In five years, I would be heard across the globe. Words from Nigerian, Gospel RnB sensation, Japhy Davis.
Let’s get to hear, what he has to say on this exclusive interview, with NGOSPELMEDIA.NET Star Reporter Sammy Sas.
Sammy Sas: Can we meet you?
Japhy Davis: I’m Japheth Ogboanoh Ikpemie David, AKA “Japhy Davis”. I’m African, Nigerian, from Edo/Benue State.
Sammy Sas: Edo/Benue?… who’s from Edo and Benue?
Japhy Davis: Dad Edo, Mum Benue.
Sammy Sas: Hmmm, nice. You have a strong blood in you. Lol
Japhy Davis: A very Nigerian blood you mean
Sammy Sas: So tell me, when did you realized you had a passion for music?
Japhy Davis: I would say in Primary 4… I just developed love for the drums and started hitting anything I find to make a rhythm.
Sammy Sas: Hmmm, interesting!… So what kind of music do you do?
Japhy Davis: I do the kind of music that speaks, heals, motivates, inspires, transforms and gives answers to deep questions.
Sammy Sas: Secular or Gospel, what genre?
Japhy Davis: I would say I’m a blend of a lot of genres so its RnB meets Gospel, Afro-pop, Hip-hop, soul & Jazz…
Sammy Sas: Why did you choose to go into Gospel music, in a time like these when the secular musicians are making major headlines?
Japhy Davis: Hmmmm… Won’t say I chose it, it chose me and I am forever grateful it did. I was predestined. So when it was time I just started to manifest.
Sammy Sas: Amazing!… So what has been your major challenge in the Gospel music industry?
Japhy Davis: Challenges… I don’t see no challenges actually, I consider the “Gospel music industry” especially in Nigeria the biggest and most underutilized. And the singers/musicians and fans(listeners) are both responsible.
Sammy Sas: Good to hear from someone like you, I recalled interviewing a top Gospel rapper and he complained of the churches not given the right attention to Gospel rappers, like they do for the Singers, do you think the Church or Gospel industry, is one sided, favoring the Singers?
Japhy Davis: It’s actually a mindset thing. Well I don’t think so. Just like any business, you need to identify your target market. And depending on your product, the demographic varies. Find where you are celebrated and keep going there. My kind of music is not accepted by everyone, that doesn’t mean I’m not good. Trust me when you find your target market you’ll know.
Sammy Sas: As a brand, who inspires you?
Japhy Davis: So many people… From Deitrick Haddon to Smokie Norful, Brandy, Usher, Kim Burell… to name a few.
Sammy Sas: Very impressive!… So what has been the biggest hallmark of your career?
Japhy Davis: I’ll say My Debut EP. “The Rehearsal”
Sammy Sas: I like the name “The Rehearsal”, I f I may ask, why did you choose that name, for your Ep?
Japhy Davis: Ok… Two reasons.1st. There’s an afterlife which is extremely important, way longer than time itself, “everlasting to everlasting” all our life here in time is just a rehearsal for that. We were created for HIS pleasure put on earth for “The rehearsal” 2nd. Compared to all that God has put in me to bless the world with, trust me this is Just “The rehearsal” Stay Tuned for the main event.
Sammy Sas: Bro!… I’m waiting!… So tell us, if you were to record with three secular musicians, local or international, who would you pick?
Japhy Davis: Kendrick Lamar, Brandy, Wizkid
Sammy Sas: Man of God. would love to hear you on a joint with Kendrick and Wizkid especially. Talking about Wizkid, he just got a huge deal with international recording company, Sony/RCA music, taking him into the international market. do you think there is a possibility for Nigerian Gospel musicians, getting international record deals
Japhy Davis: All things are possible. Yes, of ‘cos. We’re Graced. Come to think of it there’s hardly anyone doing music now without a gospel Background.
Sammy Sas: Yea! True that!…
So apart from music, what do you do for fun?
Japhy Davis: Oh i love to swim… So if I’m not on stage, in the studio, or doing anything music related, I’ll be in a pool somewhere… I used to love movies but these days not so much.
Sammy Sas: On a scale of 1-10 how much do you know your culture and tradition?
Japhy Davis: 6 I think…
Sammy Sas: When you say 6, you mean the Edo culture or Benue?
Japhy Davis: Benue like 9 for Idoma culture
Sammy Sas: So what’s your favorite color and meal?
Japhy Davis: favorite color is Red. while my favorite meal is Egusi Soup and Pounded yam
Sammy Sas: chai!….. Serious African man. Quickly tell us about your most embarrassing and memorable moment of your career
Japhy Davis: My most embarrassing moment was when I was backing up for a superstar and right there on stage he made me look like I didn’t know what I was doing. Everyone in the crowd was feeling sorry for us. My Most memorable, will be the day I got I car as a gift on the launch of my debut EP. “THE REHEARSAL”
Sammy Sas: Woow!… bet it would have been an awesome moment
Japhy Davis: Sure it was.
Sammy Sas: So what’s your favourite quote?
Japhy Davis: Favourite Quote.
Cut people some slacks ‘Cos God cuts you a lot of it. 2nd.
The sky isn’t the Limit.
The only limit is the one you’ve created.
Japhy Davis.
Sammy Sas: you must have a special diary for your quote. lol…So are you signed to any record company or label?
Japhy Davis: Signed to Darts Music Kitchen (DMK) at the moment.
Sammy Sas: Where do you see your career in 5years from now?
Japhy Davis: Mark this words. In five years I’ll be heard across the globe from Europe to America, Africa and Australia. With at least a Grammy.
Sammy Sas: How do you manage your female’s fans or are you single?
Japhy Davis: Na lai !!!…. I don escape…
Sammy Sas: Are you married?
Japhy Davis: I’m married oh… To Jesus
Sammy Sas: lmao….Oya your last words for your fans
Japhy Davis: Life and death is laid before you every day. Choose wisely. Choose life.
Much love.
Sammy Sas: Thanks for your time bro
Japhy Davis: Anytime Bud!
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