Born Larry Ndianefo from Southeast Nigeria, Larry Gaaga has been an old name in the Nigerian music industry, dating as far back 2011 when he officially started his career in the entertainment sector as the label manager of YSG Records, managing acts like Vector in the process. It was during this period of being underground that Gaaga set in motion, the fast wheel of fame that is rolling to greater heights every new day. He shares some moments with our correspondent in this warm and revealing interview.
“My name is Larry Gaaga, songwriter, recording artist, music producer and record label executive of Gaaga Muzik. I am currently signed to Universal Music Group and have been active in the industry from 2011 till present,” he revealed.
When asked about how he feels becoming famous after being underground in the industry for many years. He responds with a grin, recalling that he had been there for a long time, only that he was only known amongst entertainers. He agrees that prior to 2017 when he released Gaaga Shuffle with 2Baba, not many people knew what he looked like, however, and he noted that whatever fame he is getting now are crucibles of the cultivation he has been making since then.
For many Nigerians who do not understand how music works, Larry Gaaga to them is that popular musician who claims ownership of a song but never gets to sing in it, to this end, the mildly boisterous artist remarks that:
When asked about what pushed him to sing in “Iworiwo” with 2Baba, he revealed that he had just finished seeing Kemi Adetiba’s Wedding Party and was home in his studio when the song was birthed;
“when 2Baba came and heard it, he encouraged me to leave it there and added his verse. Mr Eazi heard it as well and thought it was cool, so I left it there. And watch out, this 2020, you’re going to be hearing a lot of songs that I did alone all through. I hope that would calm the nerves of the worriers.” He said.
On his relationship with 2Baba, Larry Gaaga affirms that the legend was instrumental in his success and that they have been friends for years and even beyond the walls of the music industry:
“2Baba is my idol, my role model; he opened the door for me and has been instrumental in my career today. I owe him a lot. We have been friends for many years now and I had the privilege of being the bestman at his wedding and later when I had my own wedding, he was among my Groomsmen. I am really blessed knowing that man.” He mentioned.