EXCLUSIVE! 'Men Cheat More Than Women' - Chocolate City Artiste, Pryse Speaks To eGistonline On Career, Relationship & More

Princess Esindu a.k.a Pryse is a warm, talented and vibrant signee to one of Nigeria's foremost Music Record Label, Chocolate City Label. Born into the music family in Porthacourt, River State, Pryse began her music journey alongside her brother who now runs the popular US - based G.O.A (Giants of Africa).

Pryse studied at Nottingham Trent University (NUT), England in 2011 and returned to Nigeria after attaining her degree inMedia & Communication where she linked up with Chocolate City's Foremost Star Artiste, Jude Abaga a.k.a MI and the rest we can say is now history.

In an exclusive interview with eGistonline Magazine conducted by Imelda Egwim, Pryse speaks on her young music career, relationships, challenges in the music industry and more.

So Music Has Always been in the family?

Yes. My brother kicked it off with his friends and I joined in, rapping. It was really cute 'cos I was the tomboy among guys rapping and being cool. So it has always been there and my brother, who is now a music Producer, has been a huge motivation.

Tell us about your music and where you get around with your lyrics?

I started off imitating my elder brother and that’s how i got into rap, my lyrics are mostly inspired by things that happen around me, life & experiences. I always try to channel my real feelings, emotions into my music.

What do you consider the key features of a successful artiste?

First, you have to be able to reach your target audience and one has to be good at what they do. If you a singer,  sing well, if you a rapper, you have to rap well and vice versa. The way you look and your persona matters a lot as well.

Do you think you’ve been able to reach your target audience?

So far I have been putting in immense efforts, It’s a work in progress, but slow and steady i’m getting there.

What are your challenges as a new comer in the industry?

People don't tend to easily 'feel' new comers in the industry but the platform with i started off with, 'Chocolate City' has been a blessing and even at that, it remains a lot of major work and effort to put my music out there and get people to appreciate it. Another is getting airplay, people no longer listen and appreciate music - everyone wants to get paid. There are loads of talented acts out there that don’t get air play just because they don’t have money to give OAPs ,but we get some love and support from some blogs, websites and some OAP’s that like and support the PRYSE PROJECT AND THE PRYSE BRAND, so a big shout-out to them all...it has been a lot easier for me because i’m with Choc city and i thank God for that.

MI is one of the most respected and talented Artistes in Nigeria. How did you come in contact with him?

I had been in contact with M.I from my schooling days in the UK, we met during an event where I performed and he expressed his interest in my style of delivery. When I returned to the country, I contacted him and he wanted me to come to Lagos to meet with him. I did my National Youth Service With Chocolate Music Group and started off with them.

M.I Seems to be instrumental to your breakthrough

YES O, I literally will not be sitting here if not for M.I. He orchestrated everything and he continues to be like a very strong influence to my music.

So its been from Nottingham to Nigeria, did you have any problems moving back?

No, I didn’t. Am a full blooded Nigerian girl and I love it here so there was no temptation to stay back.

Did you live in Nottingham or London because London is where everything goes down?

I lived in Nottingham but it was a challenge, it was like trying to do music in Naija from another state besides Lagos,it was difficult and that’s why i was so eager to move back to Lagos which is the center of Nigerian music. 

So moving back has been a blessing i guess?

Well, it has been a blessing cos i’m closer to my music and my target audience.

What’s your typical day like apart from doing music or in the studio?

I like to read a lot whenever I’m not doing anything music, I watch movies as well, i like my fantasy novels and right now i’m currently going through harry porter novel all over again cos i read it when i was much younger, sometimes when i get stressed out i just pick up a good book and read my hearts out. I can’t swim, i never learnt even though i’m from Rivers State, i used to party a lot when i was a lot younger, right now its kinda getting tiring cos i party for a living literally as an Artiste owing to the different shows and club appearances I take part in, so right now i consider it all work. When i wanna have a good time, I go to the beach with my selected friends and have a good time.

You are looking very beautiful in your fiery red hair and stunning ensemble, what’s your take on fashion?

Awww, thanks *smiles*. Well, I’m trying to be fashion inclined because it’s absolutely necessary for what i do but on a normal day i go with my jeans, a pair of sneakers  a nice t.shirt. I have my basic nice pair of heels and always dress in a good outfit with some accessories with my hair and make-up on point.

Are you presently dating and can you date an artiste or celebrity?

*LAUGHS* Am presently single, concentrating on pushing my music career and making headway with it. Taking relationships slowly for now and NO, I cannot date any man in the industry. It's not easy to trust a man who is in the limelight, I mean its a little easier for women - Men cheat more than women, apart from the flood of female attention they get on a daily basis, some women go the extra mile to push themselves on the guys and at some point, they succumb. Some of these men are not trust worthy.

What are the 3 things we can find in Pryse's hand bag right now?

My sunshades, my phone and my lip gloss. 

Back to your music Pryse, what are you working on right now?

Right now, i just released the video for 'ELETO' and its doing really well so far, i thank God cos its my first single with Chocolate City. I’m presently working on my next song ‘Niger Delta Money’ to support the region where i’m from and am really thrilled about it. The remix to 'KOLO' featuring my fellow PH Boy, Burna Boy produced by MI Abaga is also out there.

I believe an album should be in the pipeline, yea?

Probably by mid or late 2014 by God’s grace, THE ENTERPRYSE will the name of the album so ANTICIPATE that.

Imelda Egwim with Pryse

Odinaka Geoge with Pryse

Watch Pryse's Video for ELETO Below: