He got the fan base attention after flipping Big L’s “Ebonics” into “Lagos Language” a track that broke down the commonly used street slangs in Lagos, Nigeria. He wen’t after the industry clowns without being discreet as to who is listening or what damage he might cause.

He is the rapper that is taking on Nigerian politicians without a law book in his hand, one of Nigeria’s brightest stars and he is gifted with words especially when his pidgin english is bouncing off kicks and drums. And finally he is one of the most underrated or should I say over looked concious rappers out of Nigeria.

Without Further Ado we at Nigerianhiphop.net will like you to meet Lord Jahza.

1. Name/Age/Hometown

Bamidele Ikenna Ifedobi, born july the 5th hails from Aguata Anambra State, Nigeria.

2. Where did Lord Jahza grew up?

I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria and in Houston, Texas.

3. Before you got into Hip-Hop what were you doing?

I’ve always been into hip-hop, but I’m also an economist, from ABU Zaria, I currently do contracts for refineries as an inspector, and I’m acquiring a master’s also. But hip-hop has always been a part of me. Even if I were president, I’d still appreciate good poetry and music.

4. What brought about the name “Lord Jahza”

Jahza is a nickname I carried since my highschool days…JAH is my chi, and za means answered in igbo. so my LORD answered. [Good to know]

5. Was there a moment when you realized that hip-hop is what you really love doing?

Yea, it hit me around ’84 when we were all breakdancing, and my dad was taking me to school, and I heard reckless from the breakdance soundtrack with Ice Tee and Dj Evil E, and I remembered thinking, i’d love to sound like that..so graceful…

Lord Jahza – Lagos Language

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6. When and why did you decide to start rapping about Nigerian politics?

When I was in Abu around ’95 and we had this long teacher’s strike, and Abacha was president, I think that’s when Nigeria really fell off, sometimes we’d be without power for four months, and there was no fuel for generators or cars. I started writing in pidgin ..and I wrote a song called wetin u go do….describing the harsh life….

7. What will you like to see changed in Nigerian politics?

The culture..not just of the rulers, but of the people on the street. There should be a higher appreciation for values rather than riches…just because somebody is rich doesn’t mean he’s good…politicians should be serious about alleviating the poverty and using our immense resources for nation building.

8. It is obvious that you are working on a Mixtape called “Jungle Justice”, when is it dropping?

It should be ready by summer.

9. Any insight into what the content might look or sound like?

I tried to broaden my scope a bit, but retain my core essence…it’ll be in pidgin, but I’ll be introducing people to my anglophied style. it’s a rapper’s treasure. Rhythm and Proverbs.

10. What do you think separates you from other artists around at the moment?

My style of rap…I like to tell stories and I pay attention to the details…something like a Nas, or a Rakim, but its pidgin.

11. Who would you consider your peers or competition when we talk about hip-hop in Nigeria?

Peers, well I’d say Mode9′s and ‘em emcees from that that era. I’m not into this tight jeans rock star shit. Competition…I dont see ‘em.

12. As an independent artist, how have you dealt with the business side of things? With the promotion and generally getting your name out there?

Well, first I copyright my stuff before I even let my closest dudes have it. I also give out a lotta free stuff to deejays for radio/mixtape spins…I’m scouting presently for promoters for naija and euro tours. [Cool!!!]

13. Who did you listen to growing up? & Who are you listening to today?

Well Ice T got me writing, then NWA, Wutang, Daddy Kane, Big L, now I bump Joell Ortiz and Papoose.

14. If you could collaborate with any artist(s) (Dead or Alive), who would it be?

I’d say ela’s son, Common, Nas, Krs1.

Lord Jahza – U Know No Me

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15. Do you have a favourite Lord Jahza track? If so, what is it and why?

U No Know Me. ‘Cos I did it in one breath, and I was just styling in my lagos yarns.

16. Any advise for upcoming artist(s)?

Stay true to yourself, work hard and don’t depend on just rap or music for your sustenance.

Random Questions

Any Shout Outs…?

Shout out to all Naija Dee Jays doing it globally…all the dudes that played my stuff…mighty mike, geelah, dj majesty, dj dice, my bro xploit, nigerianhiphop.net, and all conscious Africans.

You have heard it all from Lord Jahza, check him out on myspace and make sure you show him love and if you are on Facebook just search for “King Jahza” to add him to your friends list.