The Pretty Real Entertainer (P.R.E)

In the past few years, we’ve seen some really talented artists emerge from the South including Timaya, Burna Boy and Timi Dakolo. More recently, 21st century creatives have surfaced with new distinct sounds and P.R.E (Pretty Real Entertainer) is no exception.

Also known as David Etete, P.R.E talks about his music career starting off in secondary school. According to the musician, “From secondary school days, you were always cool if you could rap sing or dance…From wanting to be cool, I just fell in love with music.” After studying production and audio engineering at the London School of Sound, he moved back to Lagos to pursue his music career.

His music draws inspiration from Damien Marley, as he infuses reggae elements with rap and local Nigerian rhythms. His signature tunes include, This girl, Baddest, Won’t let go featuring Burna Boy and recently, AWA featuring Fl.

Having taken a short break from the industry, P.R.E talks to Guardian Life about bribery and tribalism in the “industreet” and the inspiration behind his latest single.

What are some challenges you’ve faced so far?
Firstly, I come from a family that is well-known and so the industry felt I was just there for fun and didn’t need to make money. Also, there’s the issue of having great songs and having to bribe people to get airplay both on radio and television. I am from the South and there’s major politics and tribalism in our industry. I like to call it “industreet.”

What’s the best part about being a performer?
Being able to touch people through music from all over the world that I don’t even know.

If you weren’t a musician what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t a musician, I would either own a label and have musicians or I would be into some form of entertainment.

Tell us about your most memorable gig?
My most memorable gig was actually this year. I was booked to perform in Lebanon. In my mind I was thinking would they understand my music and feel it? But I came out and halfway through the first song everybody was on their feet.

Which of your songs best describe your persona and why?
I just dropped a video for my latest single AWA and it means “us”. I know so many people but I keep a small circle and my family and I’ve realised when I’m up everyone shows love and when I’m down only family and the real close ones are there.

Who are your inspirations?
I have many inspirations; not only entertainers but I’d say Damian Marley.

Do your life experiences or background have anything to do with your work?
Yes of course. I only ever sing about what I’ve been through and what I have seen other people go through that relates to the lives of most people.

Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
I would love to collaborate with so many people but Damian Marley is on the top of the list right now.

Are you looking forward to any new hits?
I took a little break from music but I’m back now. All I am really allowed to tell you is I’ve been working and I’ll be dropping hits back to back.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself, especially relating to your work.
I love what I do so much. In my free time I still find myself working on one thing or the other music related. I also love to travel and perform in other countries because the energy is indescribable.