By Olakunle Taiwo, Nigerian Tribune
Musician, Ada Okori, also known as Imelda J, is one of the nominees for the next Headies Award, as the Rookie of the Year. The pop singer, in this interview, speaks on her relationship with Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State, her upbringing and her career. Excerpts:
How was growing up like?
I come from a humble background and a Christian home. But, I enjoyed my growing up as a child. I went to one of the best nursery schools around and all the things that I needed were there for me.
In fact, I skipped primary one and everything was just moving very fast for me because I wanted to just be in the front. I don’t know why. Most importantly, I got all the training and discipline I needed while growing up and even till now, there are things I can’t just do.
How did you start music?
Should I say I grew up doing music? Unlike some artistes who say they joined a band at a particular time, mine was not like that. My mum sings and dances, so while I was growing up, she saw music in me and noticed that I was going to go her away. Seeing that, she gave me the encouragement that I needed; so I grew up with music.
Why won’t you forget your mum quickly?
I won’t because she gave support to my dream and career despite the fact that she is a medical doctor.
You haven’t said anything about your dad…
My dad too gave me his support. In fact, the whole family has been there for me. And for that I will remain grateful to them.
How have you been coping?
Like every other artiste, it has not been easy, but the passion definitely keeps me going.
If not music, what would it be?
I would have become a medical doctor.
How?
I was actually in my 200 level when the admission came to study Medicine, but then I was so deep in music. So, if I had gone for Medicine and left music, it would mean that my musical career had gone.
Now that you have ended up in the music industry, how do you see the competition?
When I first came in, I went through a lot because I was a female. Initially, I came to Lagos without the knowledge of my parents just to see how music works. But sincerely, it has been very tasking; you have to be in the studio and at the same time and thinking of another thing. Even, the mosquitoes in the studio were also frustrating; it was a new life entirely though. Being a girl, people were discouraging me, asking how would I survive? Where are your parents? Even now, things are still tough despite the fact that you have the money to push your songs. Because some music promoters are full of deceit and can run away with any amount you give to them for promotion. Another challenge was that people may try to take advantage of you by asking for stupid things.
What stupid things?
You know now, as usual. Even, if you have the money, people still want to take advantage of you.
Who do you look up to in the Nigerian music industry?
A lot of them because we have a good number of artistes in the industry at the moment. But, one person that is very versatile, although it’s funny, that I have celebrity crush for is D’banj. Oh my God! And also 2 face.
Do you have any form of relationship with any of them?
Except for 2face, we are from the same place, but for the rest, not yet.
What challenges are you facing as an artiste?
Going to the studio and coming back could really be a problem. Initially, I thought money could be the problem, but I later got to realise that everything is not money. You just have to think right and stay focused. Presently, my hands are full and don’t even know where to start. Now, I have to drop some for others. Basically, the challenges are everyday challenges but we just have to pray to God for the strength to keep going.
Do you think anything is hindering the growth of the industry?
Yes. One is piracy and the other lack of structure.
How do you mean?
The government is not there yet in terms of support. We don’t seem to have a home in the music industry. For instance, I can’t say I am going to any professional body in case I have a problem. And if the government is going to do anything for artistes, who is going to represent us? We don’t have that structure.
What is your relationship with the governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam?
(Laughs). Well, I look up to him as a father. He has been very supportive to entertainment generally in the state and definitely you should know I should have a good relationship with him because he has been very supportive to me and my career, and like other artistes too in the state. Before he came, entertainment was on a lowkey, but since he came many shows have been coming up in the state. He opened way for artistes to have access to him. So, he is like a father to all of us in the state.
Because, you are much closer to him than other artistes in the state, some are curious…
No one has seen me close to any guy, but when they eventually see you with one, they believe a kind of relationship is going on. And for Christ sake, he is not the only one I am close to in the state. I am close to big personalities, especially politicians. I am blessed in such a way that when I walk into any place and there are elders there, they are the first to get close to me. Like Bongo Siko is my very good friend and he is an elderly person, so why are people not talking about him? He is someone I work up to anytime for advice.
I think in the governor’s case, a verse in the scripture says that your talent shall open ways for you before kings. So, it is up to you to know what you have and how you place. But in my own case, it’s absurd because I am close to the governor and top dignitaries in Benue, then they say I may be having an affair with them. I think it is funny. But when you are a female artiste, people tend to attach so many things to your life. Sincerely, there is nothing other than he is a father to me and all other artistes in the state.
How are you affecting the life of your fans positively?
Definitely with good messages. I have always made sure that I am involved in happenings in the society. I did a song with Miko Kri which preaches unity and also did one for the Chibok girls.
So, what should your fans be expecting next?
They should expect a lot from me. By the grace of God, my album will be coming out next year. And I am going to be dropping two kinds of album.
So, I intend going to separate my album to portray cool songs for the young and matured minds and then the Nigerian style that will bring my fans together.
MY REMARKS: Does anyone expect this Imelda girl to confirm the rumour? Anyway, we don hear you ooo. But if na as we dey hear am, body go tell you later. Final word!
Credit: Saturday Tribune
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