Singer, songwriter, and music producer Alex Okoroigwe, popularly known as Alex O, has said that he made a promise to his family before pursuing a career in music.
In an interview with QEDNG publisher Olumide Iyanda, Alex O revealed how his family’s influence played a crucial role in shaping his career.
Reflecting on his journey, he recounted how his music dominated the airwaves in the 80s and 90s, with his songs being a staple at every party of that era.
One of his popular tracks, ‘Celebrate,’ was inspired by a peculiar trend he noticed among young women at the time.
According to Alex, many women celebrated their birthdays multiple times within a single year.
“During that time, a lot of young girls were celebrating their birthdays two to three times within a year.
“All they needed to do was catch a wealthy man and say, ‘My birthday is coming up,’ even if they had just celebrated one two months ago.”
Alex O revealed that while recording the song, he wanted to add a humorous touch.
“I thought, what do I put here? Yes, the birthday song. The girls from Unilag used to do these things, so I incorporated that into the song,” he explained.
The song became an instant hit, resonating with listeners across the country. Alex reflected on the widespread popularity of the track, noting that it marked the first time pidgin rap was incorporated into a song.
However, despite the success and fame, Alex O was mindful of staying true to the values instilled in him by his family.
“During that time, we were just doing whatever felt right, but I was always conscious of what my family might think. I made a promise to them before I ventured into music, and that kept me in check,” he shared.
He elaborated on the promise, explaining that the prevalent lifestyle in the music industry at the time, often involved drinking, smoking, and womanising.
Alex assured his family that he would not indulge in such behavior and he remained committed to that promise.
The artiste recounted his first major performance in Owerri, where he invited his elder sister to sit on stage as he performed.
“Everyone was coming to greet her, and I said, ‘Yes, this is the woman who brought me up and taught me everything.’ She was very happy,” he recalled.
The show was so well-attended that it caused traffic gridlock.
Alex O shared that he performed in various cities, including Lagos, Jos, Port Harcourt, Warri, and Aba.
He concluded the interview by expressing gratitude for the blessings that have come his way, acknowledging the divine guidance that helped him navigate the challenges of the music industry.
“When someone says God does not answer prayers, I tell them that He does,” Alex O affirmed.
“Because without Him, it wouldn’t have been possible at all. It was too much work to do on my own”
