interview by Uzo Daniels
April 9, 2019
Meet Brainee, The young rapper with a style that embodies all genres of Nigerian music.
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interview series: detailing the creative journey of young nigerian minds.
Brainee’s forced his way into the music industry by winning multiple talent competitions. His story is a similar one to a lot of acts but also peculiar one as he’s trying to successfully balance school life and artist life without completely sacrificing one for the other. We sit down with the young rapper to discuss his journey so far.
amped: Your birth name is Ifeanyichukwu David Bryan Onoka, can you briefly explain the transition to Brainee the artist?
Brainee: My transition from “David” to “Brainee the artiste” was as a result of my poetic prowess back in secondary school. I was also part of a defunct music group called “Forge empire” and my name was “Brainy Forge”. When I decided to do music professionally, I decided to go with the name Brainy but this time with “EE”.
amped: Your moniker is “Mr One Time” how did that come about?
Brainee: Most of my foremost songs and covers had the “Onetime” voice tag in the beginning of the songs and it was only natural for people to call me Mr. Onetime as years went by plus I had a popular pose back in Unilag called the "OnetimePose" which most students were quite familiar with.
amped: When did you start making music?
Brainee: Unprofessionally for 6 years now, Professionally 4 years now and that’s because after the I won the Pepsi Top Ten Chart show in December 2014, I decided to take it up professionally.
amped: Who are your musical influences?
Brainee: Sarkodie, Vector, M.I, Yemi Alade, Wande Coal, Wizkid and Burna Boy. I’m sure you’re wondering how these people have influenced me musically.
amped: Your latest single “Gbese” is a song made for Zanku What would you describe your sound as?
Brainee: In it’s essence, I will say my music is conventional and I feel that is as a result of my versatility.
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amped: You’re currently working with Rebel Movement, how is that experience, considering they have worked with huge artists like Waje and Yemi Alade?
Brainee: With Rebel Movement, it’s been work, self development in all ramifications and progress, not forgetting the God factor of course.
amped: Should we be expecting an album or a project up next?
Brainee: Yes of course, a mixtape is in the works and an EP hopefully should be out by mid-year.
