I will become the president of Nigeria 2015– Majek Fashek

The rain maker: Majek Fashek

On June 12, 2012, a press conference which was supposed to kick off by 12 noon didn’t start until around 3.30p.m. due to a heavy downpour which prevented many of the journalists from getting to the Club Royal, Ikeja, Lagos, venue of the press conference in good time. Some journalists who had come very early in their cars had to leave when the event failed to start way behind schedule due to impatience or the thought that the organisers might be pulling a prank on them that they were unveiling Majek Fashek that many have reported to be having a mental problem, amidst other unpleasant tales.

On the other hand if any one considers that the subject at the centre of the press conference himself is the “RainMaker,” then the terrible rain that almost prevented the event from holding will not be a surprise.

For a few of us who managed to wait, our patience was soon rewarded with the ‘rain maker Majek Fashek showing up around 3.30p.m with Hajia Oluremi Dangaji, the woman who saved his life (and that is a story for another day).

Born Majekodunmi Fasheke to an Edo mother and a Yoruba father, the story of Majek Fashek has never ceased to generate the question about what went wrong.

Fashek, who in his hey days attracted international attention with such albums as “The Prisoner of Conscience,” “Spirit of Love” and “The Rainmaker,” was once signed unto Interscope records, one of America’s biggest record companies (the same company which signed late rapper, 2Pac). His album with them “Spirit of Love” was produced by renowned producer Van “Little Steven” Zandt.

This talented guitarist, who started out as a member of a Benin-based reggae group Jastix comprising Ras Kimono and Amos McRoy Greg as at 1992, had the rare privilege of featuring on a major TV platform, the famous David Letterman’s Show. And wait for this, Majek Fashek was once tipped as the successor to the late Bob Marley due to his vocal quality that has been described as being on the same range with Marley himself.

However, all that glory unbelievably disappeared from Majek Fashek in a hurry, no thanks to the evil menace of narcotic drugs which he got involved in while abroad. Coral Music Group brought him back in 2004 with the album “Little Patience” which records a reasonable success for an artiste who had just been allegedly rehabilitated, but it wasn’t long before Majek Fashek went back to his old life of drug abuse. He’s been in Nigeria for some months now and another person, Hajia Dangaji, CEO of A-Plus Entertainment, has decided to give him another shot at stardom. Majek Fashek spoke with Benjamin onaghinor at the venue of the press conference.

Do you think you can still make a remarkable comeback?

I don’t know what you are talking about when you ask if I can make a remarkable comeback, but I tell you my coming back from America is to save Nigerian music. In America, Nigerian musicians are not shining. I want to put Nigerian music where it belongs. The only Nigerian musicians whose names ring a bell in America is Fela Kuti, Femi Kuti and King Sunny Ade. I took the risk to come back to Nigeria. I have come to save Nigerians.

What do you mean by you have come to save Nigerians?

Bob Marley talked about second slavery, Fela also talked about that. The government is imprisoning Nigeria and I want to save my people from them. God gave me a message of the sceptre while I was in America. God told me to come and save the sceptre.

What’s the sceptre?

My people are the sceptres. Look at me; I’m not suffering in America. I have money. As I’m here I get four thousand dollars to Five thousand dollars every month from radio play of my song in America, but God said, “Go, go and save Nigeria from second slavery.”

So how do you want to save Nigeria?

I will become the president of Nigeria. Fela Anikulapo wanted to do it but they didn’t allow him. In 2015, I will be president and share the money among everybody and the poor.

I’m still asking, how do you plan to make a remarkable comeback, considering the fact that people don’t listen to Reggae anymore and we have the likes of D’banj and Psquare making waves?

Who born them? They are just copying American music. Can they sing like me? People still listen to Reggae. Reggae is still alive. All over the world, people love Reggae. When I performed for Oshiomole, Governor of Edo state, he came on stage and danced. Many people, young people came to watch me perform. They love my music. People still love Buju Banton, Alpha Blonde. If Lucky Dube was alive will you tell me people will not like his music? Reggae is forever. Do you know what Bob Marley’s family told me? They told me that they only respect Alpha Blonde, Lucky Dube and Majek Fashek in Africa.

So what are you working on now? When is an album coming out?

A-Plus Records have tried for me so much; MC Morris too. He was the one that brought me to Hajiya. My album will come out; we are working on it, but watch out for my new singles. I have many hit tracks coming. Watch out for “Return of the Legend.” It is my new single that will change everything. Chris Okoro produced it. Okoro produced “Jagajaga,” for Eedris Abdulkareem. He will produce my new song, “Return of the Legend.”

How did you meet Hajiya Dangaji who is now reviving your career?

MC Morris introduced me to Hajiya. She is a very wonderful woman. She put me in her house, but now she has gotten me a house and a jeep. She gives me money and buys me many things. We are very close now because she loves me. Many people think I’m dating her but that’s a lie. Even though I call her my girlfriend, her husband supports me too. All members of her family like me. Many people have tried for me; journalists too. That’s why I don’t joke with the press. One of you, Nduka Obaigbena, really tried for me. I can’t forget him. He allowed me perform with Snoop Dog, Jay-Z and Beyonce at his concert. He also gave me a lot of money.

What about your wife and children?

My wife is fine. She will soon come and join me because she has missed me. I have four children. They all love me and I love them. When we were in America, I used to babysit for my wife sometimes if she was busy. That’s because I love her and she loves me.

You used to introduce Tracy Chapman’s show some years back…

(cuts in) and Jimi Cleeve too.

Okay, tell us about it.

I love Tracy Chapman that’s why I go on her show. She looks like my boss, Hajiya. Tracy Chapman is a great musician too. I respect her, she respect me.

You are said to be very close to Rita Marley, Bob Marley’s widow.

Rita is my friend. When I had problem with Interscope Records, she encouraged me to move on. Her family gave me a deal on Tuff Gong Records that was when I released “The Rain Maker.” You see, the Marleys tried for me.

Have you settled your rift with Ras Kimono, your former band mate?

Ras Kimono cannot save Nigerian music. He now has a big stomach. He has eaten junks in America. A man with a big stomach like him cannot save Nigerian music. Who is Ras Kimono?

Finally, where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration is from the streets and Jah. That’s why when I travelled to America, I went to live in the hood. I wanted to be close to my people. I studied music too; I know how music should be played.pls if you like/ don't like some things about this alway drop your comments