Shina Peter's brother vows to revive juju

Juju is not dead

--Yomi Peters

Handsome Juju maestro, Yomi Peters, who has spent better part his life in United States recently relocated to Nigeria with the sole aim of redefining Juju. Prior to this his travels he was a was thought to be the sole competition for to his super star brother Shina Peters. This even led to a rift between the two. Yomi, however relocated to America, to continue his trade.  Despite the decline in the genre Juju, Yomi continues to stay true to his art form. He recently returned to the country to promote his lattest work. In this chat Hazeez Balogun, Yomi Peters gave us insight to his latest album, the genesis of crises between him and his elder brother, Sir Shina Peters and some sundry issues.
(read on)

 You recently returned from United States to promote your new work is there other reasons you came back?

You know having stayed abroad for years not looking back, I believe it’s time for me to return home and contribute my own quota to Juju music sector which has derailed over the years. My close observation on Nigeria music industry is that Hip Hop, RnB and Fuji music have taken over Juju music which is known to be one of the famous music sectors in the Nigeria Music Industry. So right now, we need to bring Juju music back to the consciousness of the youth. It is our music, our culture. My album has all the ingredient to lure the youth to Juju.

But really the genre is going out of fashion, do you think redemption is possible?

Though we still have some big horns on ground, like King Sunny Ade, Sir Shina Peters, Dr Ebenezer Obey playing Juju music but it’s still not as effective as before. And I think drastic measure has to taken in order to revive juju music. And more so, my return to the country is also part of the move because I really want to make statement with my new album in the Juju music genre.

You are a successful man, doing very well in United States, why did you return home leaving a well paid job In America to Nigeria with the sole aim of redefining Juju music in Nigeria.

Yes I‘ve been in United States for years is not in doubt but I’m right here to do my music I’m known for. I actually went to America to sell my self, my music and to get contacts and more connections. I must tell you, my years in United States  has paid off because I’ve been able to make name for myself. Yomi Peters has become an household name among the happening crowd of Nigerians so what can i ask for? It’s Lords doing

Heard you just completed your new album that would be released into the market any moment from now, so briefly tell us about it?

You see I want make sure this album is different from old ones I have done, that is why I put in extra effort to perfect it well to the delight of my teeming fans. And we  also introduced international ideas and innovations pep it up to give us good production. So to speak, we have done a music worth money can buy and it’s worth while if you listen to it. This is a new Yomi Peters, like I said earlier that I’m back to redefine Juju music in Nigeria with my latest album. The album is international standards that anybody can listen to, its not only for Yoruba speaking alone its for all classes of people in Nigeria and in Diaspora.

You have been out of this country for almost 10years, how have you been able to manage your Nigeria band.

I still manage my Nigeria band because we talk on daily basis and thank God for the internet services which has made communication so easy. Even as I’m abroad, I still try to take care of them because if I have not done that, most of them would have left me to join another band. I’m so lucky because most of them are hundred loyal to me. For instant, I have few of them who have been with me for almost 8 years without leaving me, so I thank God for that, I take care of their welfare,  solve part of their problems from my base. So by doing that I‘ve already won their hearts.

What is the title of the new album.

The album is entitled “MOGBARE” chosen by me but my producer, Puffy T is still contemplating of changing it entirely, so I can’t say we are yet to choose  because we are looking for a name that will be marketable and been accepted by our fans.

The album is seven tracks with the mixture of hip hop, and gospel .it’s a full packaged album.

It will surely be a test of time because we know what we have packaged to arrest the attention of our fans who have been expecting this kind of music from us. For instance, if you listen to Mogbare, you will know that it’s an inspirational song.

Despite the downward decline of Juju, there are still a lot of artistes doing Juju, how do you hope to compete?

You see, sky is so wide for millions of birds to fly. We will all do our music without no one disturbing each other.  Though I respect those  big names in the industry but Yomi Peters can never be brushed aside  as far  juju music is concerned. We did not start today. We are a brand of our own and we still have our loyal fans.

How long will you stay in Nigeria before you go back to the United states

I’m a Nigerian so I will always be in Nigeria to entertain my Nigerian fans who have been yearning for me for almost ten years. Now that I’m here, I’m ready to thrill them anyhow they want it, and my this latest album will be another plus for me. I will be here till everyone feels my music. This is my home.

Can you give us an insight to the crisis between you and your elder brother, Sir Shina Peters.

That is no longer news and is known to everybody and we have been able to manage it. Its is not the kind of thing I should be talking about at the moment. Right now it is all about our music and how we can entertain people

Learnt you brothers have not been on talking terms for years

We talk and we exchange ideas. So he still remain my blood brother no matter the past issue we might have had. Like I said, in life we have to move on and leave the past where it is.