By Stanley Ugagbe
Delta State born afro musician, Ubrei-Joe Jeru popularly know as Klub J recently set the agenda for the society following the release of his hit song, BlackTide.
Alarmed by the sufferings of his people as a result of oil exploration and exploitation, the singer took to the studio to express his concern and the need for the government to urgently address the issue.
The University of Port Harcourt graduate highlighted the plight of the Niger-Delta region which according to him is blessed but the people have been denied their right to clean water, fresh air, good health and good education.
In this Interview with our Nigerian Correspondent, the artiste shared his story.
What’s your name?
My name is Ubrei-Joe Jeru Aghalomeno but I am popularly known by my stage name, Klub-J.
Tell us about your career
I started music at a tender age of 13. Then I write songs based on what I see and things happening around. I was renowned as a spontaneous singer and I was always comfortable doing freestyle for my classmates back then in Secondary school. I did not stop there. I surrounded myself with millions of motivations that made me to do more. I never did allow my environment to affect me. Developing professionally, began when I gained admission to the higher institution. I engaged in different music competitions, school events where I put in a lot of stellar performances in majority of the events. During my days in School, I recorded a lot of songs but I could not promote them due to lack of funds. There have been ups and downs in my career but last year (2019) was my break out year. I released Blacktide (in Niger Delta). A song telling a story of the sufferings of my people as a result of oil exploration and exploitation which got a lot of recognition outside Africa, especially Europe. We have been pushing the song through Electronic and Print medium.
What inspired your song; BlackTide?
The likes of Fela Anikulapo Kuti who used arts to fight against bad Government and corruption. Also, Ken Saro Wiwa who embarked on same arts by the use of poetry, drama and stage plays which depict the sufferings of the Ogoni people. They were influential and respected till dates. This has awakened the spirit of activism in me by using music as arts to fight for my people in Niger Delta.
What’s it about?
The song Blacktide means crude oil and I live in an environment where my people have been exposed to mutilations of oil spillage, gas flaring and Bursting Pipes. Niger Delta is recognized as a rich region all over the world but it has the most impoverished communities. The people of Niger Delta have been denied the right to clean water, fresh air, good health facilities, good education and so on. So, I believe with my God given talent, I could use it to sing pollution to silence by promoting it through media and conventional means.
What are your achievements so far?
The song Blacktide has captured minds in Europe. I have been receiving myriads of messages from different organizations thanking me for the powerful message the song, Blacktide depicts. I am happy for that international recognition and Articles have been flying round in Africa and Europe and some parts of South America e.g. Columbia and Chile.
Tell us about some of your stage performances so far
Since releasing Blacktide, I have got a lot of standing ovations performing in different events. I have seen positivity all through. Prior to the release of Blacktide, I have performed in so many events that I can’t even remember. My first big stage appearance was in November 2010, at the Nigeria social forum in Benin city where I performed the song ”Save the Environment”.
What challenges have you encountered so far?
The major challenge so far is finance to really make the song an Anthem in every street In Nigeria. I hope we get sponsors to volunteer to achieve the biggest with the song Blacktide.
What has been the most memorable moment of your career?
Making the news headlines in different Television Stations. It has been my dream to be a commanding, demanding and popular figure.
How does your career affect the society?
It has started changing mentality within the people. They have been overlooking the sufferings and injuries inflicted on them by the federal Government and oil producing companies. Now the song is an eye-opening to all people living in Niger Delta.
How did you come about your stage name, Klub J?
Klub is got from Club which is an entertainment house. And J start for my first name Jeru. So, my life is about entertainment.
What else do you have to say?
My clear-cut vision is to shakeup the music industry with my blistering talent. I believe that good music is capable of bringing succor to the masses. I strongly believe that music is a major platform of promoting our culture and preserving our environment. Music is a veritable tool of drawing the government’s attention to their negligence as evident in my song “Black Tide”. I am working assiduously to ensure “Klub J” becomes every household name.
Songs written by the artiste, include: BlackTide, Save the Environment, Heart Desire, Celebrate and Oluwa.
He has been underscored by many as a star whose talent is capable of bringing fortune not just to his household but to the Nation at large. Klub J aims to earn a spot in the record of world music legends.
To download Blacktide, click https://9jaflaver.com/download-music-mp3-video-klub-jeru-black-tide/#9jaflaver
Klub J can be contacted on Instagram:#klubjeru. Facebook: #Jeruubreijoe. Email:Klubjbuga56@gmail.com.
