JJC arrived in South London's inner-city neighbourhood at 14, after having been raised in Kano. As a teenager, he became consumed by hip-hop, while the music room at Dick Shepherd School in Brixton became his escape, as well as the springboard that eventually led to the formation of Big Brovaz. The group went on to achieve numerous Top 10 hits in the UK and the rest of the world, including their first single with Sony Music, "Nu Flow". Skillz of the JJC crew speaks to TADE MAKINDE on in exploits and expectations in the music industry.

[color=orange]How was the group formed?
I am JJC and at first I was a DJ then I branched into music production and was part of the Black British Group called Big Brovas, I produced a lot of music for the group but decided to branch into afro music because I felt there was a gap in the market. I then formed the group JJC & 419.

[color=orange]When did D’Banj come in?
No comment, I really want to discuss present and future projects and not dwell in the past,sorry

[color=orange]What about Don Jazzy?
No comment too

[color=orange]So, what was the fight with Jazzy in London recently about; supremacy, or you won't comment on that also?
No, I won't say anything about that also. I am really sorry.

[color=orange]You have relocated to Nigeria, do you think it will be worth it?
Yes, I believe it is worth it because the Fans demanded it but I wanted to come back with the right package and content. Also I felt the industry was right for what I have to show them. I want to keep my previous audience and gain new ones. I have always said ‘Nigeria is the best land’, it is always good to be home.

[color=orange]Now that you here, what steps have you taken to be a major player in the industry?
I have always been someone who likes learning new skills, for instance I direct music videos, signs new young talented artists who can speak to the new generation and move where the industry is going. I am also a business man as I have my company called Big Boyz Entertainment which serves the entertainment industry by doing music videos, producing good music, making documentaries and signing artists as mentioned before. To become a major player I have increased my skills and expertise and I am catering to the entertainment industry as many ways as possible.

[color=orange]You seem to be an all-rounder, producing, directing videos, composing songs; what is your major?
I have always enjoyed signing and developing new talent. It is my first love. I consider myself like a miner that searches for the raw material but then after polishing this raw material it transforms to a beautiful diamond. I like discovering raw talents and working with them.

[color=orange]Jack of all trade, will this not eventually make you a master of none?
I don’t think so, whilst I still feel that my first love is discovering raw talent, I believe I am still an entertainer and that I am gifted in all areas of entertainment. When my fans started requesting that I come back and do what I do best which is writing music, producing music, I felt I had to become the best I can be and be self-sufficient. I obviously also have talented young people working with me like 2kris one of my artists who also produces and AB-Fresh who is also an artist and video directors. I have to utilise my skills and be efficient to be a successful business man.

[color=orange]Why not concentrate on your major?
I think I have answered that in the previous question, to succeed you need to diverse and be efficient with the right team working with you.

[color=orange]Why did you leave for London?
Like I said before many of my fans were asking for me and it just happen to be the right time.

[color=orange]How was life initially in Jand?
Life was good but like everything in life, if you want to succeed you have to work hard; so I worked hard. The name JJC came from being teased by others, including Africans, when I just arrived from Nigeria to London, but I turned that negative in to positive. I believed in myself and my talent. I adapted and worked hard.

[color=orange]Were you born there?
No, I was born in Nigeria, Kano

[color=orange]How did you eventually get into the system as a Nigerian?
Like I mentioned before, I worked hard, relied on my talent and God.

[color=orange]What would you say was your major achievement in Jand?
It would have to be getting Big Brovas signed to Sony and helping the album go Platinum. I have done all this by the time I was 18. It was a great achievement and I hope to surpass that again.

[color=orange]When did you decide you were coming home?
It has been a long time coming but it is all about timing. I have been thinking about it for a couple of years but I wanted to be ready. I always believe that God’s time is the best. When he said ‘ready’ then I was ready.

[color=orange]Are you here with all the members of JJC or some are behind?
Just to correct you, I am JJC, an artist in my own right. The other artists of Big Boyz All Stars include Tipsy, Lil Miss, AB-Fresh, King Lexy, 2Kris, Tee Bee O and Noni. Some of them are here but some have been left behind but they have visited at some point and we have plans for all of us to come to Nigeria. Watch this space!!

[color=orange]How were you able to convince others to come with you?
I didn’t have to convince anyone. There is a plan and vision, which is shared and followed by all the crew. We all believe in our plans and the future.

[color=orange]Who and what will you miss about London?
I have to admit I will miss constant electricity, family and friends. You do get used to a certain way of life but I will be fine. I will definitely not miss the cold.

[color=orange]No loved ones left behind? No girlfriends, family members, even white pals to be missed?
Of-course there will always be people I will miss but I have loved ones in many places including Nigeria.

[color=orange]How do you manage to keep all members together?
I do this with a lot of passion, drive and because we all have the same ethos which is to do the best we can and show this to the world.

[color=orange]Government wants to support entertainment with $200m, how should it be expended?
It would be nice if this was invested in new talent and try to put a structure in place for artists to be paid reasonably for their music.

[color=orange]How is Lagos different and similar to London?
Like all major cities traffic is a problem in Nigeria and London and the rising population in the inner city. Differences are the weather, the close community in Nigeria which can be difficult to have in London because everyone is too busy.

[color=orange]How do you unwind in Lagos?
Never really, I am too busy. When possible I enjoy sitting down with friends and catching up. In London, people are far too busy to sit down to talk.

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Source:Sunday Tribune