My music is unique,that's why I’m King of the streets - Terry G

Terry G, a.k.a Akpako Master, is a household name in the Nigerian entertainment industry. He has numerous hits to his credit and has worked with most of the big names in the industry, and he remains a force to reckon with for

Terry G

over a decade. In this interaction with Rotimi Ige,he speaks about his rise to fame, and why he is an astute business man.


WHO is Gabriel Amanyi and who is Terry G?
Gabriel is a humble,  respectful and God fearing handsome guy, while Terry G is an actor, a stage man and a  crazy entertainer.

Your background?
I am  from Benue State and from a family of four; two boys and two girls. I am the first child. I am a Christian and I attend the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

What was growing up like?
Growing up wasn't easy, I went to the farm with my dad, hawked corn, went to a public primary school etc. It was not easy but I thank God today that I can provide for myself and my family.

You seem to have love for a particular area in Lagos. Tell us about that!
 I have love for every area, but the fact is that I was born in Iju and its my hood. I feel safe and at home, because it matters a lot to my environmental inspiration.

How did you come into music?
I started music from church. I used to be a choir master because I play the drums, keyboard, bassguiter, electric guiter, saxophone, conga etc. Later, I started producing and recording in studios around Lagos and Abuja.

I met Shola Animashaun of Hip Hop world who introduce me to Faze. I played my R n B songs to him and he liked it. So, he asked me to be his backup vocalist. Then we started working and going for shows together and gradually, my career started expanding. I also met Kemistry that worked formally for 93.7 Rhythm FM and when she heard my beats, she liked them and asked me to make a beat for her which I didn't hesitate to do. Later, we made a collabo and it was successful, so on.

Then Freemadness to Akpako Master now I am on See Groove presently..kpakam!..

Any particular inspirations?
My environment inspires me.

Your first album was an instant hit! What was the secret?
 The secret is my hardwork and Gods crowning of my efforts.

What kind of music do you do?
Well as time went by, I wanted to be unique in whatever I did so first I knew it had to do with creating a genre so I did and called it 'CHANTE CHANTE'.

Why?
Because I am the only musician in Nigeria that chants. That is why most people say they don't hear what I say but still they dance to it. It is because they are not paying attention, and it actually makes me unique.

What about your stage performances?
 By God's grace, all my performances are never the same, because I do them better each day in my strive for perfection. My stage performances are electrifying because I put everything into it to make it an unforgettable experience for my fans...

Your biggest show thus far?
All my shows are huge so I don't want to be sentimental on this.

Many say Terry G is the king of com-mercial songs. What can you say about that?
Well, I know people say I am the king of commercial songs but to me, I'll say am the king of my genre of music.

What song gave you your big break?
Free madness was my major hit then 'Akpako' came into the scene.

Since then, how has been the reception to the brand you've become?
Anywhere I go, I am the boss, the street is what I represent so I don't need a bouncer because my people are my defence.

Is music a passion or business?
If I wasn't doing music, I'll be doing business which I am still doing at the moment. I have a farm where I rear chicken and I sell cement. I sell eggs in crates to hotels and my label, TGP entertainment also sells tyres.