By Samuel Onyekwere
Music hit maker, Harrison Tare Okiri popularly called Harrysong has revealed that his much talked about tribute song, Mandela, dedicated to late South African president, Nelson Mandela, was released as a result of pressure from friends and fans. He said a friend had informed him after the death of the Icon that over 50 artistes had done individual songs to celebrate the late freedom fighter. After a long thought, he decided to release a single dedicated to Mr. Mandela titled Mandela in 2013.
The song obviously recorded one of the highest downloads among his songs and won him an award. “I was recording one of my hit songs, Reggea Blues, when a friend brought the idea of recording a tribute song to Nelson Mandela. I accepted to write the song, but did not know it will be this popular.”
Harrysong hinted further that he is working on some new songs which will include a gospel song. The Delta State born artiste left his former record label – Five Star -early this year to form his own label, Alter Plate, which he will use to nurture up and coming stars.
Recall that he was initially signed to Five Star music record label but the aftermath of a misunderstanding made him set up his own label. The talented songwriter and instrumentalist rose to fame after his tribute song to Nelson Mandela won the “Most Downloaded Callertune Award” at The Headies 2013.