Hazel Onou, a one-time winner of the popular reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, and singer, has faced a lot of criticism over his music, with some stating that the quality of his music is not up to par.
However, in an interview with Sunday Scoop, he reiterated that his love for music is innate, adding that he gets his inspiration from the Holy Spirit.
He said, “Music has always been in me, and I have been doing it for a long time. I do it passionately, and my inspiration comes from the Holy Spirit and the environment. I tell stories from what I see and what I’ve been through. I make ‘conscious’ music.
“I have a conscience. My songs don’t contain vulgar words or demeaning lyrics. I don’t talk down on anybody, or use lyrics that can send people into depression. All my lyrics are quite catchy and understandable. When I listen to my songs and I confirm that I am not doing the wrong thing, I get encouraged to continue. I know that some Nigerians already see me in a certain way, so they would not want me to do my thing. They want me to stick cooking, because of my affinity with the kitchen while in the BBN house. But, I already have that going on. Cooking is a passion, but music is my talent; and I have proved in many ways.”
Onou also stated that he was still learning the process of being a celebrity in Nigeria. He said, “Currently, I think my brand has more prospects outside Nigeria than in the country. Nigerians don’t understand me. They don’t know what I’m about. So, I want to take my brand international with my cooking, music and everything else that I do.”