Pupa Orits Williki was a key member of the group of young reggae stars who gave Nigeria a distinctive, original afro-rock flavoured reggae sound in the ’80s.
Along with Majek Fashek,Ras Kimono, The Mandators, and many others,who dominated the scene in those days, Williki helped promote Nigerian music beyond our shores and popularity of the present generation of stars like Burna Boy,David,2Baba, Wizkid,Tiwa Savage,is rooted in the foundation laid by Pupa and his group.
After 40 years on stage, Williki has grown and transformed into an industry executive, copyright administrator, and producer.
He is celebrating his four decades as he spoke to BEATS about this milestone. Read on:
Question: You have been in showbusiness for 40 years. What does this landmark mean to you?
Answer: It means that for 40 years and still counting l have been able to contribute my quota to the development of Music industry and to Nigeria at large .
Question: In the last two decades, what stands out in your memory?
Answer: Insecurity, Rituals, Moral decadence in our Lifestyle as a People, the rot in our Education and Religious institutions.
Question: What would you have done differently if given the chance?
Answer: I probably would joined the Army or go back to my infant days to enjoy the Nigeria l was born. Where we all lived as Brothers and Sisters irrespective of where you come from. My mother everybody’s mother because around her were Children from different tribes who will gather around her as area Mama .
Question: Are you satisfied with the state of reggae music today, compared to when you, Kimono,Mandators,Majek and others were roaring on the scene?
Answer: The answer will be no because we don’t get to hear much of it on our airwaves not because they are not lying at the Library of most Satations. Hitherto, Reggae music was played alongside other Genre of music now station have 30 mins or 1hr in a week for Reggae. Babylon
Question: Why are live performances so few nowadays?
Answer: The World in general is yet to recover from the Covid 19 Pandemic so it’s not just Entertainer but Business generally.
Question: You are one of the few reggae stars with unusual dreadlocks. Any reason for this?
Answer: Let’s just say that is my identity
Question: How is Cowrie Music doing and what exactly do you do?
Answer: At Cowrie Muzik/Media we are still pushing. You know when don’t have the financial capacity to drive your ideas or dreams you have to take each step at a time. Cowrie Media TV for example is strictly content production Company a bridge between the contents creation and the Mainstream Television Stations.
Question: Since you became MCSN chairman, what significant contributions have you made to the organization?
Answer: Hahahaha what a question Bros. It’s like asking me to be a judge in my case. I think the Board and Management of MCSN are in a better position to answer that but l can tell you that up there is a team work .
Question: What is your vision for the music industry, going forward?
Answer: My vision for the industry is for right owners get the dividend for thier hard labour just like in other Climes where quarterly you get a Cheque for the exploitations of your works . Where you can live on the release of one hit single in a life time. Where there shall be the right structures to support the huge talents TV abounds.
Question: Any special message from you to your fans?
Answer: I am not done at all . They say the older the wine the better the taste l am that old wine you better watch out.
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