Michael Word made his debut in the music industry in 2004. In 2010, he released his radio hit single, “Do It For Love” and ever since, the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology graduate of pure and applied chemistry has worked with several artists in the industry, including eLDee and ex-beauty queen-turned-rapper, Munachi Abii.
Currently signed
to the London-based record imprint, RMG Company, the Kogi state-born
singer is pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Central
Florida while working on his debut album, ‘Euphony’.
How did you get into music?
I started singing
at a very tender age. I can’t be specific now but I have loved singing
ever since I can remember. My dad was a musician of sorts, not
professionally but he played instruments and he gave me piano lessons
from the age of five, although at that point, it felt like torture
because I really wasn’t interested.
My dad was an
engineer and he helped out in the local church with the music because
he played a couple of instruments and had a vast knowledge of music
theory. Then I joined a church choir and became the lead vocalist for
years. During this period, I worked as a vocal trainer and coach with
several churches, including Rhema Chapel’s mass choir, and the Redeemed
Christian Church of God’s choir. However, I picked up music as a career
option in 2004.
How do you get inspired for your songs?
Sometimes I get a
specific theme in mind, then I write around it, and sometimes a tune
just comes in my head and I develop it into a full song. It’s easier to
develop songs, tunes and ideas when one have the necessary skills or
training. I just keep it true to the music and try to make music that
speaks to me and hopefully it will speak to my audience.
Why did you study applied chemistry when you knew you had a passion for music?
I was a science student in high school and at that point, I wanted to be some kind of scientist or so I thought.
Do you hope to get a 9-5 job with your degree someday?
It’s a backup plan.
Music is a passion; it’s something I do whether or not I get paid. So I
figure I needed something secure. Now I’m into music full time,
although I got a couple months on my master’s program.
How far have you gone on your debut album?
It’s just a few
songs away from completion. I can’t be specific now but I have over
twelve songs, although some of them might not make it into the album. I
got quite a few collaborations already and then I’m recording a couple
more before it’s done. My album is entirely created by me but I am
working with other producers to create a diverse and more interesting
flavour.
If you weren’t doing music, what would you be doing?
Oh well if I wasn’t
doing music I’d be miserable but one must never say never, so I try to
be a realist as well as an optimist. And so maybe I’d have a white
collar job somewhere. I used to play basketball at my university; I
thought I might go pro after school but my passion for music overcame
that.
