Don Jazzy Set Me Up - Kelly Hansome

He is one of Nigeria’s finest musician and producer. Many see him as controversial. In this rare interview with Augustine Ogwo, Kelly Hansome opens up on the Kelly Vs Mo’hits Police case, his music, the recent accusations made against him and more. This interview is nothing but revealing. Enjoy after the cut.

Big Boss Kelly, where have you been?

Been underground hustling, trying to double my money and strengthen my entertainment business connect. Also been tirelessly and creatively working on timeless hit songs. Little investments here and there.

Can you let us in a bit on your educational background?

I studied Computer Science at Madonna University, Okija.

You are known as a peace ambassador, how do you reconcile that with the controversies which have trailed your career?

Guess it comes with success and fame, little things become big things, haters and critics multiply as well as friends, well wishers and fans. Even Michael Jackson who spent all his life trying to heal the world world with his music and money had a lot of controversies, to mention but a few. As you're over there planning and working hard to succeed, someone else is over there planning your failure. I am only human so I can't please everyone.

In the recent past, you did a wonderful song, ‘Jesus is My Iroko’. How religious is Kelly Hansome?

I come from a strong catholic background but I do not segregate when it comes to religion cos there are countless gods but is only one true GOD who is, was, and forever will be. In him alone I trust.

You have been dropping singles intermittently; however your fans seem to be wanting more and more. Do you have any new album in the offing?

Yeah but like Dr DRE would say, taking my time to perfect the beat. I'm on it.

Some months ago, it was reported that Mo’hits Records filed a legal suit against you over the use of the ‘Feeling Good’ beat originally employed by 2face and D’banj. What was the true story?

Well they invited me over to a police station and like every responsible citizen I went over there with my Lawyer and we resolved the issue even though they handled it foolishly like coming with some old poorly dressed lawyer who claimed to be a SAN while he was an ordinary charge and bail lawyer. They published in the papers that I was arrested and bailed myself with 800 thousand Naira which was false because in the very first place, bail is FREE in Nigeria. When the matter got to the powers that be, they requested that everyone who was involved in that case report to the headquarters since the papers said I paid to bail myself. Guess they were trying to create the impression that they really dealt with me but eventually got themselves into bigger trouble which would have cost the innocent police boss in charge of the police station his job before he pleaded that I should go on radio and tell everyone that I was never arrested and charged for bail. When Jazzy saw the direction the case was going, he quickly opened up to say they never arrested me and bla bla bla. He and one of his girlfriend had previously set me up with a stolen laptop which landed me in SARS Abuja but God vindicated me after-all. There are lots of dirty untold stories that the public do not know about and I won't want to go into right now but all I have to say is, the people you respect and see as clean might be the riding dirtier than you can ever imagine. Time will tell the rest.

Being a top notch producer, what’s your favourite instrument?

I love the DRUMs.

I belong to your very large fan-base, any plans for a fan club?

I have one on Facebook(Kelly Hansome Fanclub) and I am working on something bigger and better. I love my fans and I remain loyal to them.

Talking about club, which football club do you support?

Arsenal, I'm a GUNNER for Life!

Can you tell us one strange fact about the brand Kelly Hansome?

One strange fact about Kelly Hansome is that till date he has not received a single cheque from his 'MAGA DON PAY' album. Funny huh?lol

It was largely reported by a section of the media that you beat up a press man for publishing filthy news about you. What’s your take on this?

There was no such thing as beating him up. I don’t take laws into my hand.

If you must feature just one Nigerian musician on your album, who will that be and why?

9ice, he is deep and Original. He is to the Yorubas what I am to the Igbos...

What’s your favourite drink?

Fresh pineapple juice

Let’s say reincarnation exists, which female celebrity would you reincarnate as?

Enya

How do you think the piracy scourge can be curtailed?

I think the first step is for the piracy and copyright laws should be strengthened and the government should invest in entertainment, set up an active and credible anti piracy task force to monitor marketers, arrest and prosecute those involved in PIRACY.

So many young musicians are cropping up every second, what advice do you have for them?

Keep your head up, believe in God and your talent then always remember that it's not just about the music but the business as well so don't sign any dotted lines without consulting a lawyer, no matter how excited or lucky or frustrated you feel to avoid regrets.

Where do you see Kelly in a decade?

Echi di Ime'Time will tell.

Thanks for your time Boss.

In other gist, Marcus Chuks the embattled reporter (from Entertainment Now) who was allegedly beat up by Kelly Hansome says in the voice-note below that no such thing transpired. He had earlier reported tat Kelly Hansome was seen at a function begging movie producers for roles. He commended Kelly for showing so much maturity and appears to be apologising to Kelly. Kelly Hansome also says that sites like Talkofnaija, Naijapals, Nigerianfilms shouldn’t be taken seriously. He is very bitter that reporters drop news items without investigating properly.

Download the voice note Here

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