypso mixed song. A lovely song. It has nothing to do with my personal life or condition.

Why the song Ota Mi Leyin Mi, who do you think are the enemies behind you?

Ota Mi Leyin Mi is one of those songs. All of a sudden I discovered that people started avoiding me. You all heard about the fight I had with my former landlord. But I think everything happened for good because I’ve learnt a lot from it. It was a bad experience that I will not forget in a hurry. I was in a hostile environment in the midst of Yoruba people. I was just caught up with so many ideologies. So, Otami Leyin Mi is for those who claimed they are friends and they are not really friends. Those kinds of friends should get out of my back. Some people are actually out there and they claim to be your friends while they are not. They need to leave you alone so you can move on with your life.

Since your landlord ejected you, you’ve not really come out to state what actually transpired between both of you. What really happened?

Like I always say, something that happened to someone else, don’t be surprised when it happens to you, that is my major philosophy of life. Because all these Lagos landlords are wicked and I’m just happy that Governor Fashola is stepping in. Now some things have been reduced to a considerable limit.
Then I was living at Lakeview Estate in Festac Town, I had a landlord who always wanted you to pay money and did not want to put anything in place in the house. Basic things in the house were not there and he demanded for money all the time. And I was like, “I can’t be paying while you are not doing anything, so let me use the money to do those things.” But he insisted I pay the money that he’d do it; but after paying, he wouldn’t do anything.

For almost a year, he kept on doing that. Until I was like, “I’m not going to pay you any money again until put those things in place.”
So he went to court behind my back to get an injunction to evict me from the house on the excuse that I refused to pay him his money. Before then, I had already discussed with my lawyer. The landlord got the injunction when I was not in the country. Before I returned into the country, he had done his worst.

Actually there was even a particular song I did with the late MC Loph, I featured him and the Beatmaker. My eviction happened two days after I sang that song. As I was singing I was like, if no be you where I for dey? My landlord for use me play. But see me today, I’ve gat my own house, I’ve gat my private plane. Not knowing that was going to happen. Two days later I was ejected from my house.

After he threw you out of his house, where did you go?

That one was just normal. I’m a street guy so I hit the street back again. From there I inspired myself and found my music again. That was what really happened to me. The street welcomed me and showed me love because I came in from the street. They embraced me. They all know that the downfall of a man is not the end of his life. I was not bothered because I know what I have inside of me. I always put my mind to work. Today, I’m happy. I’m living in a comfortable house even bigger than the one I used to have before. I think everything that happen in life is to teach you a lesson. And when it teaches you, try and learn from it.

What lesson did you learn?

I must confess I have learnt a lot of lessons. That incident gave me the opportunity to know who my real friends are. At times when you have a problem, you’d expect that your so-called friends would come around you and show you some love. And at the end of the day you will find out that the so-called friends would not want to help you because they want you to fall so that people will look down on you. They want you to be covered with shame. That is where they get their joy from. If something of such should happen to them, we’ll be the first to run to their aid. In my own case, the reverse happened.

Who are those friends that you expected that didn’t come around?

I have so many friends. In fact, they are too numerous to mention. My friends know themselves, even you are one of my friends and I didn’t see you around me then.

But you didn’t tell me-

How will I tell you when you don’t even ask or care to know what has been happening to me? All of una know una sef (laughter).

Why do you always shun public gathering?

It depends on what you mean by public gathering. I do a lot of going around and I don’t make noise about it. I don’t like going to some places just because people are going there; there has to be something that will make me go. Right now, I have so many things I’m battling with, not just party. I need to get my album into the market. As I speak to you now, I have about 22 tracks and still thinking on the ones to select for the album. So going out to social gatherings is not in my agenda until I get this album done.

You have brought many artistes into the industry and one expect them to pay you back in kind or cash especially during your trials.

As a coach, I teach people how to go about their career. I really don’t expect anybody to come and give me kudos or pay me back. My joy is that I want to see those I have trained succeeding in their careers. Coming back to say thank you is like a disturbance. I trained the Tribunal, not for them to be around me all the time, but to be able to go out there and do their own kind of music. Same with Tuface and Faze. It was a time of learning for all us while we were still together as Plantashun Boys. After everything, we all parted ways and I don’t expect any of them to come back and say, “if it were not for you, we wouldn’t come this far.”

Does that mean Tuface and Faze don’t respect you?

I don’t even expect it from them. They are not the first person I have worked with. If not for me the likes of Tony Tetuila wouldn’t have had a music career. He almost gave up when the Remedies pushed him out of the group and I encouraged him to never give up. I carried him along and eventually he made a name for himself. I don’t expect him to come back and tell me thank you.

Why did you allow Plantashun Boys to die?

There was no agreement that we would split but we all knew when we started that the group won’t last. We all used the group as a platform to build our music careers. Plantashun Boys was my idea. The names, Faze and Tuface, was my idea. I gave them those names. But I don’t always dwell on that because that is an old story. Right now, it’s all about my fans, my career and my new album. Then, everybody just wanted to go solo. People just think that there’s a story behind our split but there’s none.

Who was the first to come up with the idea of going solo?

Don’t you know who released his first album when we went solo?

Let’s assume I don’t know-

Tuface was the first to release his album and we all know it, even then we were still living together.

How did you feel when he left the group?

How else will I feel when I already knew it would happen? The fact is that when Tuface released his album we never expected him to do so.

We learnt Tuface left because you were too bossy-

Then everybody was equal. Nobody was getting more than anybody, it was 50-50. Even Faze who was the last person to join the group was getting equal shares. But the issue is that a captain will always be a captain, if your captain takes a decision and you don’t like, then it is left for you to join another club maybe they will make you a captain over there.

Does that means Tuface left because you always took the final decision?

Not really; in our days as a team there was nothing like that. If anyone has idea, we would put it in on ground and vote. Nobody took the final decision arbitrarily. Even if I’m the captain and two of them agreed on one thing that is what we’d eventually settle for. I can’t change it because I have two votes against one. If at all there was a problem, we would have come to the table to resolve it.
Parting ways was evolutionary; we just needed to split that time. If we didn’t split, you wouldn’t hear Blackface singing “Hard Life” or Tuface singing “No Be Small Thing” and even Faze will not sing “Kolomental.” Nigeria is getting three albums from us. Like now, Faze has dropped his latest album, Tuface has done the same, and very soon I will launch my own album as well. It is a welcome development.

How much did you people realize from your first album as a group?

I can’t really remember oh, but we all shared it equally. Nobody gets more than another for any reason.

I heard you guys were cheating Faze because he is from another tribe?

I don’t know who told you that but all I know is that it was 50-50.

Do you regret the end of Plantashun Boys?

Why will I regret? If the group didn’t split where will I stand today? You wouldn’t have heard of Blackface Naija. I would still be under the shadow of Plantashun Boys. I’m happy the way I am because our break-up really gave me the chance to create my own kind of music that stands out.

During your trials why didn’t Tuface come to your aid?

It is not everybody that will help you in life. Some people’s problems are two-times bigger than yours. It’s a case of big man, big problem. I didn’t feel bad because I didn’t see him around me.

But as your brother, friend and colleague one expected him to help you out-

Maybe he knew I was going to take care of myself. He knows me as a resilient never say die soldier. I don’t always give up until I reach the cross line. Everything that happened to me was a lesson to me, it’s nobody’s fault and I can’t blame anybody for my downfall. I’m just happy the way God has built my life and career.

You once said that nothing will make you guys work together again, why did you feature Faze in your upcoming album?

Working as a team is different from working with Faze or Tuface alone. Like when I was in Malaysia, Faze sent me a beat that he wanted me to do on the track, I was supposed to write a lyrics on it and do the voicing, but I couldn’t do it till I get back to the country. When I came back, we went to the studio and I did my own part and I left. The mixing of the song is not my business, whether it is sounding well or not, I don’t have any problem to do with that because we are not working as a team.

You talk more about Faze unlike your brother Tuface, why is it so?

Yeah because Faze is just a cool guy, he’s a normal guy without any problem. If I and Tuface have any reason to relate, we relate. See, you don’t hide friendship, if we are friends I don’t need to tell you before you know that. I don’t force myself on people. Like this my guy, Skinny; we met recently and it seems as if we have known each others for years. That is what friendship is all about.

So what is your relationship with Tuface?

We are ex members of Plantashun Boys.

When was the last time you and Tuface communicated?

Omo the communication just dey o. Everybody is on his own but I communicate with Faze often.

Does that mean you are close to Faze than Tuface?

Yes, because I like a kind of people that I can discuss music with. I and Faze often talk about music, rhythm and career development. Faze is more of a person I can discuss that kind of thing with unlike Tuface.

Why is it so?

It’s just natural; you can’t take that away from Faze because he has always being like that. Faze is a cool guy and Tuface too. We are all just there. Na on your own level we dey.

The song, African Queen has generated a lot of controversy, who is the rightful owner of the song?

I know the song has generated a whole lot of revenue. Right now, I and Tuface have joint ownership of that song. But from the inception it was not like that. My publisher, BMI had to find a way to work that out. All the funds the song has been generating I’m supposed to have 50 per cent of it, which I’m not getting and I don’t just know what is happening. I’m still trying to find out what is happening. There is even a situation whereby somebody in Jamaica sang African Queen and some other persons like that of which I was not aware. Nobody told me that he was going to sing my song. So, there are some issues that I and Tuface need to sit down and iron out, but Tuface is difficult to get on the table. So I have decided to do it on my own. Surely, with time we’ll get to the root of the matter because we both have 50 per cent right to the song.

That means Tuface has been cheating you

Yes, because I was not being paid and you know the way it is in Nigeria, the ideology is that because one is not on one particular record label they won’t put his name to a song he wrote just because they don’t want to promote the person. But the fact is that your intellectual property remains you intellectual property, nobody can take that away from you.

But you sang your own version of the song

Yes, I have a reggae version of African Queen, which I’m still going to re-record. I did that because there was a time some people were trying to claim ownership of the song.
CONTINUE READING

This loser needs to shut up! He thinks he's still 20yrs old...

I'm happy Blackface have already realised that there is a time for everything and that notting last forever.

The point is that, the sudden braking off of Tuface from the group, was as a result of his natural talent in music. He did so when he realised his potential in the group. To me,he took the right decision. Besides non of them are too poor or broke in the music industry. Love you guys.

Hmmm,this guy black face he was plantation root,every thing he used 2 write on them.

The Boss man
Now that you are back , try and iron things out with two people who were closest to you: your wife and Tuface

This is too long. And for you Blackface, I wish you well in all your endeavours. Please try and concentrate to makd good music and forget about the past.

"dem be two, later become three, dem run things together lived in peace and harmony then suddenly the three been disagree, one (tuface) go solo, the other two follow"

Ooboy, this guy still de?

I was panting reading.....GARRI and water pls.

Hmmm

I like this interview, it's interesting. Black Face, you're highly welcome to lime light.

Regards.

This black faze is talented bt i guess he dont ve d voice,i love african queen till date bt supposin it was sang blackfaze,it wont make fame lik dat but i still respect him sha.Backbone of plantation boiz.

Men!!! I feel for this guy o. Come to think of it,oju o timi sugbon oju ti ore mi, tani o mon pe enina ni ko lojuti. In otherwords my friend is disgraced and am not disgraced, na who no know say na that person no get shame. I think Tuface should be ashamed of himself.

dis story don tire me abeqqqq...Blackface jee noro ala...supposing say na u sing dat african queen,e no 4 sale at all...Respect to 2face jareeeee
...(Jux passing)

murfocka, move on.

ok

I think he's a good song writer but a terrible singer.

No one else sees the irony of him peppering his interview with my Landlord this did not do this, my landlord kicked me out...in the middle of regaling us with his songs, going out of the country, how his album made this and that?

This is one of the problems battling our so called celeb, as soon as the money lands they spend on nonsense stuff, one would think with the way Plantation Bois was popular back then, this eejit would have had enough sense to buy a place of his own even if it's one small two bedroom place but at least it will be HIS OWN!

They will go rent mansions and start feeling cool with other people's property. It makes no damn sense and you can tell he is still senseless by the mere fact that he is not ashamed to tell this story. He really does feel wronged, doesn't he? He obviously still doesn't have "good" people around him because if someone really liked him, they woulda told him to shut up about that because it does not reflect well on him.

Stooopid Celeb wannabes.

Sisi_Kill: No one else sees the irony of him peppering his interview with my Landlord this did not do this, my landlord kicked me out...in the middle of regaling us with his songs, going out of the country, how his album made this and that?

This is one of the problems battling our so called celeb, as soon as the money lands they spend on nonsense stuff, one would think with the way Plantation Bois was popular back then, this eejit would have had enough sense to buy a place of his own even if it's one small two bedroom place but at least it will be HIS OWN!

They will go rent mansions and start feeling cool with other people's property. It makes no damn sense and you can tell he is still senseless by the mere fact that he is not ashamed to tell this story. He really does feel wronged, doesn't he? He obviously still doesn't have "good" people around him because if someone really liked him, they woulda told him to shut up about that because it does not reflect well on him.

Stooopid Celeb wannabes.

Buy a place of his own from plantazion boiz's earnings? hehehe then "Nigerian hip hop" was not really "paying" and the money wasn't that much too, i don't think they made enough to warrant him buying a place of his own then, hence the split. the money was too "small" for 3 heads to share.

All d best my man blackface naija. Tuface shud join faze to uplift d fallen broda.

Just poured my last cup of gaari inside cold water with ice block.
















Going to get straw Wey I go take smoke am. Life is good.

yuzedo: This loser needs to shut up! He thinks he's still 20yrs old...

Ozuo, who's the loser btw himself and u?... Someone realised his mistakes and picking up again and u calling him a loser... U wey write jamb for 12 yrs without scoring up to 50 and finally decide to turn into a nairaland agbero... Now tell me, who's the loser.... Obolo

miccheck57:

Ozuo, who's the loser btw himself and u?... Someone realised his mistakes and picking up again and u calling him a loser... U wey write jamb for 12 yrs without scoring up to 50 and finally decide to turn into a nairaland agbero... Now tell me, who's the loser.... Obolo

on the beat is davido na na na ni ni na na na na.

Whos blackface again.......? I 'll try to remember before 2013

[i][/i][b][/b]

alfredo4u: I was panting reading.....GARRI and water pls.

alfredo4u: I was panting reading.....GARRI and water pls.

alfredo4u: I was panting reading.....GARRI and water pls.

u really need it, especially now dat d sun is hot up in d sky. but do it 'jejely'.

Okay.










Pray success smiles on him

I respect Blackface alot, he's still a legend and a major backbone in the plantashun boyz group. Tuface and faze cannot come out to say he didn't help build their singing career to become what they are today. Everybody makes mistakes and no one is perfect, not even the angels. I expect Faze and Tuface to put aside whatever difference they have in the past and come together to help Blackface pick up again. Blackface is a good singer and a rare lyricist. He's got more stuffs to offer. I really feel for the brother. In life, we all have our ups and downs and i really admire his strenght and courage in trying to come back to limelight. He's got the "Never Give Up" syndrome. I still remain his fan and looking forward to seeing him again in the fore front of the music industry.

When d face of naija hip-hop have totally changed since this guy has left d industry,he should come out wif something different not his usual reggea flavoured stuff.I love this guy because if u recognised good music u will udstnd what i mean but one pattern no dey reign 4eva.'Blackface' i wish u best of luck u shall rise again even higher

For the fact that he hs realised his mistk n is willing 2 stat all ova is a gud step, he sounds mature, he didn't try 2 paint d other two bad, he just tried answering d questions asked in d best way he cld, as 4 d person who said he didn't get himself a hse n blew his money, u shld knw that much money wasn't made then and they didn't last long 4 him 2 mk much frm the group.
I sha wish u success, jst get ur stuff 2geda n we're here 2 giv the support we can

Chirolechick: as 4 d person who said he didn't get himself a hse n blew his money, u shld knw that much money wasn't made then and they didn't last long 4 him 2 mk much frm the group.

In addition to what you posted, blackface isn't doing bad for himself, he has his own house with a studio in it now and he is also planning to start a blackface foundation back in his hometown. That's not a bad thing!