By Agatha Emeadi
Asolo Chika Chukwu with stage name, 2-squad, is a multi-talented artiste. He is a singer, songwriter, actor, and hip-hop rap rapper. He hails from Abiriba popularly called Small London in Abia State. He grew up living with his parents in Aba and Umuahia, Abia State. With little education in Nigeria, Asolo travelled to Georgia Atlanta in United States of America where he completed his music education. Today, he is gradually becoming a well sought-after entertainer in Atlanta, US. His other talents are found around acting, rapping, writing, modelling and art, which he ventured into in 2004.
In this interview, Asolo said following his father’s early demise, which hindered his education, he chose to go into the music and entertainment industry as a businessman and became popular across the globe.
How would you describe yourself?
I am a talented singer, songwriter and actor from Abiriba a.k.a Small London in Abia State though we lived in Umuahia and Aba. Among my many other talents include art, which I ventured into in 2004.
Could you let us into your experiences?
I started my music at Highrank Studios in Aba and later relocated to Port Harcourt, Rivers State in the same year. I continued my recording at Sambaz Studio when Naija hip-hop was just taking the Afro shape. Then I could not get what I wanted and had to set up my own home studio at Aba and started producing my songs. Then, Ariaria gospel music did not let people appreciate Afro hip-hop or what is recently known as Afrobeat at Aba then. I noticed it was time for an upgrade and America was the destination, though it did not happen on a rollercoaster.
Getting to America, what was the reception like?
Relocating to America was not a bad idea. My destination was Georgia Atlanta, which was warm and welcoming. I hit it fast immediately and started collaborating with a few locals and performing at shows.
How many projects have you recorded over the years?
Between 2008 and now, I have about 30 tracks which consists of a 16-track album and the rest are singles.
Do you have a video?
Yes, I do have videos. To my belt are 10 music videos which my team and I promoted locally in Atlanta Georgia. I always knew that despite the pockets of success recorded I was missing something and that is home -doing music our way.
What have you to say about people putting Afro-beats on the global map?
1 am proud of those who started the movement. The likes of The Remedies, Plantation Boys, Junior and Pretty and a whole lot of them. I am also proud about the new generation of artists making waves at the moment; what they are putting out and the recognition they have gotten is worthy. Their works are growing and will continue to grow even bigger because the world is paying attention and listening to them.
What do you think can be done to improve Afro-beats for more global appeal and growth?
There is need for more managers and administrative support to galvanize the industry and create a system that will accommodate more professionals that will drive the industry, not just the musicians, but also the engineers, dancers, costumier, cinematographers, graphic designers, A and R managers etc. At the same time creating more values creating more values and income generating streams.
What are we expecting from you at the moment and in the near future?
If you listen to my music, you’ll understand that I will be here for a long time. Already, we are working, promoting and new singles which portray our culture and showcase us the same way to the world out there. Then, in the near future we hope to sign on and promote other creative minds as well as venturing into movies and general entertainment, academics thereby giving back to the society.
Are we expecting collaborations soon like other artistes?
We are looking forward towards that. We will be working with talented artists here in Nigeria and putting them on the track to achieve greatness if they humble and submit themselves.
Five years from now, what should we expect from 2-Squad?
Great songs, great vibes, an established brand and a whole lot will be steaming out hot from our pots.
Are you working on any new project?
I just finished a two-track single – ‘No Wahala’ and ‘Let’s Ride’ and the other two are collaborations.
What advice would you give to upcoming artistes?
I am proud of my fans and I want them to know that I love them. They are the best part of my career. Without them, there will be no me. I promise to keep giving them great songs and positive vibes. I also want to encourage the upcoming artistes to stay loyal and true to the hustle. Life happens, some will love you, while others will not. Therefore, keep learning and growing, the sky is large enough to contain all of us. Be original, nobody can be you.