When Oleg found my writings, he didn’t hesitate to use them. The first time I heard one, I was surprised—it had been done without my consent. He claimed I wrote the lyrics, but they created the melody. Fred was my brother. Oleg a lifelong family friend. I wouldn’t contest it—after all, I had no intention of becoming a professional artist.

They always sang the lyrics I wrote, but never heard me create an entire song. Today, 4 Nipes’ biggest hits were my compositions. Gabriel tried, but ...