My name is Yannick Philippe. I was born Philippe Yannick Iwuegbu on June 11 in Paris, France. I’m a rapper, actor and comedian.
Rita Okoye
Young, vibrant and talented Yannick Philippe is not ready to let down his guard and be swallowed by the struggles a budding musician goes through in Nigeria.
In this interview, the soft-spoken rapper opens up on his inspirations, challenges, record label and other sundry issues bordering the music industry.
Can you tell us briefly about yourself?
My name is Yannick Philippe. I was born Philippe Yannick Iwuegbu on June 11 in Paris, France. I’m a rapper, actor and comedian. I am from Imo State but I grew up in Lagos and Paris. I attended Christ The King College, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. I studied Law at University of Gambia but later dropped out to study Filmmaking at Eicar Film School, Paris. I also studied Acting for TV and Film at London Media Academy, United Kingdom. I landed a lead role in a Nigerian movie, Invisible Men, which was nominated for Best Movie at British Urban Film Festival Awards, London. I’m based in Lagos and United Kingdom. I’m always traveling back and forth.
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For how long have you been in the music industry?
I broke into the Nigerian entertainment industry in 2016 with a single, Gini featuring Terry Tha Rapman. Since then, I have been dropping singles and shooting videos. I have also worked with prominent artistes like Terry Tha Rapman, Pherowshuz and Emanuel Imani.
Why the choice of music?
I grew up listening to rap music by Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Mode9, and Terry Tha Rapman. So, I got used to it. All these artistes including 2Face and Asa inspired me.
So, you do only rap?
No. I do rap, hip hop, Afropop and anything I can vibe to. Some of the songs I’ve done are Gini with Terry Tha Rapman, Make U Rap, Show Dem, Sister Rebecca, Call Me By Six, African Baby, and Swag On Fire, my first ever single.
Are you currently under any label or management?
I have a record label called Yannick Philippe Music Group. I also have a manager that runs my music business. I am currently working on an EP of six songs and I will be having a collabo on it. I intend to drop my next album before the end of this year.
Do you have any special work that you think would stand you out?
Yes. I had a collabo with Terry Tha Rapman and Pherow, but I have a plan to work with Mode9 on a new single, which I believe will be a big hit. I am also thinking of doing a collabo with Small Doctor. I love his songs but it all depends…
Are your parents in support of your music career?
Yes, they are my biggest fans. My dad and mom have always been in full support of my music career.
Do you have any fond memories of your growing up?
Yes, it was fun playing in the park with friends. We didn’t have much then, so I had to put in hard work as a young man.
What challenges did you face as an up and coming act?
If you are not popular, no one wants to know you until you ‘blow’. You do too many free shows to expose yourself, and it wasn’t easy for me at all.
Back there in the UK, how have they accepted your kind of music?
Back then, no one wanted to hear African music, but it’s different now. The British have now accepted African music, which is good.
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Can you compare life in Nigeria and that of the UK?
Life in the UK is very different, most especially when it comes to security, power supply, human rights, and education.
Are you currently in a relationship?
Yes, I am currently in a relationship but she is not in the industry.
The baby mama syndrome has taken over the entertainment industry, are you also in that league?
No, I personally don’t like to have children outside marriage, and I don’t currently have a baba mama.
Any plan to marry soon?
Not yet, I want to establish myself and create a brand before making a commitment.
Are you in support of same sex marriage?
I am not in support of same sex marriage but it’s not my business what people do indoors.
Where would you love to see yourself in the next three years?
I see myself doing more collaborations and dropping more singles, videos, and establishing a brand for myself.
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