Despite his shortcomings of recording music, Coca refuses to halt his musical aspirations as he dives into a role of oversight in creating great music.
Coca, known by his birth name Summaillarr Moses Osagie, stands as a pioneering force in Nigeria’s music arena. Raised in the culturally rich city of Benin, Coca’s journey into music began at an early age, as he honed his songwriting prowess. His distinctive approach lies in his role as an Executive Producer, where he doesn’t sing but rather orchestrates musical journeys. Through his curated collaborations, Coca shapes evocative narratives that transcend conventional boundaries, making an indelible impact on the Nigerian music landscape.
Coca’s creative odyssey as an Executive Producer speaks volumes about his ability to curate music that resonates deeply. By entrusting the interpretation of his narratives to carefully chosen talents, he empowers a new era of musical expression. Coca’s commitment to this visionary role underscores his dedication to redefining the boundaries of musical storytelling, and aims to create a legacy that will resonate for generations to come.
We were able to meet with the reserved Coca on a cloudy afternoon, a day in which he had cut down on some activities to entertain us with his presence. In this piece, our correspondent discusses with Coca on how he started making music, his role as an executive producer and his exciting releases so far.
A-T: Share with us some of your personal details.
COCA: My names are Summaillarr Moses Osagie. I’m from Edo state and family of five, three boys and our parents. We are all boys and I’m the eldest. It wasn’t easy growing up as my parents did split up early but we did move on regardless.
A-T: Did you get heavily involved with music since your childhood?
COCA: Yes I did. When I was just twelve years, I started writing songs but due to my mum insisting I focus on school, I decided to stop writing but was still heavily into music through listening to old and new good songs. After I graduated, I decided to go into music full time but as an executive producer because the prowess to deliver how I felt through music is not in me.
A-T: Who were your musical inspirations during your early times?
COCA: When I was growing up, it was Davido, P square and Wizkid. They were the Nigerian artist that inspired me, especially P square because I was really into R&B at the time. Right now, there is still no changes but now I have included Burna Boy, the guy is good.
[LISTEN] Coca Progresses With 2 Single Pack “Handle You & Money”
A-T: Tell us how music started for you.
COCA: So like I stated earlier, after graduating, I relocated to Lagos with the plan of being a producer. I got a slate to learn with GospelOnTheBeat but after few sessions, I didn’t feel it because I wish I was a singer instead.
So that’s how the idea of being an executive producer started.
A-T: What did you do next to maximize the idea?
COCA: Well, I set up a personal studio at home. Then I reached out to a couple of producers I know are better than me, artist and songwriters too so I can express the kind of music I want. Though I’m also part of the writers. So whenever I want to make music, I bring in the producer and the artist to my studio at the same time and I just do my thing. That’s pretty much how most of my recording process goes.
A-T: When we talk about executive producers, the likes of Larry Gaaga, Spinall, Basketmouth and many more with subtle A&R skill have distinguished themselves in recent times. What is your say about their contributions to Afrobeats ?
COCA: They have contributed so much honestly. I’m a big fan of Larry Gaaga. He has really contributed so much, Although, talking about A&R, my record label handles that most times and they have done very well. They have helped me reached out to a couple of good A&R’s and music promoters so that’s it.
A-T: How would you describe the kind of music you create?
COCA: I just create good music. I don’t mind the genre.
A-T: Let’s talk about your collaboration with Elcee, that’s a fantastic song. How did that come about ?
COCA: Oh well, I made that song already made with a different beat entirely. But it was just a normal freestyle version already made by the artist (Elcee) I decided to hop on it, change the beat, re record the song again and do other finishing touches like the mixing and others, made a deal with him and that was it.
[LISTEN] Coca Progresses With 2 Single Pack “Handle You & Money”
A-T: How about the new 2 track pack?
COCA: Okay this one took me time and I went through a lot of stress because both artist don’t stay in Lagos. I have been following them for a while and they where the kind of artist I needed. I thought that for my next record I needed an artist that could really express how I felt through music and they did a great job. The beats where produced by Spiritual Vibes and he sends me a lot of beat. So I take my time to listen to them and pick the one I want. My management prefers I work with different people just to get exactly what I want, so it was another producer named Kamal that recorded the vocals.
A-T: What are you next plans as a creative?
COCA: My next plans are to promote the project I just dropped. That’s all for now. Before the year runs out, I will see what next but for now I’m just going to promote this.
A-T: As an executive producer, you definitely have people you wish to work with. Give us some names.
COCA: I have Dremo, Victony and Rema on my bucket list.
A-T: That’s a huge one, wow. We hope to have those collaboration soon.
Fresh from the release of his latest 2 track pack, Coca is proving himself to be a force to reckon by crafting irresistible and infectious jams that resonates with listeners. It’s step by step for him as he aims to reach and surpass the heights of those who made him. The early signs are positive and it’s interesting to see how his journey unfolds in the following years.
– This interview is created by Adebayo Boluwatife, an Album Talks writer. ( Twitter: @BIG_BOLUWATIFE).
[LISTEN] Coca Progresses With 2 Single Pack “Handle You & Money”
