Konnections caught up with Dare, a multi talented musician. Here's what he had to say to us:
Dare : Really, honestly...God's grace helped me pull through all the work, school pressure and the ladies. I just did my best to keep a level head and not allow the fame and stuff get to my school work and my social life.
Konnections : Do you still DJ?
Dare : Not professionally at the moment. I guest DJ on some radio stations but that's about it. The talent and experience are all still there though!
Konnections : What do you think of the Nigerian music scene and which Nigerian artists do you admire most?
Dare : As you rightly put it, it's still a scene and not an industry. It's developing but it's slow. Over the last 3 years the sound, quality and talent have exceeded past standards and I think the populace is learning to appreciate better music quality now. This is why I joined the race...to inject my own ideas, thoughts and professionalism. I have many favourites, some of whom are: Styl Plus, Jeremiah Gyang, Jazzman Olofin, Weird Mc, Blackky, the late Fela Kuti and Lagbaja.
Konnections : Which artist(s) have most influenced your music?
Dare : I looove Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong who have in more ways than one influenced my musical ear. My late father Art Alade would have us listen to some of the jazz greats and choirs from England . Their life journeys and their musical feats are quite inspiring also.
Konnections : It sounds as if all your dreams have come true. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time- singing, writing, acting or something entirely different?
Dare: Singing, dancing, writing and becoming a mogul of sorts. Hopefully a more coveted International award than the Channel O ‘Best RnB award that I recently won in South Africa ...like the Grammy! And of course putting Nigerians in the limelight for something other than crime, drugs and poverty!
Konnections : Are you a fan of Reality TV after your experience of Project Fame? If so, which reality programme do you like best?
Dare: I wouldn't say I'm a fan, but I can see the entertainment factor behind such productions. Big Brother Nigeria was a bit interesting for me but not totally what I had expected.
Konnections : Despite coming 3 rd what was the main experience that you gained from it?
Dare: I learned how to be more confident under pressure and came across new tricks of the trade. The teachers were all lovely and some of the contestants were as well. I made new friends and business contacts and 'won' a defunked 'recording contract' with BMG Africa!!!
Konnections : What are the 3 most memorable moments in your career?
Dare: Hard to come up with...every moment has been defining. I would say my leaving radio to do PF. My debut album launch and the success of my debut videos 'Escalade' (award winning), ' Fuji ' and ‘Original Naija' (which President Obasanjo loves very much I hear)
Konnections : If you could sing a duet with any one in the world, who would you choose?
Dare: Hmnnn....tough one! Maybe Aretha, Beyonce or Christina! Not quite sure who I would choose.
Konnections : What was it like recording 'From Me 2 U' and what has the response been so far?
Dare: Not easy at all. It took a while to compile but God saw us through. The response has been great, but I think it's been a platform to get better at my craft.
Konnections : What are your hobbies?
Dare: Basketball, tennis, pool, swimming, driving fast cars, riding even faster motorbikes, creating things, thinking of new ideas and travelling.
Konnections : Lots of kids want to be musicians, what is your advice to them?
Dare: Stay in school first, pray to God to keep you safe and sound, follow your dreams, learn more about the aspect of music you want to delve into and most importantly be persistent and consistent!
Dare Art Alade….. daring to be different 