Energetic musician, Oluwashina Akanbi Peters, popularly known as Sir Shina Peters thrilled Nigerians with his afro juju series, ‘Ace’ and ‘Shinamania’ in the late ‘80s and ‘90s. The soar-away success of those albums won the singer a huge fan base across the nooks and crannies of the country. Of course, it also brought him immense fortune. He spoke with ORUKPE NELSON in this interview.

What should your fans be expecting from you?

Well, they should be expecting a collaboration with Timaya and few other artistes. You will be very surprised when the songs drop.

What is the secret of your ageless look and energy on stage?

The secret perhaps is because I love what I am doing. I love music so if you love what you are doing, you don’t age. If you are doing something just because of the money involved without passion, it becomes stressful and that will make you age. From my experience, if deep down you love what you are doing no matter the profession, you will keep enjoying doing it so you will not see it as stress that will make you age fast.

How would you compare when you started and now since you have been in the music industry for so long?

You see, you can’t compare then and now really because time waits for no one. Back then, producers begged us before we entered the studio to record songs and we give them conditions. I still remember when I recorded my first album, I asked for one million naira which we called advanced royalty. I also asked for a brand new Peugeot 504 car and two brand new buses. One bus to convey my band boys while the other was to convey my equipment. Also, I said that I wanted to go and buy instruments in Los Angeles but you dare not ask for all these things now. But the good thing today is that there are so many artistes doing what they know how to do best in their different unique styles. At least, people don’t listen to western music like before.

How long have you been in the music industry?

I started singing at the age of 10. However, I have been in the music industry for 47 years and I am 57 years old now. I have played with Ebenezer Obey, Prince Adekunle and partnered with Segun Adewale before finally starting my own band.

What was the first album you released under your band, Sir Shina Peters and his International Stars?

The first album was ‘Ace’, the first in the afro juju series in 1989. ‘Ace’ was a musical fusion of juju and afrobeat, a melodious collaboration which surpassed ethnic, cultural and language barriers. The next album was called ‘Shinamania’ which was the second in the afro juju series.

Would you say that music has paid off well for you?

I will say that it has been great. I can categorically tell you that God has really blessed me through music. I have received numerous awards and recognitions in and outside the country. I have taken my genre of music which is afro juju to various countries as well and many more. So, I will say that music has really paid off well for me.

How do you feel knowing that people prefer listening to songs by younger artistes?

I feel great. I don’t have any cause to envy them.They are doing their thing, I am doing mine and I believe we all have our fans. The truth is that God has really blessed us, so now we are praying for them to rise above us.

You always look well dressed. How much would you spend on your dressing?

One thing I don’t compromise is my style of dressing because appearance is very important for me. I always like to look well-dressed wherever I go to because people address you the way you are dressed. If you are shabbily dressed, people will not respect you no matter who you are in the society. So, there is no amount I cannot spend on my dressing to look good.

What’s your style signature?

I know that people say my style signature is my sunshade because you cannot see me without it. Although I have never said this before, the truth is that I wear sunshade all the time becauseI’m a little bit shy.

Why do you think women love Sir Shina Peters?

That is because I am the only artiste who sings on their behalf. Do you remember part of my song that says “Give our women chance to rule?” At least today, we have women in government and those who occupy top positions in different places. Women are also courageous to openly vie for political office which is better than years ago.