Chike, Nigerian singer and songwriter, says it took him over three years to find his feet after his stint at ‘The Voice Nigeria‘, a talent show.
The gifted singer participated in the maiden edition of the show in 2016 where he emerged the runner-up.
Speaking when he appeared on an Arise TV programme monitored by TheCable Lifestyle on Tuesday, Chike narrated how he initially struggled to bridge the gap between expectations and reality after the show.
According to him, reality shows are usually “emotionally stressful” because participants often don’t get what they expected when they come out to face reality.
“Emotionally, it was stressful to have so much dreams. Like you (referring to the show’s host) said, when people come out of the reality show, there is pressure and it’s heart-wrenching when people see me and start asking ‘so what are you doing now?” Chike asked.
“I’ll be like, can’t you see, I’m into music. You’re the one not following up’. But I actually understood their point. I just knew I had to keep working. All I would say is that I’m grateful that I participated in The Voice Nigeria.”
The musician, whose real name is Chike-Ezekpeazu Osebuka, added that those aspiring to go for reality shows should change their orientation that such is an automatic ticket to fame.
“They (reality shows) give visibility…but is it really about you or the business? The business, to me, is to entertain Nigerians and I want to believe the greatest win any contestant could get was the visibility,” he said.
“And it could be the greatest setback for you too if you’re not able to do anything with it. After the reality show, it took me about three years plus to be able to get anything properly to sort myself. So, imagine everybody knows you because you appeared on TV, then all of a sudden, you’re nowhere again.
“So, I won’t say don’t go for a reality show but before you start, just know that nothing might happen when you’re done. Just know that nobody got your back when the show is over. Also, don’t expect or feel entitled.”
Chike also revealed how certain experiences such as disappointments from those he trusted inspired some tracks off ‘Boo of the Booless,’ his debut album, released last year.
“There are people I talk to before that I don’t talk to anyone because they just disappoint you,” he added.
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