Before Stardom With…PRECIOUS ONUNGWE (PRESH)

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Can you tell us about your educational background?

My primary and secondary education took place in Eleme, Rivers State. I later graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Petroleum Systems Engineering in Canada.

How did you become an artist?

In my hometown, my grandmother was a well-known composer, lyricist and performer in her prime, while my mother was more of a dancer and performer.

I joined the church choir in my early teens and was also part of my high school choir. I later joined a band called M2 while in Eleme. When I moved to Canada for university education, I became a member of a gospel band called Tehillah Minstrels.

Through all these groups, I built relevant skills such as teamwork, resilience, discipline, mental stamina, and the ability to withstand setbacks and failures.

Eventually, I decided to go solo to explore diverse sounds and songwriting styles. My sounds include Amapiano, R&B, Afrobeats, Pop, Pop Rock and AfroSoul.

What challenges have you faced in your career?

The major challenge has been the marketing and promotional aspect of the music industry. It takes time to build the right team for that department.

How has stardom changed you as a person?

I grew up with humble beginnings. The advice and stories my mum shared with us are deeply ingrained in me. She taught me about the dangers of pride, ingratitude and looking down on others.

She always emphasised treating everyone with respect. Because of that, I always take time to express gratitude.

How have you been able to attain relevance in the music industry?

Music and sounds evolve constantly. The adaptability skills I built over the years from being part of different groups have been very useful.

Staying grounded while observing trends in the music environment has helped me. Still, the core of my music remains the same; delivering a message that aligns with the times.

Which artistes do you see as models?

I admire Flavour for what he is doing on the international stage. He stays true to his authenticity and remains Afrocentric in his music videos. I also like Burna Boy for songs like Common Person and for working hard to portray Africa positively on the global stage.

I also admire artistes like Kizz Daniel for their consistency and hard work, Diamond Platnumz for his energetic stage performances, and Omah Lay for delivering timeless messages in his lyrics. In the R&B world, artistes like Chris Brown, John Legend and Usher are great models.

How do you handle attention from female fans?

I appreciate the attention because it means something is working. However, it takes only a single mistake for all the lifelong effort that brought me here to fade away.

I acknowledge the attention, but I stay true to my goals and dreams, and I maintain professionalism in my craft.

What advice do you have for upcoming artists?

Be ready for criticism. Develop the skill of taking feedback and using it to improve your craft. Your art may not be for everyone, and that is okay.

Surround yourself with people who maintain good energy when you create something great and people who will honestly tell you when things are going wrong.

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