Mukhtar Imran also known as Uzzee de Don, is a Hausa hip-hop artiste, who is one of the pioneer pacesetters in the vibrant northern music industry. His multi-talented ability has earned him a stripe in the music world. He was born and bred in Zangon Kataf local government area of Kaduna state. This Kannywood’s Hip-hop master can be likened to famous Ludwig van Beethoven, a one-time great composer. ‘Need I say more? In this chat with Idris suleman bala daurawa, he bares his mind on his music and life; among other issues. Excerpts:?
Give us a flash into your world
I am Mukhtar Imran, popularly known as as Uzzee de Don. I am an indigene of Kaduna State from Zangon Kataf local government area. I had my primary education in my home town, then My Secondary education at Sardauna Memorial College (SMC) Kaduna, after which, I proceeded to Federal College of Education Zaria in 2003 and studied computer science.
In 2004, I got admitted in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi but was unable to complete my programme due to an accident, which forced me to return back home. After my recovery, I got another admission in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, where I graduated and currently undergoing my NYSC in Kaduna.
How did you come about the name Uzzee de Don?
(Laughter)? Since my childhood I strongly desired to be rich; I had an earthenware bank for saving any little money I get. I use the little money I save to move around with friends for pleasure and also buy clothes and other expensive stuffs. So, whenever I walk around town, people call me ‘Uzzee de Don’. Nowadays, if you mention my real name, many people will not relate it to me except you call me ‘Uzzee de Don’.
When did you start your career as a musician?
I have being in the field for precisely 10 years now; at the beginning I only write scripts for others, I was afraid at that time that my community would see me as a deviant if I sing. Eventually, I learnt that music is a powerful means of sending important information to the general public, it serve as a philosophical way of preaching and spreading words of wisdom.
I can remember those days that I and Adam Zango were addicted to music; in fact he (A. Zango) used to make local drum which he plays around.
What exactly influenced your music career?
Sincerely, it is just my passion for music that influenced me.
How many collections do you have so far?
It is not an easy task for one to tell, but my songs count up to 100, both Hausa and English.
Which among the songs is your favourite?
The song named ‘Rayuwa,’ which talks about the life of the youths, and how they can conform to good deeds. The song is my favourite, because it is specifically for the youths, I am always proud of it. It will soon circulate everywhere in Nigeria and abroad.
You always appear in your videos with Arabian garb ‘Ihram,’ what accounts for that?
I used the garb just for pleasure; it is my own kind of style as you can see every musician has his mode of dressing. So, using Arabian garb is my own mode of dressing. In the beginning I only use it in my videos, but it eventually turned out to be a way of life for me.
The garb also symbolises my person, it easily identifies me, all you need do when describing me is to say that musician that uses Arabian garb. Another interesting part of my dress sense is that a lot of youths have started imitating my mode of dressing.
What obstacles or challenges are you facing?
There are lots of challenges we go through as musicians such as Insufficient fund, which is the first basic obstacle we experience, sometimes you will write songs without a means of producing it. Another problem is getting a marketer to buy the master copy. These is not personal problems, almost every musician can prove me right on these. Also if you are a musician, people will say all sorts of things about you and label you wrongly.
What is your relationship with Adam A. Zango?
We are of same parents and had our childhood together. People in the community describe us as twin brothers, because we were very close.
There are musicians who have their scripts arranged by others, are you an exception?
Quite true, it does happen; but I write my scripts and voice it.
Can you explain the standard of music in northern Nigeria?
We have talented musicians here in the north, but lack of sponsorship is crippling them. Every artist is motivated to produce good work, which involves a lot of funds. The media is doing its best to promote us, they air our songs. Nowadays it is hard to find a complete Hausa song, which is not fused with English hip-hop. We are urging the government to contribute to the music industry for it to survive.
What are your ambitions as an artist?
To be a well known and influential artist, to a point that I am recognised as a household name in the industry.?? I want to own my own house and ride up and down in my own car. I always want to make my songs as pure as it ought to be.
Is there any benefit in music as a career?
Sure! You will be familiar with different people, famous, noble and a high ranked individual. For you to be popular and known is a blessing, everywhere you go people will want to be identified with you.
What about your status?
I am single, but I really want to have a soul mate, someone to call my wife.
Would you marry an artist?
I see nothing wrong with that if she will abide by my rules as her husband. The rule is simply for her to quit her career after marriage because I am very jealous. I will not tolerate people all around the world listening to her voice, when she is under my control as my wife.
Do you have any other means of accessing your songs?
Yes, of course it is right there on my website http://hu.ik/uzzee.
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