Meet Chris Rio

Chris Rio is an applied Biology and Biotechnology student of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun state, Nigeria. He is a songwriter and a recording artiste. We had a little chat and this ensued:

Brief History: Loved singing even as a child, greatest influences growing up were Ron Kenoly, Usher & Michael Jackson. Eventually took interest in music as a profession in 2010, specifically September, when I started creating melodies in my mind and writing songs. I wrote over 40 songs in the 3 months following, presently I’ve lost count. Currently learning how to play the piano (watch this space).

Stats: I began recording songs in August 2012, where I worked with L37 (a credited producer on MI’s new “Chairman” album) on two songs, “So Good (Ft Dvyne)” & “Praise You 4eva”, genres R&B and Afro pop respectively. Both songs were well received by different audiences with varied preferences. 

In 2013, I was featured on the “Forgiven Mixtape” by Ojay on the title song, Forgiven. Also on October 1st that year, I performed my hit song, “Irrevocable” (electro pop) with producer SkweiRd at the Covenant University Chapel, where it was very well received (the video of this performance is on YouTube, search “Chris Rio Irrevocable live”). I proceeded to release the song online on December 4th that year, and it was successful (it went on to get airplay on radio stations like Cool FM, Rhythm FM, Inspiration FM & UNILAG FM). My next single was a cover of Mali Music’s “Beautiful”, produced by Dyksen, which I released online the following year on the 26th of April and it got over 5K downloads on various download sites within two weeks of release. It also got radio airplay, and even some foreign online radio stations. Most recently, on the 4th of October 2014, I released the single “RaiseThe Flag” produced by IBK, and it has gotten airplay on UNILAG FM, and has been getting positive reviews ever since.

Currently, I am working on my first project titled “Unveiled”, and three of the above listed songs have been purposely released as promotional singles for the EP itself, which will comprise of eight songs. No fixed release date yet, but it will be released early 2015. Anticipate the best!

Mind behind the music: I write songs on purpose, in other words, I tend to tailor my lyricism around themes that I love and believe in, as well as things that have impacted me either positively or negatively. Writing “Raise The Flag” was from a standpoint, where I visualised Nigeria like an old house falling apart and the owners of the house ran away from it and complain about it while inhabiting and profiting another man’s house. I saw it that way, and I didn’t like the situation, so I wrote a song about it, because I see that music has a great influence on the listener; it can change the mood, it can soothe, and it can stir up emotion, and the lyrical content of a lot of popular music has formed the bedrock of people’s mind-sets & has informed their philosophies of life. I see music as a tool to effect change, and it can stir up anything depending on the influence the artist has on the listener. So music is pretty much my outlet to express my thoughts and beliefs, yet at the same time, I don’t believe it has to be serious all the time.

At the end of the day, I aim to retain the element of mystery, and keep you guessing what’s coming next from me. I never want to be predictable, because of the box that puts me in. I aim to bear the title “artiste” for all it really stands for. Started out with gospel music, and I won’t ever desert gospel music, cos I’m a Christian. But I’m not afraid to digress either, and express myself in other ways. What I can promise you though, is good, wholesome music always.Lastly, I believe that so far, music in Nigeria has yet to be appreciated as a form of art and not just entertainment, and it’s my dream to be instrumental in making Nigerian music really artistic, not just entertaining. According to Myles Munroe, when purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable.

Artists I Wish To Work With: Among Nigerian artistes, I would love to get in the studio with people like Brymo, Asa, Nosa & TY Bello, especially Asa! I love her. I don’t exactly have a wish list for foreign acts, but I really admire the likes of Labrinth, Aloe Blacc, Mali Music & Usher. It would be a dream come true for me to make a song with producer Rodney Jerkins though.

Other random facts: I happen to be the last born of a family of 4, with 3 big sisters, and we all sing (praise & worship during morning devotion=the roots of my musicality). I like meeting people and I try to make new friends, only problem is I’m not good with names & contrary to popular belief, I’m very shy (I try to hide it, but it sneaks out most of the time). 

Relationship status - It’s complicated

My full name really is Uriri Christopher Onoyovwi, RIO really is an acronym for my other names 

(none of which I would reveal anytime soon lol, except I which represents Israel).

I’m from Delta state, my language is Urhobo and I can speak it quite well 

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Mr Sheye Sanya of the TSC group is my manager.

Last thing I’ll say is, personally for me, it’s really not about money or fame. It’s more about purpose and legacy, and sincerely that’s what drives me. 

Love!

Twitter & IG: @ChrisRio_

Facebook: Chris Rio

Email: chrisrioworld@gmail.com

Download link: www.soundcloud.com/chris-rio