DAREY ART ALADE Explodes: 'I Can Never Be Put In A Box'

After listening to up-tempo songs on the second half of Darey’s twin album, Double Dare, it is easy to assume that he has gone ‘crazy’. This is because the singer carved a niche for himself on the back of love ballads and classics like Not the Girl and No Stars. It is therefore not strange for a fan to be taken aback by the momentary ‘insanity.’
But the man behind the music has no problem with them. “I am always open to music. one can never tell where inspiration will come from next.I love different genres of music although I have my strongest points in Soul/R&B/Afro-Pop, I can never be put in a box.”

It is safe to say that Darey has been lucky with music. His style, is one that the ‘streets’ have classified as not being commercially viable. Yet the singer who dared to thread on a ‘risky terrain’, continues to swoon fans with the brilliants lyrics and captivating videos.

 So far, has music been as rewarding as he envisaged when he first began?. This question sees the singer break out in a wide smile. He says, “I would have to be honest and say yes it has. it keeps getting better although it requires working harder. almost in an even way. The harder I work, the more rewarding the music gets.”

For some artistes, all that matters is getting critical acclaim. They shoot the best videos and enjoy generous airplay, yet  all these do not translate into money for them at the end of the day. To this, Darey is of the opinion that while there is no formula behind balancing the art and the business side, some elements are worth knowing.

 “It is neccesary to have a solid management, Pr and production team (like we have at Soul Muzik), such artistes must strike while the iron is hot and latch their brand onto key social and corporate elements to cement themselves in the heart of their audience. Not by enjoying the short lived fame by club hopping and spending frivolously. A good balance of talent and business savvy makes a lot of difference in the music business.”

Its just been a few weeks since he dropped the star studded Sisi Eko video that featured Flavor, the feedback, according to him, has been awesome. With 57,119 hits already on youtube, Darey who got his big break after emerging third at the Project Fame Academy in South Africa in 2004,  says from inception, the concept was not a complicated one.

“The idea was quite simple really. My aim was to make a fun, colourful and visually engaging music video. The story is basic: Flavour and I cause traffic due to this beautiful lady we spotted as she was doing some window shopping by the roadside shops. We decided to engage her and see who gets her attention and maybe more than that.”

So far, it is impossible to fault Darey or link him with any scandal. This may not be connected to the fact that he has managed to keep his private life completly private. The secret, he says is , “I try my best to remain humble and down to earth. I treat everyone with love and respect. Nobody is perfect so to God be all glory.”

Source: PUNCH