we had a chat with gospel rap artists Cris Kester and it was a beautiful conversation. Here you go..
Rayscorner: So who is Cris Kester
Cris: Well, Owen Christopher is a singer, a Rapper, a building technologist. uhmmm, a project manager and Human resource manager. I'm from the southern part of Nigeria, Cross River state. I'm a Christian.
Rayscorner: How long have you been into music
Cris: I've been doing music for over a decade. Started way back from secondary school, I used to be in a group called the Adams... we sang together in school, then the Rap thing started along the line.
Rayscorner: What inspired your choice of music as a career
Chris: I actually come from a Christian home, so gospel has always been the way to go for me. I started music officially in 2007/2008. but I recorded my first song in 2006. My first official single, came out in 2012. although I had been performing at events but I hadn't officially recorded a song.
Rayscorner: Do you do anything else asides music
Cris: Truth is I always knew i would do music, cos i come from a family or musicians, my mom was in the choir, my dad played the guitar, my elder brother was also a huge music influence. But like I said, I'm a building technologists, a project manager and a human resource manager.
Rayscorner: What are some major lessons you have learnt in the industry, so far
Cris: A lot of lessons to be learnt.. You need to grow with the times, to evolve. Music is a continuous thing and till the end of the world, music will be here, however as time goes, music changes. So one has to be deliberate about making music.
Rayscorner: Which Artists have influenced your style of music
Cris: While growing up, I listened to the likes of 2pac, but after some time I switched to Lacrae, Da truth, Triplee. These guys motivated me to put in the work. I remember the effect that listening to "Background" by lacrae had on me.. it was profound.
Rayscorner: So about relationships? I'm sure some of your fans as well as our readers would like to know if there's anyone special
Cris: (Laughs). I just knew this question was gonna pop up. But I'm just gonna keep the response to that question to my self. it's private and I keep private things to myself based on personal reasons. But with time, you all will get to find out.
Rayscorner: lot of people are trying to relocate from Nigeria, Artists included, would you consider relocating too?
Cris: I think the truth is we all know how this country is, for now, the country is really messed up. So it's a matter of preference, if you can afford to leave, I think you should. (Laughs out loud) Who's to say I haven't already left. Rayscorner: you think Christian Rap artists get the credit they deserve?
Cris: I would say No. Over the years we have had this issue with Rap Music. Unless your rap is easy to comprehend, you hear older folks say things like we can't hear what the rapper is saying. So we then have to infuse simple chorus to appeal. In Nigeria, Rap music, especially Gospel Rap is struggling. It's much better outside Nigeria. In big Gospel events you hardly see Rap artists included, it's just so sad.
Rayscorner: If you could change one thing about the music industry in Nigeria. What would it be?
Cris: I think I would change show promoters approach to rap music in comparison to afro music. When you look at the scene today you find so many praise and worship artists with very few Rap music in the industry, that's not right.
Rayscorner: lastly, share with us one advice you wish you got earlier in life.
Cris : One Advice i wish I got earlier in life, is "to stop procrastination" tomorrow is not promised. In the sense that opportunities don't remain open forever. When you don't take advantage of an open door while it remains open, there's no guarantee that it will remain open tomorrow.
This moment is what we really have, and so we should love it and maximize it to the fullest.
Rayscorner: Thank, you so much for your time.
Cris: Thank you so much for having me . Also don't forget I just released an album, titled "Hello Kris" available on all digital platforms.
