He readily cuts the picture of a confident guy who knows his onions and will ever pursue his dream at all costs.
The out and out Nigerian musician was in his element recently in an interview where he bares it all on his career projection and what’s been happening to him since he joined the fray. Popularly known with his stage moniker, the Delta state-born fledgling artiste is an interviewer’s delight any day. Excerpts…
Let’s meet you, who is Glenn Mena?
My full names are Akauveh Erumena Glenn, the second out of five children. I grew up in Warri, Delta State and I’m a graduate of Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, with BSc Honors in Business Administration. I’m a Nigerian contemporary musician. I’m as simple as I can be. What you see if what you get. However, I am a very rare gem, if I do say so myself.
How many years have you been active on the music scene?
My career kicked off officially towards the end of 2012, when I had my first big single, titled “Movement.” Basically, I have been into music almost all my life though.
What are the challenges you’ve faced?
The job comes with quite a number of challenges which ranges from finance, good record deals and dealing with different types of people.
Are you signed on to any label?
I’m signed on to Mask and Music Group. It is owned by me in partnership with Adeyemi Wahib, aka “Yemi Light.” Our outfit was born around 2015/2016.
What was the deal between you and HipTV that brought them to South Africa to interview you and how has the interview influenced your music?
There wasn’t any deal. They somehow found out where I was from a friend, Hitchens, and they showed up with cameras at my crib. It was a nice surprise and a very interesting experience, I must admit. That interview has really influenced my music in such a way that most people here took me and my craft a lot more serious after that happened. Shout out to HipTV for the pleasant surprise.
Tell us about your latest collaboration with Siviwe Smash?
I think Siviwe Smash is highly-talented in so many ways, as far as making music is concerned. He already put out the song and asked if I could be on the re-mix . I couldn’t say no, as the jam is too sweet and needed my bread, if you know what I mean, (Laughs.)
You seem to have achieved a lot in 2018, what are your plans for 2019; would you be doing more on your branding and music?
I try to make sure my music journey is always fun for me, as I think it would be pointless doing this without enjoying it. This year, 2019, should produce a lot of singles from Glenn Mena and most likely another EP.
We’ve seen your amazing work on Mask & Music Cut One, are we seeing the Cut Two anytime soon?
Yes, we should expect the “Cut Two” of the Mask and Music EP project this year. It will be another classic.
There was news about your duo with Jimoh Waxiu last week, what prompted the move?
The song with Waxiu is titled “Mind your business.” We had to push it forward, as we haven’t gotten the best mix for the piece yet, because few loose ends still need to be tied. It was an interesting collaboration nonetheless.
Do you still have plans of working with your former manager again in the future? And how was your last working relationship with the Governor’s daughter?
I have had quite a number of managers here and there with each job description unique in their own way. However, I and my manager never stopped working together. A few people went on recess for a while, as my outfit had to undergo a little reshuffling, but everything is back on track now. My working relationship with “Olamide Alabi” was and still is an enlightening experience, and I don’t think she would like to be referred to as “the Governor’s daughter,” as she has a lot going on besides that. My working relationship with her turned out to be more of a family thing, as I became a part of her extended family, and they took me as their own throughout the duration of my contract and even till now.
There are also rumors that your long-overdue song with Dremo will be out on the 1st of April, is it true?
Yes, my song with Dremo will be out between the 28th of March and the 1st of April this year. You are right about the song being long overdue, (laughs.) I think it will be worth the wait and my fans will love it. It’s titled “Pull Up.”
If you were to give a piece of advice to emerging artistes , what would it be?
If you’re an emerging artiste, my advice to you will be to make sure your music/craft has YOU written all over it.
