Artist Interview : FIMTVBlog Interview With Musti

*Can we get to know you?* 

I am *Audu Mustapha*, Better known by my stage name as *Musti*. A singer-songwriter,recording artiste and a fashion designer. I'm a native of Hausa from Kano state in the Northern part of Nigeria, but I was born and brought up in the hearts of Warri in Delta State 

*When and why did you start playing?* 

Well, I started singing at a very tender age, and took music to the professional level when I discovered I have passion for it, It's a feeling I just can't resist. Its been years now. 

*Which instruments do you play and What was the first tune(s) you learned?* 

I love the piano, and I dabble a little on it. I've not really played for some time though, so basically my voice is the one instrument I play for now. But I plan to go back to it soonest. 

*Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?*

 I admire Wizkid. I love his confidence,carriage,and the strength in his voice,the way he makes music,his performing skills. There are others too I admire, like 2face,Bruno Mars,Justin Bieber,Sean Kingston, just to mention a few. 

*What are your fondest musical memories, In your house, In your neighborhood or town?* Well, my fondest musical memories would be during my high school days. That's basically where I nurtured my interest for singing and writing. I can still remember some of those songs I wrote then, some just make me laugh when I sing them now, but they also remind me that life is a process. We grow and become better everyday if we are determined and hardworking. 

*Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?* 

Sure I was, can't remember them right now, but so many of them. Those days I would record on my dads radio cassettes and whenever he found out, chaii! For real That always got me in so much trouble. But those days were fun. *smiles*

 *Have you been in competitions? Any prizes?* 

Well not really though.

*Do you get nervous before a performance or a competition?* 

*Laughs* Getting nervous goes with stage performance. But however nervous I may get sometimes, I never loose confidence. I just believe am not alone, 

*What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous?* 

Well, I'll simply tell them to get used to it, because its normal. Some persons may think being nervous might imply that you're not good enough, but that's not correct. Even great musicians and performers do get nervous, I've listened to several of their interviews. So my advice would be, get used to it. There's nothing wrong with being nervous, just find a way to control it, if its by praying or whatever works for you. But remember, never loose your confidence. 

*What do you practice - exercises, new tunes, hard tunes, etc.?* 

I practice everything, Vocal Warm ups(exercises) new tunes, songwriting and the likes. These help me improve. 

*How do you balance your music with other obligations - mate, children, job?* 

Balancing music with school and work, has not been easy, but God's been great on that part. In a few years, I'll be done with school and that won't be much of a challenge anymore. *smiles* 

*What have you been up to lately?* 

Well nothing much than just making good music. 

*That's to say we should be expecting something new from you?* 

Yea, well as a matter of fact just did a new joint with *Jesse Jagz* so we'd be coming through anytime soon. 

*Wow! So what's the tittle of the song and what's the concept?* 

Well the tittle of the song is *Dreams and Desires* and It's more about the youths I was actually inspired by the desperate minds of the youths to achieve their "Dreams and Desires" by any means possible ,but despite this fact the "Government" pays no attention to these youths, thereby leading to "Social Amenities" like Robbery , Prostitution , Online Fraud and so many more, some of the reasons why these happens is because,there are not enough jobs out there for the youths, most especially graduates after many years of schooling, well the song is more like a plea on behalf of the youths. I also describe "Dreams and Desires" as a song for the "Youths"