My music rejected in Nigeria, successful in Europe— 70-year-old singer, Steve Black

Veteran singer, Steve Black, who recently turned 70 years old, has expressed satisfaction over the success of his music in European markets, even though it was not widely accepted in Nigeria.

Speaking on the highlights of his career, Black told Sunday Scoop, “I am excited to personally experience being 70 years old. It feels great, and I’m now looking forward to being 80. I give thanks to God for making it possible.

“The highlights of my career were in the 80s and 90s when my albums that were not accepted in Nigeria by record companies became very successful in Europe. It brought me international fame, money and great satisfaction. As a matter of fact, I’m still earning royalties from those albums. Meanwhile, that was what I struggled so hard to accomplish in Nigeria, only to realise that I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. So, I quickly did something about it, and got results.”

Black, who recently celebrated his 70thh birthday at Freedom Park on Lagos Island, also advised artistes to desist from drug use, but work hard and save. He said, “I want to advise young artistes that using drugs is very wrong. They should remember that no matter how young they are today, they will definitely get old. If they are lucky enough to make money, they should invest in other things that can sustain them in old age, because musicians don’t earn gratuity and pensions like civil servants. It is what one keeps that one will fall back on when one gets old.”

Speaking on his current challenges, the singer said, “The challenge I am facing at this stage of my career is not being able to travel round this country like I used to, because of the insecurity. I have fans all over the country, and they would love to see me on tour with my band, but the fear of kidnappers is the beginning of wisdom.”