Hazel Onou better known as WhiteMoney a household name and winner of the popular reality TV show Big Brother Naija, has found himself at the center of intense scrutiny regarding his music career. Critics argue that the quality of his music falls short of expectations.
Despite the backlash, Onou remains steadfast in his musical journey.
In a recent interview, he passionately expressed that his love for music is deep-rooted and inspired by the Holy Spirit. “Music has always been in me, and I have been doing it for a long time. I do it passionately, and my inspiration comes from the Holy Spirit and the environment. I tell stories from what I see and what I’ve been through. I make ‘conscious’ music,” he shared.
Onou takes pride in the moral integrity of his work. “I have a conscience. My songs don’t contain vulgar words or demeaning lyrics. I don’t talk down on anybody, or use lyrics that can send people into depression. All my lyrics are quite catchy and understandable. When I listen to my songs and I confirm that I am not doing the wrong thing, I get encouraged to continue,” he stated.
He acknowledges that his time on Big Brother Naija has influenced public perception. “I know that some Nigerians already see me in a certain way, so they would not want me to do my thing. They want me to stick to cooking, because of my affinity with the kitchen while in the BBN house. But, I already have that going on. Cooking is a passion, but music is my talent; and I have proved it in many ways,” he declared.
Onou is also navigating the complexities of celebrity life in Nigeria. “Currently, I think my brand has more prospects outside Nigeria than in the country. Nigerians don’t understand me. They don’t know what I’m about. So, I want to take my brand international with my cooking, music, and everything else that I do,” he explained.