Alitalia Boy plays Alte on big stage in Cyprus

Ikechukwu Chukwuebuka Jerry Dim known as Jedai in the entertainment world is not only enjoying his passion, playing music, but is also combining it with business. The former Enugu State-based artiste and entrepreneur who now lives in Cyprus where he plays alte, a fusion of Afrobeat music with other genres of music, is leaving no stone unturned to promote his songs and Afrobeat music.

With hit singles that include Haba Mallam, Ferrari, Fantasize, the 231 Records label owner is pushing African music across borders by promoting upcoming artistes within and outside Nigeria.

While in Cyprus, Jedai has performed on different stages and shows with big Cypriot artistes, including Tion Wayne, and top deejays like Kaywise. The alte crooner disclosed that playing music in Cyprus has opened up a floodgate of opportunities, promoting African music and Afrobeat among the people.

According to him, the people, mostly the youth like Afrobeat music and play it everywhere. He noted that despite having great artistes that include Genie KG, Duke Power and some other R‘n’B acts, Afrobeat is making waves in the country.

“It’s a good development and I am happy for it because we all have our fans and as such make different genres of music for our audiences,” he noted.

On how he has been able to combine music with his oil and gas business, Jedai said: “There is time for everything. I map out time for each business, music, performance and my other businesses.”

Apart from allotting time for his music, the coal city boy revealed that he has a good team that helps to oversee some of his businesses while he is on stage.

“Besides, music is something I can do anywhere. I have hummed some hit jams in my car, while driving and recording myself and it ended up becoming a good song. As for my other businesses, I give them enough time, as I should. I take my time and also let the team do some of the job for me,” he divulged.

But staying in Cyprus does not totally disconnect the alte music maker from his former base Enugu, the coal city. He still relishes his moment of glory with his friends and fans there. Recalling some of his days in the buzzy city, he said: “I cannot really go into details, but Enugu is a great city with lots of potential. I grew up there! I be Alitalia boy. Ogbe thoroughly. However, growing up in the great city is really an orientation on its own and I am proud of that.”

Recounting how he came into the entertainment sector, playing music and thrilling his fans, the Alitalia boy who wrote most of his songs disclosed that he started with rap music before shifting grounds to Afro-fusion and now coming up with Alte and carving a niche for himself in the music world.

“Although I play Alte, I am an Afro-fusion artiste. I draw inspiration from my environment, the people, their voice, nature, sounds and some weird things. I cannot explain how these things even inspire me, but they really do,” he intoned.

Not resting on his oars, the multi-talented artiste looks forward to seeing more people listen to his music, play them at gigs and in their homes. He also wants more artistes within and outside the shores of Nigeria to sign on to his 231 Records label.