EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART!
‘My Verdict on 2015 Elections: Jonathan, Buhari’-Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli (MFR)
*Echoes: “Music is being used in form of Prostitution by Hungry Musicians instead of educating voters”
*Satanic Agents in PMAN: ‘ Dr Zimakoy, Kenny George and Ras Baker(Pretty)’
*Explains: Why they were Charged for Fraud in PMAN by Lagos High Court-now on Bail
*Comments: Success stories of Peace Initiation Committee in Nigeria’s Music House
*Regrets: “Boko Haram crisis stalls my Mines business in Plateau, Borno, Zamfara & Nassarawa State”
*Exposed: “Reasons I name my Dogs after Nigerian Leaders & their Unconditional Love”
*Reveals: “How musicians bribes Sound City, Other Radio stations to play immature, badly composed, no lyrical content songs”
*Evergreen Moment: “Day I got a call that a song of mine was number one in 11 countries”
*His Words: “ Nigerians do not take music as serious as in developed societies. Look at the Vietnam war how a guy like Bob Dylan was able to start a whole protest movement”
WITHOUT any iota of doubt, Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli, Member of Federal Republic (MFR) is a multiple award-wining flutist who is well respected globally. As such, his views on national issues in Nigeria resonates across the world. In an exclusive interview with GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, TEXAS, this articulate and soft-spoken songster delved on sundry topical questions running through the majority of Nigerians’ minds. He speaks on ‘2015 Presidential Election, latest problems in Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN),Why he names his dogs after Nigerian leaders and many more….
CAN you tell us your latest accomplishments in Nigeria’s music sector?
I am composing the songs for a new CD; produced a couple of songs for my son OzzyBosco and prepare for an European Tour.
What has been happening in the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN)where you had been President?
There was relative peace since we all agreed to the Peace Initiative Committee which will usher in elections this year, but the usual “evil three, Dr Zimakoy, Kenny George and Ras Baker went to the Lagos High Court, forget signatures and used on court case against holding illegal election which I ordered as PMAN President to stop. They put their names forward as an interim Government and a High Court Judge was misled. We the Peace Initiative Committee have already filed for the ruling to be set aside, Zimakoy, Kenny George and one guy called Pretty were arrested for fraud and are on bail now. Zimakoy and Kenny George used their usual life style of taking money of a former musician called Pretty, promised him the PMAN Presidency and will look now at a lengthy prison term when we finish with them.
Do you think Nigeria’s music has been able to right the wrongs in our Nigerian society?
No, unfortunately not. Nigerians do not take music as serious as in developed societies. Look at the Vietnam war how a guy like Bob Dylan was able to start a whole protest movement. Music in Nigeria is used to “sugar up” Church Services; entertain at social events, but Nigerian’s have not yet learned to sit in a concert hall and enjoy 2 hours of good music!
What roles do you think Nigerian musicians should play in 2015 Elections?
Again music has been used like prostitution by some hungry praise singers instead of educating the people. Music could have given the campaign a human face, could have soften up the negativity of the rallies.
How do you think unity and oneness can reign in the Nigerian music scene?
The moment Nigerian musicians make good money (not only the few one day flies ) and get their dues of their intellectual property the whole situation will change. Poverty makes people angry and jealous.
Why do you think there is always leadership problems in PMAN and Nigeria?
When you have three Nigerians assembled there will be three opinions and three presidents. That’s happening in the Churches, Governments, sports everywhere, but because PMAN as a prime brand name everything is always in the news.
When can you describe as the highpoint of your music career?
Oh, that was the day I got a call that a song of mine was number one in 11 countries!
What particular inspiration have you derived from your dogs?
I have learned that animals still have natural talents and intellect, I am learning from my dogs that one should love thy neighbor and they are my neighbor. I have learned what unconditional love is. They are everyday an inspiration to me.
Can you tell why your dogs bear different names of Nigerian leaders?
Some people name streets after famous people, I name my dogs after them (based on the Nigerian leaders behavior which is similar to the dogs).
How is your mining business doing and how do you combine it with music?
My mines are because of the Boka Haram problem on stand still. We can for security reasons not mine in Plateau, Borno, Zamfara and Nassarawa State. I am also developing 2 marginal Oil fields. One in the Niger Delta and one in Bayelsa State. I have to organize myself to be able to Compose, perform and do my business and look after my investments.
What is your fear for Nigeria as 2015 Election approaches?
I am not a politician but having evaluated the situation I just hope and believe that President Goodluck Jonathan under Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will win again. I have experienced General Muhammadu Buhari(rtd) in 1983 and do not wish Nigeria to have to go through for years of his regime. All Progressives Congress (APC) speaks about what they are going to do from free this and that but they do not tell us on how they are going to pay for it. At least we know Jonathan’s agenda and so far he has done well and the executed projects speak for him.
In one statement, what is your message to your fans?
I wish Nigerian music fans would support good music more, people like those of Seun and Femi Anikulapo Kuti, Yinka Davis, and many of the lesser known good bands and musicians. Unfortunately those who have money either from 419 business or friends or fathers are in the forefront because they can bribe stations like Sound City and most radio stations to play their immature, badly composed, no lyrical content songs. I am sad that the music scene has turned this way. I can not listen to any radio without being sad to listen to cheaply produced repetitious songs. Everybody seems to copy everybody. The time of well recorded songs are over. Commercialism and quick money have taken over the music scene. We must support our local artist but we must not support trash.
