Top rated saxophonist and multi-talented musician, Mike Aremu, is one of Nigeria’s foremost saxophonist and jazz musicians. Aremu, who made his debut with an album entitled Dance, under the Kennis Music imprint shared his over 15 years stage experience.
Could you remember the first time you played live on stage?
Well, because of the kind of music I play, it has been stage performance all through. I started at C&S were I was a jazz instrumentalist back-up but the first time I played as a professional was in 1999 when I launched my debut album at the Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Lagos.
What was on your mind when you went on stage?
I wanted to thrill my audience. I wanted to bless them musically. I wanted to leave them excited and above all, I wanted to give them my best.
Did you panic?
I have been a performer all along because I have always been on stage either as a back-up artiste or playing in one church or the other so I have never been afraid.
You use so much energy on stage, do you take stimulants?
No, I am high on the Holy Ghost. I don’t drink or smoke or even take any strong drink.
Aside your normal rehearsals, how do you prepare for a show?
Because of my kind of music which is multi dimensional, I try to figure out the kind of audience that I am playing for whether a church crusade or a wedding. Once I determine that I know the kind of songs to play.
Do you treat your voice or take anything to boost your performance?
No, I don’t treat my voice because I do more of blowing than singing but I practice at least an hour daily and I also go to the gym at least three times daily. I do more of cardio exercises which help the lungs. I do some jogging and lifting as well for stamina.
On the day of the show, what do you do?
I wake up at my normal time, stay focused, ponder over the show and make sure I eat light food. And my food must be at least two hours before the show. On getting to the back stage I try to figure out the kind of audience I am playing for before going on stage.
How do you relate with your male and female fans?
We have a nice and cordial relationship. For my secular fans I try as much as possible to serenade them and make them happy. But for my gospel fans, I make sure that somebody is inspired or lifted whenever I perform; I try to inspire them.
What crazy thing has a male fan done to you?
(Laughter) Whenever I remember it I just laugh. A male fan almost went physical with me at a show. He held me so tight in a firm embrace and wouldn’t let me go. He even tried to give me a peck and I did all I could to free myself from him.
Was he gay?
(Laughter) I don’t know but I think he was so excited and crazy over my music and believed that holding me close to himself was the only way to appreciate me.
What of female fans?
My kind of music will not allow them do any crazy thing to me on or off the stage. Besides, I try to free myself from any suspicious grip. Thank God I have been able to survive that.
So you have not been caught unawares?
Yes.
What about gifts?
Yes I have received a lot of gifts like wristwatches among others; a fan once gave me a Montblanc wrist watch.
No comments:
Post a Comment