I Want To Be Remembered For Doing Good Music –Kilo One

Uwaifo Lawrence, popularly known as Kilo One, is a talented Nigerian singer and songwriter. He launched his first album titled ‘Rule the World’ and gained a huge popularity with his video, ‘Number One Girl’. In this chat opens up on his childhood and career

When did you start your music career?

I started music as a teenager in a group called ‘Agape’ at Church of God Mission (Faith Arena), Benin City some years back.

How did the name, Kilo-One originate?

When I was younger, I liked performing songs of great artistes like Fela Anikolapo Kuti, Shakademus and Shabba Ranks and the name, ‘Kilo One’ comes from one of Shabba Ranks’ songs, titled ‘Trailer Load a Girls’. My fans choose to call me by that slogan; ‘Kilo Kilo’ and I just added ‘One’ to make it Kilo One.

What’s your relationship with other artistes in the Nigerian music industry?

I have a very cordial relationship with my colleagues. I’m proud to be a Nigerian; everywhere you go in the world, you see people listening to Nigerian songs even when they don’t understand the lyrics. We are rich musically and I thank God that I have a perfect working relationship with a lot of artists.

Can you take us into your family background?

Growing up was hectic as a little boy who barely knew what life was truly all about. I grew up in a family of seven; four males and three females. Back then in Benin City, it wasn’t really comfortable as a little boy in the midst of five soldiers as they were my elders. I needed to listen to them in order to be wiser and my father was a music lover, so it was always school and music.

What is your favourite food?

I am a proud African man and a true born of Edo State. So you know what to expect. I love pounded yam.

What’s that thing people don’t really know about you?

I’m a very humble guy and people misinterpret this aspect of me most times. But, being humble doesn’t mean people should take me for granted.

You recently signed a deal with an outfit, what’s the deal all about?

Yes, the name of the company is A Thousand Mile Films (ATMFilms); they are into shooting of videos and films generally. I thank God for the deal; it is a big deal for both parties. They saw my job and got interested in my talent and approached me for a deal. It’s a year’s contract and I am hoping to take their brand to the next level.

You have been in the industry for a while, are you discouraged or weighed down that you are yet to be considered for an endorsement?

No! I’m good and very confident and I believe in God. The best is yet to come.

Do you think the Nigerian music industry is doing well now?

Of course yes and very well, the big boys have taken it to a global height. Nigerian music is globally accepted now and that’s why many firms and individuals are buying into it. In Europe where I was living before coming back home, all the black clubs patronise Afro beat, in the USA and also in Africa. We have so many talented artistes of different genres all over the country yet Nigerians complain of unemployment. I will like to see government invest in the entertainment industry so that these talented youths can achieve their aim, especially in the area of quality videos.

Who are those artists you will like to work with?

If I have my way, I want to work with every single artiste because I believe everybody has their different styles. But, I would definitely love to work with Wizkid anytime soon, Tekno is a huge talent and he is a selling point right now. There are so many good artistes out there I’d love to work with.

Aside music, what else do you do?

I’m a well-known beautician and I have gone international with it.

Where are you sinking your money?

I thank God for all He has done, I am grateful for what I have. No doubt, I love big cars even when I was only a showbiz promoter. I have driven big cars but that doesn’t mean that all my hard earned money is being spent on flashy cars like some other artistes. I am investing in entertainment. When the time comes, the world will hear about it. Of course, my family is there too.

What would you have been doing if you were not doing music?

If not music, I would’ve been in Europe with my family doing my beautician business.

Who is your female celebrity crush?

That would definitely be Rihanna! She came to my city every summer holiday for beach parties when I was based in Europe.

What’s your passion? I love music with a passion. Singing is my passion.

Describe your fashion style.

My style is simple and acceptable. I also love good wristwatches; I don’t want to mention names.

Which female artists would you love to work with?

That would be Tiwa Savage or Yemi Alade because my kind of music attracts both.

How do you handle female attraction and distraction?

As a man, I have grown to understand that females are also part of life. So I give people room to accommodate themselves especially those who do not ask for too much. I love my female fans, but we have to keep it on a platonic level after all, my mother is also woman.

What should we expect from you this year?

I intend to release a few singles, good songs and music videos back to back this year 2017.

What legacy do you intend to leave behind as an artiste?

As an artist, I want people to always remember me for good music.

What are the pains of being an artiste?

People expect you to be the kind of person they assume instead of accepting the real you. And many people take advantage of it. In some parts of the world, an artiste is not expected to be like every other normal person and that can be challenging sometimes; most especially those friends you used to hang out with. Because music can take you to places that you may begin to lose some close friends because of distance and unnecessary reasons and ignorance.

What are your words to your fans?

To my fans out there, please do leave behind your reactions, because your likes, shares and comments have brought me this far; don’t give up on me yet for I really appreciate everybody. Expect a big one from me this year because the best is yet to come.

How do you relax?

By listening to good music, playing soccer and I love swimming.