Soultan Abdul started singing at an early age of 11, way back in Arabic school in Kaduna where he learn the skills of Arabic notes which is mostly found in his vocal style. He became a strong and versatile performing musician. His first demo was recorded in Kaduna, which he brought to Lagos in his quest for limelight. He got signed on to salt records in 1998 with a hit single titled, ‘Any how you want it,’ which received a massive airplay on both radio and Television stations.
This created a platform that got him nominated to take part in the team song for the under-21 world cup, tagged, Nigeria 99, which he did in an outstanding manner, singing the Hausa lines. The Soultan, a.k.a. The Prince of the North bares his soul about his experience, “It is quite interesting. Let me start by telling you a short story. How I managed to debut my album. I have encountered some difficulties by the record company at that time, being my earlier times.”
According to him, the outstanding performance in the World Cup team song he featured in alongside top Nigerian artiste like Sir Shina Peters, Stella Monye and Orits Wiliki gave him an eventual breakthrough. “I happened to be recognized and signed by so many record studios. I got another record label, Cowrie Music, owned by Orits Wiliki, said the master of the Ibro records.
Abdul’s track of record is quite overwhelming. After staying for about two years with Cowrie Music, Soultan moved from Lagos back to Kaduna where he successfully recorded another hit single with Ibro Records. His single, ‘Nigerian girl’ became popular in the north, as well as ‘Tazama,’ which got him performing in events.
After this success,? he had to go back to Lagos, is the centre base of Nigerian music industry, where he met yet other producers including James Elukpo who made most of his production arrangements, as well as dishes out several songs expected in his forthcoming album. These include ‘Halima,’ produced by Emeka Phat-E, featuring Buckwylla, and ‘Welcome to the club,’ produced by Kesh, featuring Ruggedman, which are already making waves on the media network. “Other producers I worked with include Rymzo, Kani, J-Adict, etc. The videos were also shot and directed by Bobby Hai of Sauti Cenemaz who is currently managing my affairs under Sauti Phasaha group,” Said Soultan.
What are his most memorable experience in the industry? The star who ruled to box office with critically acclaimed singles as well as blockbusters catering to larger audiences said “My experience in the music circle has always been very challenging. Challenging in the sense that one has to work hard to remain on the spotlight. I do my song-writings and arrangements at times with the help of my producers, who ensure my successes and stuffs like that. They help in supporting the use and application of proper instrumentations to get the right and well-meaning end result.” He concluded, noting “…It’s also been very interesting and full of fun as you get to meet with great artistes, performers and producers.”
Soultan Abdul, who uses his type of music to ‘stem the tide’, makes the Hausa genre to be a blend of traditional music with a fusion of the more than English genius. Also when asked about his? unique dress code or emblem, he said, “I have a style that is unique with its kind of flavour. I sing about reality, love, peace, inspirational to motivate the weak to be strong, for the hopeless to have hope. etc. My uniqueness in dressing is outstanding, especially this special cap made of material that looks like a Giraffe skin. I wear it with passion and with anything I choose to wear, depending on the outing, but my major brand of costume of regalia is the local ‘Kaftan’ like kind of attire made from ‘Shadda’ materials, brocade, etc.”
There are so many intrigues and misconceptions about artistes to the extend that some people stigmatise them. Soultan, who has a mind like ‘steel trap’ said “artistes or musicians are usually seen differently from normal everyday people. They are kind of different professions, but that depends on what you do and how you do it, depending on values you attach to your content of philosophy in what you do musically, “…and as for me Alhamdulillah, it’s been rewarding because I have chosen to be a worthy ambassador and society takes me as I am.”?
Speaking on collection of his albums, he said he has about five recorded CDs now and have worked with great people like. Lemy Jackson, Segun Samuel Bashegs, OJB Jezreel, Rymzo, Orits Williki, Shina Peters, Phat E, James Elukpo, Ibrahim Yunusa, my C.E.O, Idris Usman Freshkid Bcbby, Haph Kesh and the host of others. “My biggest break was my performance on the theme song for World Cup hosted by Nigeria tagged: “NIG 99.” I sang the Hausa, alongside Shina Peter, Mike Okri, Orits Wiliki; my boss, etc. Besides I had a song tittled, ‘Duniya Labari,’ ‘Tazama,’ ‘Nigerian Girl,’ ‘Assalamu alaikum,’ etc.”
Although still bubbling, his aspirations are a million tonnes in one simple word: “To achieve greatness, to build an empire that will positively affect generations after generations. And
I would want to be remembered for my powerful messages and positive legacies.”
“Presently, I am working hard to promote my new CD which features great stars like Ruggedman in a song titled ‘Salamu alaikum,’ whose video was shot and directed by Bobby Hai, and a song titled ‘Halima’ ft BUCKWYLLA video also shot and directed by Bobby Hai and my main joker, a song titled ‘Aboki Party’ featuring Bobbi Hai video shot and directed by Bobby Hai. I will like to tell my fans that this project is massive, so they can rest assured they won’t be disappointed,” he said while shedding more light on his blockbuster.
On the advice to northerners, especially the upcoming artistes, he said? “My advice to northerners is that we need and have to put the interest of the region at heart and uphold it, to regain its integrity, credibility and dignity. We have to make peace and unity a basement and also the pillar in which we stand to project, protect and move forward. Nigeria is one and indivisible entity. GOD will help us but we must help ourselves.
“To the upcoming artistes, they should keep up to their producers’ words and be very well committed with interest and objective minds. They should know that nothing good comes easy, so they should be prepared, get themselves educated. It will help harness their talent and open their minds to the realities of life. Never be retarded by any jinx. It takes bravery to conquer and strength; courage to rise when you fall because the world is a jungle but we all will survive it.” Said the Prince of the North.
What are his words to his fans? “To my fans, you are a source of inspiration to me because knowing you are there makes me more creative and determined to create and make good music jus to keep you satisfied. I really appreciate your care, love and appreciation for me, ‘Allah Ya bar zumunci, na gode.’”
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