by Wilfred Okiche

Ikechukwu Okonkwo Jr is an architect, a music producer, singer and entertainer known as Typikl beatz. He and his brother Dr. Ifeanyi Okonkwo, better known as JAX, make up the group JAY-X&R.

Describe yourself in one sentence:

A creatively driven, witty, spontaneous, vibrant good looking young man with a great sense of humor.

What kind of music do you do?

Well, when it comes to my taste in music, I am something of an eclectic because I believe different genres bring new and innovative swings, styles and dimensions to the table for a creative person. Having said that, I can admit that Hip hop, rhythm and blues and new generation music like crunk appeal to me and have influenced the style of music I do.

Inspiration:

Music like all art draws from humanity so I find inspiration from everything, the everyday sounds, trends and concepts. It is what we hear, what we see, how we think and how we react to the environment around us.

Educational qualifications:

I have a B.Sc in Architecture from University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.

When did you start singing?

That is difficult to answer because I have been singing almost all my life. I grew up in a home with a mother that had been singing most of her life so my siblings and I had an early start in that department. However, I did not take singing seriously till I was about 12 years old. I was in secondary school then and had joined my school and church choirs and for the first time I started to see music as more than just a hobby. It was suddenly a force in my life to reckon with. Not long afterwards, I started performing for my classmates and my siblings and I would stage mini shows to entertain family and friends.

What has been your biggest musical gig yet?

Face of Selara ’08 and Coal city Street Jamz 2010.

Do you get family support?

That’s a tricky one to answer because the answer is yes and no. When I was just a young boy showcasing his musical talents, no one bothered me. Tolerance levels got thinner over the years when I indicated an interest in pursuing music professionally. My parents have been gradually coming to terms with the reality that my music is here to stay.

Role models:

My late uncle (Jake Sollo), Dark child, Timbaland, R kelly and Ne-yo.

Have you tried out for a reality talent show?

No, I have not.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I see myself in the Typikl beatz state of the art studios, seated in front of the console, recording and helping upcoming artists achieve their dreams and goals.

How do you intend achieving success in the record industry?

By passing a message through our songs and productions which has been lacking in popular music. By giving the music industry a different feel of music, showing them music from my own perspective and understanding. Generally, being myself and keeping it real.

When can the public share your music?

We have already released a debut single by JAY–X&R titled ‘Tonight‘ and a promotional single, ‘Only you’ Ft Makysha.  By Gods grace, our album will drop this year.