How would you describe your genre of music?
I sing afro pop and RnB. I have a single and video titled The Rock Star. I am currently working on my new singles, titled Oju. Aside being a musician, I am also a producer. I produce for myself now.
When did you nurture the ambition to sing?
It’s been long. I have been singing since I was nine. But I made the decision that I wanted to sing while in secondary school, precisely in JSS 2 and that was when I wrote my first song. I used to rap back then. However, there came a time when I switched to singing because I found out that I could sing very well. So, that was where it started. In 2007, I recorded my first song in the studio and since then, I have been working hard towards achieving my dream and also making good music.
How was growing up for you?
My growing up was actually normal. There was nothing spectacular, nothing too out of the ordinary. I followed my parents to movie location a couple of times to see what’s going on. I even made appearances in like three movies when I was little.
Was your father disappointed you chose music as career?
My father was not disappointed that I decided to do music. He respected my choice of music and he has been very supportive. I am always grateful to my dad. I will say that my family supports my music career 100 percent. They are always there for me, giving me their support since I told them I wanted to do music.
It’s a surprise you didn’t follow your parents into acting?
Who says I can’t still act? But personally, I love music. Music is what I want to do, acting can also be included, and after all, it’s all entertainment. So we are all in the same line. Music is my life. I had to wait till after my university education before delving into music fully. I know I will act someday but I am more into music for now.
What does music mean to you?
Music is inspiration. I cannot stay a day without listening to music. I think music does a lot in our environment. There is nowhere you go to that music is not involved. Even in our movies; music is needed to give it a type of feel. Music is life on its own.
How fulfilling has it been as a musician?
For me like I said, I personally love music and I enjoy music so I listen to music almost every day and make music almost every time. Being a musician has given me the opportunity to perform at different notable events in the United Kingdom and here in Nigeria. I have performed at events from the Basketmouth’s Lord of the Ribs in Manchester to MI’s album launch party in Huddersfield to different places down to the ZAFAA award nominations in Lagos, the Global News Awards and so many other events.
How do you feel being the son of Zack Orji?
It feels good. He is my dad. I see him like every other person sees his or her dad every day.
Your father sometimes accompanies you to events where you perform. How does that make you feel?
It doesn’t make me feel any less. I enjoy having my dad with me but at the same time, I am trying to create a niche for myself. Sometimes, it might distract me because obviously he is already a legend, he’s made his name. I need to find and follow my path and make my own name.
Who are your role models in the music industry?
There are so many of them. However, I respect our superstar, Tuface Idibia, Wande Coal and Flavour. I chose these three musicians because I enjoy their music. Flavour has this way of singing that just gets to you. Wande Coal has a nice voice and he sings well. Tuface is versatile and unique. He is very good at what he does, there is no contesting that.
Who are those musicians you listened to while growing up?
I listened to Chris Brown, late Michael Jackson, Tuface, Wande Coal and Flavour as well.
How do you get your inspiration?
I can get it from anywhere and anything. I could be taking my bath or even doing something else and a beat or even lyrics may just drop. It can even come from observation or even personal experiences.
Has anyone told you that you are riding on your father’s name or fame?
Yes, people say it. That is why I cannot dispute it, he is my father and he will always be my father. I cannot remove my surname from my name because it is my name. I just have to create my own path so that people can see me for me.
Will you say your father’s name open doors for you?
Of course, I will not lie the name has opened doors for me because he is a respected man. Once people hear his name and know that I am Zack Orji’s son, they want to grant me audience or give me special treatment, this has happened a couple of times. But at the same time, people need to see me for who I am and not see me as riding on my father’s fame or name. No doubt, I will say I am lucky to have a father like Zack Orji but there will also come a time when I have to drop this ‘Zack Orji’s son’s’ tag because I will have to be my own man by working hard, thus, creating a niche for myself which is Leo’nel.
Is there any musical instrument you play aside singing?
I am still learning the keyboard. I am not yet perfect but I know how to play some chords.
If there is one thing you have to change about yourself, what will that be?
My voice; people keep telling me that my voice is so light. I would want to have a deeper voice. Apart from that I thank God for how I am.
What do you find off-putting in people?
When people are proud and fake, they turn me off. I love people who no matter where they are or what they have attained in life, people can still relate with them with ease. I like people who are down to earth and humble.
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