CHAPTER 39

Don Jazzy looked at Johnny Drille and said, "The boy is very good, a rare gem, but..." he paused and sighed, "From the way I see him, his style of singing doesn't suit Nigeria. His fanbase would be few, although he could make it. I don't want to risk it. You of all people should know how careful I am when signing artists. The boy is very talented, but you know how the music industry is changing. If it were five years ago, I would sign him right away, but now the music people want to hear is changing. He might have had a chance back then, but now we're in different times." The look on Don Jazzy's face said it all; he felt that the boy was talented, but the times had changed.

But Johnny Drille, on the other hand, felt otherwise and said, "Come on, boss. We both know that I was like this young man, and I am adapting to the change, thanks to you. Why don't you take your chance on him?"

Don Jazzy just sighed and said, "Johnny, you know me quite well, and as much as I would love to sign this young man, the manpower to train that boy is not something I can afford to let go. As you know, I like doing things orderly, and I am not going to sign any artist until next year." Don Jazzy said, looking at his friend apologetically, so as not to give him a hard time.

Johnny Drille just said, "I understand where you are coming from. No need to bother you then." Saying that he excused himself when he received a phone call. The voice on the other side said, "Hello, Johnny, they responded." It was Mathew, Johnny's agent.

"Oh, that was quick. So when did they say they would be available?" Johnny asked.

"They said next tomorrow, which is Wednesday," Mathew replied.

"Okay, it's set then. Bring them over to the record label studio. I think it will be convenient for them. Also, ask them about their means of transportation," Johnny said.

"Well, I don't think they will have a problem with transportation. They are well off," Matthew said, giving his insight.

"Okay, very well then," Johnny said, ending the call. He couldn't help but feel the effects of what Don Jazzy had told him. He had a gut feeling that Hamza had a lot more to offer than he was currently showing. He decided not to bother Don Jazzy with it again. Johnny was also excited that he had finally found a song that suited him. Despite having a small fan base, he always felt like they were his family. He couldn't wait to be in the spotlight again and make good music.

....

The days flew by, and it was finally Wednesday. Hamza woke up earlier than usual, full of excitement about meeting Johnny Drille. It felt like he couldn't even sleep. He hurriedly got out of bed, took a quick bath, and brushed his teeth. After getting ready, he ventured out of his room to check if Hafsat was already preparing breakfast.

Entering the kitchen, a delightful aroma wafted through the air, making his mouth water. Hamza couldn't help but take a deep breath of the delicious scent before he exclaimed, "Aunty, your food smells amazing and tastes even better. Can I learn from you?"

Hafsat, who had been focused on cooking breakfast for the family, was pleasantly surprised to hear Hamza's voice behind her. She turned with a warm smile and replied, "Seriously, you think it's that good?"

Hamza stood there, rooted to the ground, and chuckled before saying, "Good morning, Aunty. Yes, your meals are delicious. I want to help if you'll allow me."

Hafsat smiled and welcomed his eagerness. "Okay, if you say so, come and help," she said, turning back to her cooking, and Hamza eagerly joined her in the kitchen, ready to learn and assist with preparing the meal.

After the food was ready, Hafsat and Hamza carried it to the dining room where Adekunle and Zara were already sitting, engaged in lively conversation and laughter. Hamza couldn't help but feel a bit curious about what they were discussing, but he decided not to inquire further. The four of them enjoyed their meal in relative quiet, savoring the delicious breakfast.

Upon finishing their meal, both Hamza and Zara stood up, ready to clear the dishes and help with the cleanup. Their willingness to assist didn't go unnoticed by Adekunle, who observed them with pride. He commented, "These are very wonderful kids," his eyes followed the youngsters as they made their way to the kitchen.

Hafsat nodded in agreement, her heart warmed by their helpfulness. "Yes, they are indeed," she affirmed. She then shifted the conversation back to the lawyer, asking, "So, what about the lawyer you talked about? Have you contacted him? We'll need to be leaving soon."

Adekunle was about to make a call to the lawyer when he heard a doorknock. He walked over to the door, peeked through the door hole, and then opened the door to find a man in his mid-thirties, tall, with glasses, fair complexion, and dressed in a black suit. The man had a distinct Yoruba accent. He greeted Adekunle with, "Hello, friend, it's been a long time."

Adekunle smiled at his old friend and welcomed him, saying, "Malik, it's been a while. Thanks for coming over."

Malik shook his head, showing his characteristic warmth, and replied, "Well, of course, I had to come. You're my best friend, after all. So, where is your wife? And the kids?"

Adekunle called out to Hafsat, and she came out of the kitchen to greet Malik. She looked at him and playfully remarked, "You've just grown taller, but nothing else has changed," laughing at their reunion.

Malik joined the conversation, asking, "So, where is the star of the hour?"

Adekunle responded, "He'll be here soon," and they engaged in catching up, reminiscing about their shared school days.

Hamza and Zara walked out of the kitchen, greeted Malik, and were asked to sit down. Malik looked at Hamza and asked, "So, are you willing to sell your song to Johnny Drille?"

Hamza sat up straight and confidently replied, "Yes, but I don't want to sell him that particular one."

Malik raised an eyebrow and inquired further, "Oh, so you have another song you want to sell to him? What if he doesn't like the song you want to sell him?"

Hamza maintained his determination and said, "He will like it, but if, by any chance, he doesn't, then I'll sell him the one he initially wanted to buy."

Malik was surprised by Hamza's confidence. He turned to Adekunle, who simply shrugged, showing that he wasn't surprised either. Malik then turned back to Hamza and asked, "What if he wants to buy both songs?"

Hamza shook his head and firmly stated, "He has to pick one to buy. I can't sell him both."

Malik chuckled and then gave clear instructions, "Very well, this is how it's going to happen: don't talk about selling at all, and leave all the talking to me."

Hamza nodded and confirmed, "Sure, I understand completely."

Adekunle then said, "If that's everything, let's get going so we won't be late."