Muno: You Need Talent and Character to Succeed

Oviemuno Oriero, popularly known as Muno, started singing at the age of four; it was therefore not a surprise when he decided to abandon his Building Technology career for Music. He told Ojo Maduekwe about his artistry journey so far

Can you let us a bit into your background?
I am Oviemuno Oriero, from Delta State. I am from a family of six. Muno became a nickname back in Epe Grammar School that everybody grew to love; so it wasn’t hard choosing a brand name for my artistry. I studied Building Technology in Covenant University afterwards and that is what I currently hold.

At what point did you finally decide to leave everything for music?
It had always been destiny as far as my case is concerned and I always knew that one day I would come to a crossroad, and since my whole journey in life was surrounded by music, it wasn’t hard for me to pursue music in 2009 when Mudinah contacted me to join his P Boiz camp.

How was growing up part of the catalyst that fuelled your passion?
I have always been a cool, calm and collected kid. I had a church background and was surrounded by music. I started singing at the age of four when my mum who was the choir mistress for the older church choir, made sure I joined the children choir. Also, my dad was an instrumentalist and so were some of my uncles.

While growing, who did you see as a role model that influenced your style of music?
The list is endless but I’ll mention a few. Boiz 2 Men, Usher, Michael Jackson, Mario, Brandy. These people got to me through their music. I wanted to sound like them. But, as I became more musically inclined, I realised music was wider than I saw it, so I started to embrace and appreciate all kinds of music especially Nigerian, which helped my creativity and helped me discover my own style. Now I look up to people like Tuface, Wande Coal, and Don Jazzy.

When did you record your first song?
My first song was recorded in 2004 when I was in a group called Soul Touch.

What are the challenges younger generation face now in the music industry?
There is the absence of certified means of music distribution. Also, segregation in the sense that, if there’s no immediate finance your talent gets infested by cobwebs. And, what we tag to be commercial music in quote does not give room for new ideas.

How do you manage to separate business and women, without losing focus?
Well I still can’t explain the effect that my music has on the ladies, but it keeps them coming and I can’t help it. I love them so much because they are the bulk of my fan base, but what helps me is my understanding of priority and work ethics and I know the thin line between business and pleasure.

Are u signed and are we to expect an album soon?
Yes, I am signed to Apollo Records and working on an album like every recording artiste should, pending when it would be due and appropriate for release.

Who have you worked with in the past?
I have been graced to have worked with people like Jahborne, Vector, Samklef, Mudinah, Siege, Gabriel Afolayan, Uche of Gulder Ultimate Search fame, Yemi Black, Tunde Ednut, Jim, Ayo of Project Fame.

Aside from singing, we also know that you produce and direct. You want to let us into that and how it started?
While growing up, the absence of funds to get into the studio attracted the need to learn how to put my ideas and inspiration somewhere, and that was what gave birth to me producing. I always have ideas oozing out of me.

What role do you play in your label aside from being a signed artiste?
Well for now I want to concentrate on being an effective brand as a recording artiste and performer under their supervision. There are intentions for other roles but those cannot be disclosed.

What inspires you to write songs, and do you believe in the bandwagon of music for the moment?
Anything inspires me ranging from good instrumentals, deep thought, true-life experiences, sounds of living and non-living things, and the sound of voices on the street. I am a psycho like that; even your snoring can inspire me.

How do you plan to affect your society?
First by putting out good music that everyone can relate and identify with, and when that attention has been achieved I would device means to give opportunities to upcoming youths especially those who want to venture into the same field. Also motivational speaking is something I have always wanted to do and using my financial prowess to assist the less privileged.

What do you call your genre of music?
Afro pop, RnB.

How many minutes does it take you to do a song, being a songwriter, producer and sound engineer at the same time?
That depends on other factors that could affect your productivity speed like inspiration, emotions, and the right environment. If all these are on check five hours is good for me. But, different songs come with different challenges.

Before Apollo, you were signed to 2 Flames Entertainment. What happened?
My contract with 2flame Entertainment expired at a time when music was at a pause for me and when I was ready to bounce back with my career, Apollo Records was available to help me with that.

What’s the experience like in Apollo Records?