Weekend Magazine: Tell us a little about yourself…
My name is Mohammed Jammal and my stage name is ‘White Nigerian’. Though my parents are of Lebanese extraction, they were born and bred here as well. I’m from Jos, Plateau State, where I was born and bred. I did my kindergarten through secondary school in Hillcrest School, Jos. I was away in London for five years where I went to further my studies and after that I came back home, exactly a year ago. I studied Global Management.
WM: So how did you switch to entertainment?
I’m actually doing both. I’m entertaining people and I am also doing my normal business. Concerning entertainment, when I was in London I did a video and put it on YouTube talking about my life in London. People are always eager to go to Europe because they believe it is for the best. For me, Nigeria is so much better.
WM: You’re not Caucasian. How did you come about the name ‘White Nigerian’?
When I was in London, people refereed to me as White Nigerian, because I always defended my country. So they nick-named me White Nigerian and the name stuck. Caucasian or not, the bottom line is that they recognize me as a Nigerian and that is all that matters. I’m proudly and arrogantly Nigerian.
WM: What are the major challenges you face in the Nigerian entertainment industry?
Shows in Abuja are not yet as strong as those of Lagos and I’m an Abuja-based artiste. If you add the security issues we are facing now, people are scared to come out and have fun.
I would love to move to Lagos, but I don’t see myself doing that. I want to conquer the North first. I’m more of a Hausa guy, so to speak. I intend to serve the North first then take the nation as a whole later. Don’t forget I am a ‘Dan-Jos’. If I go to Lagos most of the stuff they do is usually mixed with Yoruba and I don’t speak it. Hausa is my Language, but I’m working towards having some Yoruba lyrics in some of my songs.
I do go to Lagos for stand-up comedy. I was present for the P-Square album launch and every AY show. My producer Babyfresh is in Lagos.
WM: Are you saying that most of the collaborations you’ll be doing will feature only musicians from the North?
Not quite. I have done collaborations with JJC, who is basically of Yoruba extraction and based in London. I also did something with Terry tha Rap Man, who is Lagos-based. But I’d really love to do something with 2Face and D’Banj as they have really inspired me in terms of focusing on my career. There are others I would love to do collaborations with, like Ikechukwu, J-Martins, Wizkid and the Chocolate City boys.
WM: You were born and bred in Jos. What do you feel about the incessant crises there?
It is really sad, because Jos was an amazing place and if peace is given a chance it could still be. Jos is a very natural place. It is where you see the wonders of God’s creations everywhere. It’s really sad any time I think of Jos, I’m like ‘Oh my God, what went horribly, horribly wrong?’
If anybody is going to do something in terms of bringing peace back to the state, I wouldn’t mind helping out in any way I can.
WM: Many Nigerians want to leave for greener pastures. You had the opportunity, yet you came back. What inspired your return?
It’s the only place I want to live my life, nowhere else. The Jos crisis actually started when I was still in the country in 2001 before I left, but I couldn’t have used that as an excuse to leave home. If we all leave, who will fix our problems? Home is home, no matter what.
WM: When you travel, how do you get treated at Immigrations, especially when they see you with a Nigerian passport?
No be small thing o! They are like ‘are you serious?’ They keep looking and staring and even ask me for my passport to make sure it’s not a prank of some sort. When they take a look at my passport, they are like ‘Are you sure you are from Nigeria and not Mexico or something?’ And I ask if they have a problem with me being from Nigeria. Isn’t Barack Obama a Black American? Me ma I be White Nigerian (Laughing)
WM: How do you see the comedy industry?
The comedy industry is interesting because the comedians always have something going on. If you look at the trend now, you will see that most times when a musical concert is being organized, comedians are also called in because people want to have a good laugh in-between music. The comedy industry in Nigeria is here for good, and I daresay, getting better by the day.
WM: So why haven’t you quit all else and gone into comedy full-time?
I told you, I’m a businessman and if I decide to go full-fledged into comedy it might be hard for people to take me serious when I’m into business talks. People might take me for a joke when I try to get a contract or something.
I’ve just finished a single with Sani Danja, called “Party” which is going to come out very soon.
WM: Where do you get the inspiration for your songs?
My songs are about my life and also making people happy. So most of the inspiration comes from myself or the people around me. I often urge people to forget about their ‘wahala’ and be happy.
WM: Did you face any opposition from your parents when you were venturing into your musical career?
My parents were not aware from the very beginning until it got big and people started talking about my videos online. As long as it was for the good and I wasn’t doing anything negative, they were supportive. They are also proud of me, because even when I’m with my parents on the streets, people holler ‘White Nigerian’ and they feel happy.
WM: What is your favourite meal?
Eba and Egusi Soup. And if that’s not available, I will settle for rice and stew with plantain and salad.
