#OnTheRise: Meet Tush

Due to the changing landscape in the music industry and the entry of several levelers like – DSPs, and decentralized distribution options amongst other things we find a majority of artists starting out as independent and trying to hold their own by themselves. Tush is no different from every rising artist but is by miles different in the same breath. 

Oftentimes I get the chance to sit down and discuss with bright upcoming acts and these conversations are mostly more interesting than I usually expect. Chidozie Okueme Anthony, popularly known as Tush was the artist I sat down with to discuss his journey. This Lagos-born-Enugu-bred lover boy and dreamer is totally committed to his work. Tush started freestyling and studying music production after receiving his undergraduate degree.

In this piece, following the release of his debut single – HOLIDAY off his forthcoming eponymous EP, we talk about his journey, the hustle, him failing and learning and reworking his content and craft as he goes along in his journey as an Afro-fusion artist.

Here are a few things you should know about this budding superstar

Who is Tush?

Chidozie Okueme Anthony, better known as Tush, is an upcoming independent Nigerian artist from Abia state. He was born and started his early life in Lagos, and his family later moved to Enugu where he attended primary and secondary school. He is an alumnus of Godfrey Okoye University (GOU)..

When and how did you discover your passion for creating music?

I would say that I started properly chasing a career in music in 2016. I started freestyling with some friends and quickly realised that I have a passion for it and decided to learn about production. Almost immediately after learning, I started creating songs that I uploaded to Audiomack, which I would quickly say isn’t my best work, but gave me the groundwork for how I wanted to chart my career.

How has navigating the music industry as an independent artist been for you?

Up to date, it’s one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. From raising the funds that I need to finding and collaborating with other creatives within the industry. Regardless of how tough it is, I’m willing to continue this journey until an international record label comes around with a beneficial deal for all parties involved

What type of music do you create?

I would definitely say Afro-fusion. Just simply because it gives me the space to create a wide range of music that’s unique to us here but also relatable to anyone who’s listening.

Who is your biggest musical influence and how did that help in defining your sound?

Definitely Wizkid. As a kid growing up, and now being in the industry, it’s been very inspiring having someone like that to look up to. His dedication to the game and his drive have shown me that dedication and hard work can get me to the spaces I aspire to be in. 

Starboy was one of the first people who I saw do something different with his sound and at first, people fought against him because it didn’t sound like regular Wizzy, but eventually, we all came around to it. So, I guess I can say that he really inspired me to lean towards afro-fusion because I’m able to blend all the types of genres I like into one cohesive track.

What can we expect from you?

After I took a break from just putting out music for the sake of putting it out, I took some time to hone my songwriting and production skills which have come together in a culmination of my first body of work which will be announced soon. But even before that drops, the official video for my single “Holiday” will be dropping very soon.