Chike Okwegba II shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Chike, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’m definitely walking a path, and it feels like one that hasn’t been traveled on by many. I know where I want to go, but each day is like a single step I take on that path. My faith in God, my faith in myself, and trusting the process keeps me level headed and on that path despite the obstacles, hinderances, and even when I feel like going back, taking a different path, or completely stopping all together. I know life is difficult, but by doing the difficult things, life becomes not as difficult. As least, that’s what I’ve experienced.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Paulo. I am an musical artist, producer, singer/songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. I am the co-founder of Rated Under Entertainment, where our mission is creating a space for individuals and groups to achieve success, have a sense of appreciation, and self worth through a diverse range of services. I have always been around music at a young age and I felt that it was my gift to make music and to share that with others. I started singing at age 4, started playing the saxophone around 11, and learned music production at 13. Early influences include Bob Marley, Pharrell, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliot, and Michael Jackson. By the time I was in high school, I was listening to a variety of artists such as Frank Ocean, Jhene Aiko, Wiz Khalifa, Kendrick Lamar, Future, J. Cole, Jeremih, Drake, The Weeknd, Ty Dolla $ign, Rhianna, Chris Brown, just to name several. The label was formulated in early 2019 and ever since then I have released various projects and albums on digital and streaming platforms. My most cherised solo album has to be “EVERYTHING I$ LOVELY 2”, a continuation of an album I had released for free a week after graduating high school. I share a collaborative album with my fellow co-founder NoChillSaint entitled “Take Your Time” and is also available on all digital and streaming platforms. I am always working on new music and I am proud to announce my upcoming album “Whole Lotta Blu”. The release date will be released on a later date.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Definitely my siblings. Being the last born child, it was a struggle for me to voice my opinions without getting popped in the mouth for it. Growing up made me realize some of the pain my elder siblings went through, so as I aged it became important to me to foster those relationships. I learned a lot about the world and myself simply by hanging with my siblings. I’ve been told on occasion that I act more mature for my age despite the fact that I still recognize my inner child and feel younger than how I look.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Being embarrassed in front of others because of a lie I told. I used to want to fit in with others that I did and said certain things when all it did was further alienate me from others. It wasn’t until I decided to do what was right within myself is when I began to find others similar to me. I’ve always known myself to be an unusual and unorthodox person, but by being myself and finding others similar to me, I didn’t feel like I had to keep up with others just to fit in. I just exist. I just be. And that has made all the difference.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
No. Who I am in public is who I am for the public eye. To really get to know me is first knowing I am not a public person nor am I for the public eye. I am very private. So much so that you’ll get a better understanding of me in intimate spaces rather than out and about. I’m not saying I’m an introvert, but I won’t say I’m an extrovert. I can be either or depending on who I’m around, who you are, and what I think I could contribute to a conversation should I be around to engage or listen. The real me is someone you will have to engage in a private experience to truly understand me. Even in a public setting.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop complaining, I would stop speaking negatively to and about myself. I would stop feeling sorry for myself for my shortcomings and all the other things in my life that didn’t happen, didn’t work out, things I could’ve done better, things I should have been better at. I would give myself a lot more grace and move forward with energy and purpose.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: itskingapollo
- Twitter: itskingapollo
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@itskingapollo?si=0BbYZbENS4ESsiOF
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/baoGkLdcDCEUpl4wuq
Image Credits
@14thshooter – instagram (EVERYTHING I$ LOVELY 2 cover art)
@iamnurd_ – instagram (DANGEROUS VOL. 2 cover art)
