Talent Bank Nigeria office at the RootHub, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State was a hive of activities, as foremost indigenous rapper, Ikpa Udo stormed the premises to officially unveil his upcoming ‘Akwa Ibom To The World Concert’.

The rapper, in company of some pals and performing artistes were received by their host, Nelson Nseabasi, entertainment journalists and bloggers for a parley.

Hypestation captured the moments and brings you excerpts;

May we meet you…
My real name is, Nsidibe Sunday Ukim, I’m a Nigerian born rapper, many of y’all know me by the name Ikpa Udo.
I was born on the 29th of November,1992 into the family of Late Mr/Mrs Sunday Ukim from Nsit Ibom, ours is a family of 3 and I’m the lastchild.

How will you describe your kind of songs?
My style of music is very unique, (laughs) ‘Nyin Nsi Ben Ikor Ibibio ikwo ebor’, he reemphasizes in his dialect. I do Afro hip hop with a fusion of dance, I rap in my indigenous languages- Efik/Ibibio, weaving it stylishly for mass appeal. This approach to music is what carved me my niche despite the growing numbers of entertainers springing up in Nigeria daily.

The EP
I am glad to be unveiling my first body of work on that same day, an EP. What I had before now was just a mix tape. On Friday June 25, 2021 I will drop an 8-tracker EP, my fans and fam should watch out for it.

Why Akwa Ibom To The World ?
That’s the tittle of the EP and that’s the theme of the show. I have always been about celebrating my origin, my language, my people. So we are taking it to a whole new level now.

The partnership with Talent Bank Nigeria
My contract with Maximum Disturbance expired and I feel it’s time to do my thing. Shout out to Edo Jnr. and fam. We still communicate and he wishes me well.
For me at this point in my career, I feel it is important to work with the best hands, experienced hands.

I have known Mr Nelson from way back, and just as I was growing in my career, he too has not been sleeping when it comes to the business of entertainment, so I choose to partner with him.
I will be working with every body who has my interest at heart, but I want him to coordinate the process.

The Performance Line Up
This is not one of those shows where you see names of artistes and doubt if they would actually be present at the event. (He says in Ibibio). As you can see, I am here with my brothers, Feelingz, who produced ‘Eduwem’ and ‘Our Own’ featuring Lybra. LJ Saaaviour is here, Oga Sir is here. Everyone on the poster are my friends, some of them we have hits together. They have all assured me that they will grace my occasion. So I am expecting y’all to come out and have fun.

For Tickets, Sponsorship and Bookings
Tickets are available Online and at strategic points in Akwa Ibom State;Uyo – Hangout Sports Bar, Foodies @ Discovery Park, UniUyo, The Bridge @ Watbridge Hotel, RootHub and more to come. My Eket fans can reach out to Bako Lounge while the guys at Ikot Ekpene should go to Airclipz Studios.

Right now, I can be contacted through Talent Bank with the number 08131318414 for sponsorship or bookings of any sort. Make I “Kana Dianna” for your event make we turn up. (laughs).

Parting words…
I just wanna say a big shout out to everyone supporting right now, from EC Global boss who bought the first table, to all the radio stations, to Hypestation, Wetinhappen, Lyrical4ces, Gbeduxclusive, Nectar, the list is endless. Can’t wait to see you all at the concert. Stay safe.

Peace and Love. Nkor Ame Diongo Nangha