By Emmanuel Daraloye
Anthony Offiah was on his way to becoming a catholic priest when he was captured by music. Most morning devotions in his home were accompanied by music played by his father. On the streets, music from beer parlours and major joints welcomed him. Soon, he fell in love with music. In his quest to make himself distinct from the rest, he named his sound, “Continental Sound.” It was a fusion of different styles, lifestyles, and cultures.
King Perryy, formerly signed to Timaya’s Dem Mama Records, is now back with a follow up to his debut album. His new project is called Continental Playlist. This time around, it’s an independently released EP.
A day before the release of Continental Playlist, Afrocritik’s senior music writer, Daraloye, spoke to King Perryy on his craft, what he hopes to achieve with this project, and more about the future. The interview has been condensed for clarity purposes.
Emmanuel Daraloye: I became acquainted with your sound during your stint with Dem Mama Records. However, for the benefit of a first time audience, who is King Perryy?
King Perryy: King Perryy is an Afro Dancehall artiste. The king of the continental sound from Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Daraloye: What was growing up like for King Perryy?
Perryy: It was fun. I grew up in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. PH is filled with different types of talented people. It just sparks creativity. I grew up around a lot of music. My dad used to start our day with music after morning devotions, then I attended a seminary school which was my introduction to singing because I was in the choir.
Daraloye: Port Harcourt is a city known for producing Nigerian music greats. Could you let us know any of such artistes who have inspired you greatly?
Perryy: Everyone honestly, I grew up with people making amazing music, and they have all inspired me on my journey so far.
(Read also: How I Produced Pheelz’s “Finesse” — Miichkel)
Daraloye: Two years after the release of Citizen of the World, you are back with Continental Playlist. Why an EP and not a follow up album?
Perryy: It has been 2 years since my last project, and I felt like it had been a while since I gave people my sound. You know my most recent top songs were drill/trap records, so this is like a transition to the next album.
Daraloye: What’s the sonic direction behind Continental Playlist?
Perryy: It is a fusion project but has my core sound which is Afro-Dancehall in it.
Daraloye: What’s your take on the state of Dancehall in Nigeria?
Perryy: I feel like it needs a breath of fresh air. There are not many people championing the sound. But I am here to lead the movement. Shout out to Ruger. He is doing amazing things in the space.
Daraloye: You were once signed, and now you are independent. How has it been like running things on your own?
Perryy: It has been a different but interesting experience because I have had to be actively involved in everything, from setting up a structure for myself to creating the music down to the marketing and roll out. So, yeah, it was different.
Daraloye: Going through your discography, I observed that you have worked with a lot of artistes. Are there other artistes that you would like to work with?
Perryy: Definitely, I love fusion, so that inspires me to collaborate, merge other sounds to mine and create magic. As for other artistes, yes I haven’t really done foreign collaborations yet, so I’d like to do that.
Daraloye: Which track off this EP is likely going to be a video?
Perryy: There are 2 videos already: “Turkey Nla” ft. Tekno and “On God.”
Daraloye: You became the first artiste to auction his EP on Artsplit. What was this experience like for you?
Perryy: I feel glad to be part of this amazing initiative. We artistes are always looking for ways to give back to the fans, and what better way than them also making money while they stream the music they love? It has been an amazing experience so far just learning the whole process, and I can’t wait for the world to catch on.
Daraloye: What does the future look like for King Perryy, and what should we be looking forward to in the next 5 years from you?
Perryy: More music, bigger shows and bigger venues. International and local awards, too. I’ll also be introducing you all to my other creative sides.