I would have been a wood carver —General Pype

The name Ibrahim Majekodunmi may not ring a bell to many, but mention General Pype and immediately, the ‘Champion’ crooner comes to mind.  Raised in the ghetto, Pype’s style of music is nothing but fascinating. He speaks with  Doyin Adeoye, in this interview, about his career and soon to be released debut album, among other things.

How was growing up like for you?

Growing up for me was very engaging. It was interesting and I had really hard to forget moments, which has been so inspiring over the years.

What influenced the passion for music?

Music was more or less force-fed to me, because I remember as a child, there was a beer parlor next door to our house. So music was always around me and the passion for music just grew stronger and better over the years.

You started with an Acapella group, so what influenced the reggae genre?

The Accapella or classical music period in my life were the key elements to whom I am today, because I can comfortably do any genre of music because of the classical music training I had. However the love for reggae music is because of what it stands for, which is truth, unity, freedom and so on.

What influenced the name Pype?

I got the name Pype from my first manager, Ayodele Rotimi, back in the days. It stands for Prolific Youth Positive Entertainer and I love it because it is unique and unforgettable and it just stuck since then.

Reggae music, back in the days, focused more on the ills of the society, but over time, many artistes came up with lyrics to suit the rhythm. What exactly reggae is about?

Well, reggae music represents love, unity, peace, emancipation of the mind and the body. In short, reggae music is life. It is a beautiful genre of music that not so many understand.

You grew up in the ghetto and here you are today, how was the journey for you? 

It was not an easy road; it was everyday with a different task and purpose. The end of a journey is a beginning of a new race. But I thank God that through it all, it ended in praise.

People talk about the ghetto a lot, how hard can it be?

It is really a rough part and the basic issue for any talented youth in a ghetto in Nigeria is finding the right people to work with and a lot of financial empowerment. But through perseverance and hard work, some chains were broken forever and here we are today.

If it’s not the originals, that is Jamaicans; very few people can try reggae and be appreciated for it. You have done that, so how did you achieve it?

Sincerely, I also wonder myself, because the love is immeasurable. It is more than my expectation. However, I put the best of my ability into every single track I do and I think that has also paid off.

Your song ‘Champion’ was really accepted by many. What inspired it?

‘Champion’ was inspired by the countless stories of ordinary individuals who have achieved extraordinary things all over the world. It is a song of inspiration.

The song was used on the satellite DSTV Super Sports channel for commercials for that season and words went round that you weren’t paid for this. How true is it?

The words on the streets are very correct. However, there was nothing I could do about it. I counted my loses and moved ahead, because I realised that  had so much left inside of me that I couldn’t  afford to lose.

You featured Dagrin on the track and recently, shows were put together to mark his remembrance. What do you miss most about him and do you think there can ever be another artiste like him?

Only person like God no dey. There will always be people that will remind us of his unique talent. However, the love we shared can never be replaced and one thing I really miss about him is him calling me Baba Legba, Omo Ogun.

What prompted your move from Storm Records label?

There was nothing much to it really. It was just like when seeds break out of their shells for the beginning of a new lifespan. I felt the need to move on and I did.

Now you own Obalende Records, how is it running your own label?

Presently, I’m the only artiste signed to the label. But we are working with different artistes.

Dreadlocks are synonymous with many reggae artistes, why do you keep yours?

I would consider mine as a spiritual communication with my body and spirit.

Patoranking is also trailing a path in the reggae genre. What do you think of him? Any feeling of competition?

I know that Patoranking is very talented and hard working and we have a very good relationship. But no, there is no competition; I feel no level of competition with him, but rather a sigh of relief that we as a nation have started recognising the beauty of reggae and dancehall and I don’t have to perform alone at reggae or dancehall events.

You have done a lot of collaborations, more than many artistes have done. Why do you work so much with others?

Just like an artiste said some years ago, collabo self join for promo! We are all interdependent. We all need ourselves and as for who I will be working with next, I will keep everyone guessing.

How has life being as a father?

Fatherhood is the best exciting feeling ever. I love and enjoy the front row seat as I watch my son, Xavier, grow. It’s so life changing and fun.

You speak quite a couple of languages, what influenced the love this?

The love for languages has always been there. However, I can only speak Yoruba, Hausa, Swahili, Patois and English so far, and I’m willing to learn more.

How do you handle your female fans and what was the craziest thing one has ever done to you?

I appreciate both female and male fans without any form of disrespect or degradation, because they are showing their appreciation for what I do. And as regards the craziest thing a female fan has done, she insisted she was ready to marry me.

If you were not an artiste, what other field would you have delved into?

If I wasn’t a musician, I would definitely have been a wood carver or an artist.

You’ve worked with late gospel singer, Kefee before, what memories do you have of her?

Her death was a rude shock. I remember there was a time we recorded a song together on one of her albums and it was fun. She was very kind and graceful.

What next step is General Pype taking now?

My debut album drops in November, so people should watch out for that.

You’ve been in the industry for a long time, why are you just dropping a debut album?

Well I was supposed to drop my first album in 2010, but I had issues then with my record label and management team. So I had to let it go and put things in place. However, since I still had my materials, I had to plan over time, so as to give the best to the fans.

What is your fashion sense?

My dress sense is magnificently simple. It is just urban, trendy and simple.

What memorable moments do you have? 

That would be the day my son was born right before me. I will never forget that moment till I die.

What can’t you do without at any moment?

I can’t possibly imagine myself living in a world where singing is a crime or not allowed.

How do you relax?

I just watch movies and listen to good music.