Story By Wanjiku Thuku Douglas Jack Agu better known to many as 'Runtown Gallardo',was in Nairobi recently for the just concluded Lagos Party organized by Taurus Group,where he gave a brief yet electrifying performance.He is 25 years old and has taken over the musical airwaves literally thanks to his breakthrough song 'Runtown Gallardo' as well as 'Domot'.I caught up with him to get deeper insight into his musical journey and this is what he had to say: Kindly tell us more about your family and how it was growing up back home in Nigeria? Im of Enugu origin.My mum is a politician and a lecturer.We are 3 boys and I have one sister.Im planning to buy my mum a private jet.Before they werent very supportive of my music but now she hires for speical security for me on flights and all just to ensure my safety.I used to deal with friends who discouraged me to do music but Phyno came through for me in the states where I lived with Jmartins and eventually met Timaya.We did the collaborative song 'High On You' under the Penthouse Record Label which we then started.A&R would produce Fresh rap music,M.I.had more passion and guided me in the process.The tattoos on my arms and neck are in relation to the cradle prayer as Im catholic and Im a holy poppy.As for clothing I would like to invest in fashion.I didnt believe in talent searches so I never took part in them.2014 has been my biggest musical break as Ive been singing and rapping my whole life
How did it feel to be in Kenya and what did you enjoy the most about it? Beautiful place,beautiful ladies,I didnt like the food too much but did promotional rounds for Lagos Party and its not rreally expensive to come here so Ill definitely be back in November for Naija Nite. What is the inspiration behind the song 'Domot'? It is an ol skul song from the IGBO clan produced by Bobo Sonny as one of the greatest hits and a universal language
What led you to do the song 'Runtown Gallardo' ? Davido was perfect for the song expanding both igbo and yoruba fanbases plus I approached him at home so it was perfect timing.The original name for the song was 'WEH DEM DEY' and I didnt want a generic beat.Gallardo Lamboghini is a type of car. What does your name 'Agu' mean in your traditional language? It means tiger What would you describe your style of music to be? Afrobeat and Hiphop Which record label are you signed to? Eric Mani Entertainment is the the record label Im signed to.Bigup Dilli Records,Boss and the whole team. What or who inspires your fashion sense? FIT-Technical fashion school for 2 years back home in Nigeria as Im always traveling to the states.
What challenges do you face as an artist and how do you overcome them? Snobbing fans but I try to always stay positive and focussed.avoiding scandals. What other projects/tours do you have in the works? Allimati Versace-The Hiphop US tour currently being worked on to be shot in November. Are you in a relationship? Im single and mingling What is your connection to Victoria Kimani? Im her biggest fan What is your biggest fear? To lose my mother and go broke in the process Which is one place you've always dreamed of visiting and why? Las Vegas because the night life is high life and I have an Island house almost like an apartmant that is similar to those in Vegas as Im used to that life. What are some of the traits that standout about your personality? Calm,chilled,Time conscious,Honest(on a scale of 7 to 10),Perfectionist,Music producer at heart.I have time to talk to God,I appreciate my my childhood ever since 1996 when I lost my dad and ended up staying with my uncle at the age of 16 to 17 years. Who are some of your most inspirational role models/legends worldwide? Martin Luther King,Baba Kela,Nelson Mandela and Chinua Achebe What is your advice to Kenyan artists? Not too many artists are growing here,stand for your music,Believe and stay positive while at it. Where do you want to be 5 to 10 years from now? Successful with 6 albums to my name and a grammy nomination. Any Last words? I love my Kenyan fans(nakupenda) Listen to some of his best songs below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Dhk08_cVjg Domot By Runtown http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXbWSGTQRDU Succesful By Runtown http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7N9wjgGpfg Runtown Gallardo By Runtown ft Davido