Styl Plus first came on the music scene with their hit,
Olunfnmi. After a short hiatus, they are back with their latest single, Alive.
Why did you leave the music scene?
Tunde: Well, it’s almost the general perception that we left
the scene but we didn't. We've been through lots of phases and it so happens
that the last album heard from Styl-Plus was Back and Better which also
coincides with the termination of the working relationship with our former
management. That was 2007. In 2009 an eleven-track album was released titled Unbreakable
which wasn’t properly publicized. Late 2011, we started a new working
relationship with our present management company. This is 2012 and Styl-Plus is
ready to bring the fans even closer with constant release of unique musical
materials which is one of the things we are known for.
What were you all doing during your hiatus?
Shifi: Everyone was taking time to develop their individual
business ideas.
Zeal: I focused on my travel business and also explored
being an actor.
How has the music industry changed since your last album
came out?
Tunde: One change I've seen is the importance of social
media platforms with regards to music on the global scale because presently,
the internet is the biggest portal for information dissemination and public
awareness.
What should we expect from you this time?
Shifi: A blend of our RnB technique with trending music styles
and a diversity in production and collaboration.
Tunde: Styl-Plus has evolved over the years so I believe you
will be seeing a new Styl-Plus this time around. Expect the unexpected so don't
be surprised at the direction we will be following with the calibre of material
we will soon be churning out very soon.
Do you have any singles currently out? What is/are their
names?
Shifi: We have a single called Alive that just came out.
It’s a blend of RnB and electronica.
When is your next album due?
Shifi: The next album should be ready around the end of this
year. We have already recorded a lot of songs but we want to keep going and
pick the ones we feel best represent what we're trying to portray musically.
There'll be collaborations with some of the artistes we admire but we'll keep
that cat in the bag for now. We'll work with as many producers as possible for
variety in sound such as Jesse Jagz, Dr Frabz, OJB, Wizboy, Knighthouse etc.
What messages do you try to pass across in your music?
Tunde: We try as much as possible to be as realistic as
possible so most of our messages are based on what we feel either individually
or as a group. We try also to make sure our music can be played in homes
without a need to censor it for minors.
Which award(s) would you most like to win?
Shifi: A Grammy, I guess, is not a bad idea
Zeal: For someone to walk up to us and say that your song(s)
helped me through a difficult period or changed my life, that’s an award I
won’t forget in a while but the occasional Grammy/MAMA/NMVA or Headie is not a
bad idea (big grin).
Tunde: I guess the Grammy and the MTV music awards are top
on my list not undermining the importance of the local awards back here in
Nigeria after all charity begins at home.
In what way(s) would you like the Nigerian music industry to
improve?
Shifi: Like we all say, we'd like a situation where our
intellectual property is properly protected by law and the enforcement of same,
such that artistes can fully benefit from their craft like a proper
royalty-collection and all.
Where do we see you in another four years?
Shifi: By God's grace, still putting harmony parts together
around the world…
Tunde: I see myself not on the same spot in the next four
years but closer to my dreams of being globally accepted as a music-maker for
serious minded people.
Zeal: Changing lives through music.
