Savage Xtra

Uche Barry Nwachukwu, known by his stage name “Savage Xtra,” is a singer-songwriter, and performer whose music radiates hope and resilience. His infectious beats and uplifting messages have the power to brighten lives and inspire dreams, leaving an enduring legacy in the hearts of all who hear his sound and melodies.

Savage Xtra’s creative process involves a harmonious collaboration with his producer, transforming his ideas into soul-stirring lyrics. His breakthrough song, “Left and Right,” holds a special place in his heart, exuding peace and joy, and inviting listeners to lose themselves in its infectious rhythm.

On June 6, Savage Xtra released his highly acclaimed sophomore album, YBD: Young, Blessed & Dangerous. Deeply influenced by his experiences growing up in Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, and the sounds of music icons like Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, 2face Idibia, Burna Boy, and Wizkid, his music resonates deeply with fans.

In this interview, Savage Xtra opens up to our correspondent about his life growing up on the streets, losing his father early, his motivation, his label, and what’s next for him.

Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell them what you do?

My name is Uche Barry Nwachukwu, popularly known as “Savage Xtra” or “Religious Fela”. I see myself as a street urchin who grew from the concrete jungle and became a beacon of hope and a symbol of resilience for my hood and all those struggling around Nigeria. I am from Ehime, Mbano,

You call yourself “Religious Fela”, why? How did that name come about?

Religious Fela is an alternative name that I have that helps me to define the area of Afrobeat that I’m coming through with. I’m also a great believer of FELA who invented Afrobeat and its greatness to even tap into his name. I’m Religious Fela (RF) and that is to say, I’m a different type of FELA.

Who is SAVAGE XTRA? Why the name SAVAGE?

SAVAGE XTRA is a street soldier who believes in the traditional spirituality of our chi and gods. I believe that as long as you keep your hands clean and do good it will always come back to you. I am on a journey to show every street hustler out there that as long as there is life there is hope.

I like the “Savage” part, it helps to define 50% of my personality, and the “Xtra” finished it up because I don’t care about what people say about me, and starting my music career I had people who didn’t like it and who said a lot of funny things and I think the name suited me for the task ahead and the journey I was embarking on.

Tell us about your childhood and your struggles growing up.

Being raised in Oyigbo Rivers state taught me that you just can’t give up because the world is too big and you never know where your journey is going to lead you. My childhood and struggle are centered on hope, it’s very rough but it’s centered on hope, the hope of the good things tomorrow will bring once we persevere.

I have come a long way from the struggles of belonging, strategizing, and targeting the Nigerian/African/global market.

How do you handle the pressure that comes with being a fast-rising artist? What are your expectations as an artist?

Like I previously said, I’m not here to chase clout or follow trends. I see myself as a one-man army and I carry my craft wherever I go.

Your first album had over 23 tracks, why was that? What will you call your genre of music?

My debut album had 23 tracks and that was because I had all that music to put out and I needed to empty my shelves for a new beginning. So I thought what better way than to use my first album to set a great foundation for myself before any other person because I listen to my first album almost every day and I enjoy what I hear every day. Besides, having a big and versatile catalog is always a plus.

I am a performer first of all, but I want to be seen as an Afrobeat artist because most of the songs I put out have an Afrobeat foundation. I know I do a little bit of trap but then I have more Afrobeat music and I believe in Afrobeat so much.

What’s your motivation when you are in the studio making music?

My music is centered around real life and things I have gone through, the things I’m experiencing, and the things I’m looking forward to. Making my music is very easy because I know where my life is going and I just talk about the things that have made it easier and a little bit rough for me. I’m also trying to make music that the hood can also relate to.

As an artist, my mindset is focused on using my music to spread positive energy and to touch lives positively too.

What’s your reason for making music? What do you aim to achieve and where do you see your career in the next 5 years?

I do music because it’s my talent and my passion. I want to use my art to bring about change and to touch lives. I want to be the reason youths in Oyigbo will not give up.

So far you have released several videos for some of the songs on your album you just released a new video for SANKO off the album. Should your fans expect more videos?

Yes, the vision for this project is more like this 2024 is going to be the year that my fans are going to see me and they are going to see me in different ways. That’s where we are focusing. The goal is to be in their face till they get tired of me (hehehehe)

Looking back and seeing how far you have come, is there anything you would do differently given the chance? Do you have any regrets?

I live a life of no regrets. When/if I make mistakes I learn from it and move on. I just focus on the future which I believe is always greater than the past or what’s lost. Everything I did in the past is what is supposed to happen and I don’t think there’s anything I would have done differently that’s why I am here right now at this moment.

What are your plans for the future? You have been doing media tours to promote your album. Are you planning any club or campus promotional tours?

Yes, we are planning a campus tour and also a club tour. We are currently making arrangements and fine-tuning the logistics and itinerary, and all things being equal this should kick off before the end of the year

You have your label imprint. Are you looking to partner with any label or do you intend to keep doing it independently?

Yes, I have my imprint. I also have other artists signed to the label. I’m open to partnership as much as it comes, but currently, I have not gotten what I feel suits the high standards I hold for myself.

What’s your greatest fear as an independent artist? What advice do you have for upcoming artists like yourself?

My greatest fear as an independent artist is the fear of losing it all or waking up in the morning and saying I’m not doing this anymore because being an independent artist is very tough. Sometimes you get testy and a little bit touchy when doing it alone, especially during the lows.

My advice for upcoming artists is, to keep going and never give up on your dreams. Troubles might last for a while but joy comes in the morning.

Do you write all your songs yourself?

Yes, I write all my songs myself at this time but maybe in the future, I will collaborate with writers. Presently, my struggles so far are more of a personal experience and so I feel I alone can express it best at this time.

What’s next for SAVAGE XTRA after this album? What should your fans expect beyond 2024?

More music, more videos, more projects. The whole label is also dropping projects in the coming months. Consistency is the keyword, I intend to be consistent.

I see you have several collaborations on your album YBD. Which female and male artiste(s) do you look up to in the Nigerian music scene? Name two International artists you would love to collaborate with.

Currently, I look up to wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido because you can’t deny that they left a big blueprint for our upcoming acts, and every upcoming artist should look up to them

Asa and Tiwa Savage are people I listen to and enjoy their style of music. Two International artists I would love to collaborate with are Fredo one of my best rappers from the UK and Kanye West

How do you feel when people look down on you because of your struggles in life or when they refer to you as an upcoming artist, does it trigger or motivate you?

I think it’s better to start from somewhere and it’s better to be called an upcoming artist than nothing. An upcoming artist will always get past that stage and that’s the phase I’m in right now and what I’m pushing through. And in our life’s journey and experiences, one can’t take for granted the power of small beginnings. So it motivates me when people call me an upcoming artist, it drives me to achieve rather than trigger me