How to position your music career for growth as an Up-and-Coming Artsit in Nigeria -Chisom ”Straighttopgas” Ukaegbu – Chisom ”Straighttopgas” Ukaegbu –

let’s get to meet you. Tell us about yourself and your background

My name is Chisom Ukaegbu better known as Straighttopgas I’ve been doing Afrotrap/Afrosounds as an up-and-coming artist for quite some time now. Music has always come naturally to me since the age of seven.

What inspired you to Music? How has the journey been so far?

Music has always been my way of expressing myself. Because it comes very naturally to me, I get my inspiration from people, and daily happenings around me and I want my content to be a source of reflection on the positives of life. The journey so far has been exciting as I have milestones to celebrate but the projection is still further away and it would span through a lifetime.

Can you tell us about the hurdles you faced in the beginning, how were you able to overcome them, and how they shaped your career path

The most energy-draining and pathetic aspect of starting my music career is problems such as a stable team. Where to start from and how to get my music out to the world. Starting up as an independent artist is probably the most difficult task to accomplish in life it’s frustrating. I have learned that positive collaborations and getting mentorship are key to my growth as an artist. I have been honing my skills and talent as well as insights into how to create my brand and project transferable talent

What would you aspire to achieve at the apex of your career as a musician

I want to keep growing as an artist and focus on being unique with my style.  I would want to touch the world with my music. Aside from the economic values, I would want to be a world ambassador of peace and love. We are living in a time when music has become a powerful tool in breaking so many divides across all borders

Nigeria is blessed with a lot of talented artists and producers with international recognition, what kind of role do you think they should play in mentoring and coming artists and growing the industry

I would like them to remain intentional in guiding and mentoring the up-and-coming artists and help sanitize and regulate the industry. The industry has a lot of talented people and has become a source of livelihood for a lot of people locally and internationally. I would also like the government to create a pathway where people can get a formal education to back up their talent and facilities to support the harnessing of their talents.

Who is the artist local and international that influenced your style of music? If you could perform with someone, who would it be?

I’ve worked with the likes of El Corizo and I am looking forward to working with Jay Mavin. I’m currently cooking up some good pieces of stuff with BANDPLAY from Paper Route Empire Chicago who is signed under the late rap legend Young Dolph.

Aside from Music, do you have other interests in the value chain of entertainment that you might want to explore in the future?

In as much as I respect different professions and the difference they make in society; I am solely focused on my Music. I would aspire to have a lifetime of doing music

What should your fans, Nigerians, and the rest of the world expect from you shortly?

Shortly, the expectation is to continue to explore the music world and create an Afrocentric brand that is relevant and influential globally and locally