The music scene is in its prime time, with streaming services supporting artistes, playlisting at an all time high and numerous music PR companies popping up. Now, more than ever, the fans are ready to listen to try new sounds.
This development has paved way for young people to do music in different genres and show their range. It has to some extent changed the pattern to which things work in the industry and made it easier for young and talented artists to make music in their true nature.
Candy Bleakz who proliferated the airwaves with her single “Owo Osu” featuring street hop kings Naira Marley & Zlatan back in 2019, has capitalized on this shift to deliver several street themed songs .
The Chocolate City Music signed artiste, Candy Bleakz with real names – Akiode Blessing Mariam was born and bred in Lagos. She speaks to us about her journey as a female rapper and street-hop artist in the industry and how she has been able to consistently churn out different songs to suit her audience. Read the conversation below:
Feyisetan: Can you introduce yourself ?
Candy Bleakz: I go by the name Candy Bleakz aka Ladies Dragon aka Dragon Queen aka Queen of the streets. Some people call me Nigerian Young MA but me I think she’s the American Candy Bleakz you feel me?
Feyisetan: How would you describe your genre of music?
Candy Bleakz: Street pop, Hiphop, hardcore gbas gbos with some spice of Lamba. For the most part it’s indigenous rap music. Supposed to get you in the gym chopping iron. Ready to pull a heist, if anybody do anyhow dem go see anyhow shey you vibe?
Feyisetan: What inspires your style of music ?
Candy Bleakz: Everything around me, mostly my environment. Sounds like a common response to that question but it’s the truth really. When I lived on the mainland I made music that appealed to the bus driver, I live on the island now and G-Wagon owners can vibe to my new joints Kope and Baba Nla.
Feyisetan: Let’s talk about your single “Baba Nla”. What was the Idea behind that song?
Candy Bleakz: It’s me saying “oh yeah, am lit has fuck, we Dey exchange dollars o lol anywhere you enter I be your daddy” that’s Baba Nla. Un-fucking-touchable.
Feyisetan: How was working with Teni on your latest single like?
Candy Bleakz: It was great mehnn! She gave me the best vibe! We recorded part of the song in my studio then finished it in her house. The chemistry was amazing. We actually have more than one song together but make una chop this one first.
Feyisetan: What other artists do you see yourself working with in the nearest future?
Candy Bleakz: I think it’s only right for me and Baddo to have a record. You hear it right? He is a legend and I have much respect for how he has impacted the culture.
Feyisetan: Being a female artist in a male dominated industry can be sometimes challenging , how has it been like for you so far?
Candy Bleakz: Yes it’s very challenging because even the genre of music I’m doing, it’s not easy, I will be the first to do it when it gets better, and it definitely will, I have a dream, I know what I want, if I won’t be there I won’t be here, those are the words that keep me going cus it’s crazy out here! and deeper than people think.
Feyisetan: What are your plans for the future , are we expecting any project from you?
Candy Bleakz: Yes o, m dropping my Ep soon, wait for it, Good music Good vibes on vibes. Exclusive to 49th my first EP is called “FIRE” and trust me it’s fucking flames! Ogbona feli ni. Wo wa fe ku. Mafe.