Ric Hassani is a 27-year-old Nigerian singer and songwriter. His latest single Gentleman dropped on iTunes last week and the video will be out soon.
He has his own record label RiverLand Records and has performed at African festivals like Malawi’s Lakes of Stars Festival in 2015.
Get ready for our interview with Lagos finest @RicHassani out today 🙏 😬 👀 pic.twitter.com/V8dbIQpUbA
— TRUE Africa (@_TRUEAfrica) April 19, 2016
Introduce yourself.
My name is Ric Hassani. I’m a singer and songwriter. I’m from Nigeria, born and raised. My genre of music is pop-African, and I have a new single called Gentleman.
What are your musical influences?
I’m currently hooked on a lot of Chris Brown, Sam Smith and Justin Bieber. But I grew up on a lot of R’n’B, so I’m a massive Boyz II Men fan! Also, I pride myself in the fact that I’m the BIGGEST CRAIG DAVID FAN IN THE WHOLE WORLD! Ha ha.
https://soundcloud.com/richassani/ric-hassani-chris-brown-cover
What’s it like to work in the music industry in Lagos?
It’s great. It really is, especially in this time where African music and fashion as well are really gaining a lot of attention around the world. Of course there will be challenges just like every other industry but it’s something I love to do so it’s really great.
What’s a night out where you live?
Fun! I live in Lagos, Nigeria and it’s live! I love Lagos. The energy is amazing. The hustle, it’s inspiring. Lagos doesn’t sleep. We know how to party. Lol.
What song do you listen to when you’re…
(a) turning up: Final by Wizkid
(b) feeling sexy: Sweet Love by Chris Brown
(c) pining over your ex: Leave Your Lover by Sam Smith.
What are you up to next musically?
We just shot the video for my new single Gentleman! I can’t wait for it to be out and for people to watch it. It’s gonna be amazing. Also I’m putting together an EP, that’s gonna come out shortly after the video, then an album in September called The African Gentleman which is my debut album. It’s gonna be amazing. I’m excited.
Follow Ric Hassani on Twitter @richassani