Name/Age/Hometown

Yo! Can you imagine that 80% of my friends know me as ‘Fecko’? Lol. So for all those of who don’t know my real name, well I was actually christened Ifeanyi Chukwuebuka Ibegbunam and it’s been nearly two decades now, since I first cried as a baby. I’m from Oba town, Idelimili-South local government of Anambra State. So am what most of y’all would term as ‘Dat Ibo Boy’ even though I ain’t Illbliss. Lol

Who is Fecko?

Hmmh…I’ll say Fecko is a verbalist, lyricist, emcee and a diehard Hip-Hop head….I’m also a presenter on PowerHouseAfrica.com and the name of my show is Deep-Set with Fecko…..I’ve done a couple of video-taped interviews with Nigerian artistes like Banky W, Illbliss, Overdose and Modenine.
Before you got into Hip-Hop what were you doing?

I was into comics and story writing. Most of my high-school mates still remember me for that. Apparently I don’t really practice that anymore, but I hope my lost interest for visual arts will be rekindled someday. In fact I think that old part of me have started manifesting already, cos nowadays I often find myself designing graphic jobs for people.

What brought about the name “Fecko”?

It all started when I was junior high…most of my friends had crazy nicknames then, so I decided to come up with mine ‘Fecko’…like warri boys we no dey carry last…lol…So basically my nickname turned into my stage name…and I pitched my tents with it cos I felt it sounded on point and a bit Nigerian…though some of my friends in Europe kept telling me it’s Scandinavian, but who cares? Lol. It was later on I came up with the backronym: Formidable Emcees Can Knockout Obstacles. I also go by aliases like Feck, Raplogic, Tha Lyrical Soulja….and sometimes the ladies prefer calling me ‘Fecky’…lol.

Was there a moment when you realized that hip-hop is what you really love doing?

Yeah! When I was in Junior Secondary School, it got to a point when my concentration for logarithms, matrix, trigonometry, science and stuff dropped a bit….all because of my love for hip-hop…at that time English language became my favorite subject in school….perhaps I discovered it was related to hip-hop….but later on I learnt how to fuse all those other topics with hip-hop….and subsequently my enthusiasm for the art became stronger cos I later realized that hip-hop was also education.

What prompted you to rep the mother land?

A lot of people will also share your opinion…but you see….am a homegrown Nigerian emcee….So I guess that’s what really prompted me to rep Africa…..and I must admit that I really like what most South African emcees/rappers like Proverb, Howza and HHP are doing…If African countries can unite and work together on various projects, then of course the industry will become bigger and better

What will you like to see changed in the music industry?

Like I said before, it’s possible to have a United States of Africa with an identity in the entertainment world, rather than always emulating and imitating the United States of America in that aspect. First and foremost, there should be unity within African artistes. Also, if you’re a label owner, show promoter, DJ or in any position to help an upcoming artiste, please don’t hesitate to do so. Like my sister from another mother, Asha, will say – no one knows tomorrow. Then the issue of piracy should be tackled once and for all. In Nigeria for example, it’s pathetic to know that artiste don’t really earn a lot from album sales – most performers depend solely on shows to survive, which shouldn’t be so. The government should also assist the industry in raising the bar of the game.

Fecko x Terry da Rapman – Nollywood

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It has come to my notice that you are working on an album, what is the title and when is it dropping?

Yes boss! You’re right, am currently working on an album. For now, it’s tentatively titled “The First Impression”. I already have two singles on air off the album titled Phunky Somethin and Nollywood featuring Terry da rapman. Please y’all should request for them on radio. I’m still recording though, but I hope to drop my album by 2010.

Any insight into what the content might look or sound like?

Hmmmh…By the grace of God y’all should be expecting nothing short of a whiz-bang hip-hop presentation that will be more toxic than Agent Orange….You can call it a true skool classic….lol…I’m gon’ be working with various talented homegrown and international artistes on the project….So y’all should look out for it….It’s gon’ be hot!

What do you think separates you from other artists around at the moment?

I’ll say my courage, tenacity, style of expression and state of mind.

Who would you consider your peers or competition when we talk about hip-hop in Nigeria?

Lol….I don’t think am competing with anybody….Like Ruggedman said in his ‘Big Bros’ joint….When God say na you, na you my guy.

Who did you listen to growing up and Who are you listening to today?

Meennnn, the list is endless oo…right now I listen to artistes that challenge my intellect and artistry….but growing up, on the international scene, I listened to katz like KRS One, Outlaws, Eminem, Bone Thugz n Harmony, Rakim, Nas, Canibus and Jay Z….while back home, I felt Nigerian acts like Swat Roots, Trybesmen, Def’O Clan….and some might find this a bit strange…but I also listen to songs of these genres: Rock, Reggae, RnB, Jazz , Afrobeat, Kwaito and Pop…hence people like Fela, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Plantashun Boiz, R-kelly, Brenda frasier, Iyvone Chakachaka and Black Mamboza also inspired me while growing up.

If you could collaborate with any artist(s) (Dead or Alive), who would it be?

Uhhmm…that would be FELA, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Akon, Talib Kweli, Jozi, KRS One, Asha, Likin Park , Nas, Lupe Fiasco, Cold Play, Common, Jay Z, Will-i-am, Kanye West….I can go on and on my brother..

Do you have a favourite Fecko track? If so, what is it and why?

Over the years, I’ve discovered that am a perfectionist….therefore I can’t really say I have a favourite track of mine cos I keep getting doper each passing minute….

Would you call Terry Tha Rapman an elder brother?

Funny enough on several occasions a lot of people have told me that I look like terry tha rapman…..even at concerts some comperes and MCs introduce me as his younger brother…when I told terry about it, he was like….sometimes people tell him the same thing too…..well I’ll say Tha Rapman is one who’s conscious of the struggle of the upcoming Nigerian artiste, unlike some our maistream acts who undermine the confidence of the underground catz…..If you’re talented, terry is down to assist you in any way he can… so I guess it won’t be out of place to call terry tha rapman an elder brother….he acts like one sef….lol…as in the advice, motivation and support he gives to me can simply justify that.

Do you have a favourite Terry tha Rapman track?

If am to go by what I’ve heard so far, tentatively my favourite track by Terry tha Rapman would be “How Far” featuring Sound Sultan. Ever since the day I left Big Lo’s studio after terry recorded the track with Sultan, the melody of the song has been stuck in my head like a bullet in a skull. Though I might change my mind when his mixtape finally drops cos I heard some tracks off it that really made me wanna listen to the full mixtape immediately.

How is it going with you getting signed to Palmbeach Entertainment?

Well I aint offcially signed to the label yet, but I still have family ties with them, showbiz-wise. I really respect Ragga Remi and Mr Abiodun the CEO of PalmBeach. At the moment am working on my project alone. But if the need arises we’ll definitely continue our talks as per the deal.

Tell us a bit about Palmbeach Entertainment?

Don’t really have much to say about Palmbeach Entertainment. But all I can tell you is that the label is well-equipped in terms of facilities, expertise and finance.

any Shout Out?

Yes o! Big shouts out to my dear fans, my family, dem fellow hip-hop heads and my ex-girl friend. Lol. Sorry I mean all my beautiful African women, Una too much joo. And lest I forget, shouts out to you Dro. We need more people like you in the industry. That’s wussup! One love y’all!

That’s a question and answer with Fecko and y’all shout stop by his myspace page and show him mad love. And I am Dro Ameh repping for Nigerianhiphop.net.

Tags: Dro Ameh, Fecko