Gee Black: The Nitti-Gritty

GEEBLACK

Gabriel Egere –a.k.a.  Gee Black – makes no secret of his lifelong dream to conquer the world with his music. Eromo Egbejule and Ada Igboanugo report

With the sobriquet, Gee Black, the multi-skilled rapper, songwriter and producer – real names, Gabriel Egere –has his sights set at the zenith of the entertainment industry. “I do hip hop,” he says. “I like to add a little bit of my culture in everything I do. Some would call it Afro hip hop but to me hip hop has no other definition.”

Currently signed on to 704 Entertainment, his unending passion for music is propelling him towards carving a niche for himself in the Nigerian music industry. He had, as a young lad in the streets of Lagos, taught himself how to sing and had like virtually every other superstar been a chorister at his local church.

On his sources of inspiration, he cites such music stars as Tuface Idibia, Dare Art-Alade, Asa and Femi Kuti. Also listed among his influences are Nas, Tupac, Busta Rhymes, Wu Tang Clan, P Diddy and Notorious BIG.

Asked the controversial age-long question on who between Eminem, Nas and Jay Z is the best rapper, he quips: “Inasmuch as I have great respect for these three names, I think Eminem is the best rapper of the three. I grew up listening to them. Nas inspired me a lot but Eminem is just uniquely different.”

He, however, would rather crown Cassidy, not Eminem, as currently the best rapper alive. Why? “He is incredibly good. No question about it.”

Gee Black has some good words for the Nigerian entertainment industry, which he believes is growing.  “The Nigerian music industry at the moment is the fastest growing sector in the country and in Africa and this is very glaring to the world. I believe in the Nigerian music industry and the talents here.”

He hopes to work with first-rate artistes like Flavour, OritseFemi, Shank, Wizkid and others, in the coming days.
His official debut single, “My Baby “on which he features pop artiste, Jazzy – made popular by his infectious hook on rapper, Vector’s hit, Mr Vector – was recently released and is already getting positive reviews from critics and fans alike. This is alongside encouraging radio airplay.

There’s more to come from his “goody bag”, he promises. A mix tape is in the works and there are talks of an album project scheduled for release early next year.

He has already hit the ground running, with several performances at shows and festivals – the standout ones being the Calabar Carnival and Opa Williams’ Nite of A Thousand Laughs.

How does he draw inspiration? “Listening to good music of different genres inspires me as well as Nature.”