A Nigerian artist has spoken out about why it is seemingly really hard for women to make it big in the music industry.

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Background

I grew up in a family of five children and I’m the fourth child. We live in Lagos. My childhood wasn’t particularly a fairytale one. I was a tomboy and that didn’t sit well with my dad, and my peers in school. I was bullied and made fun of a lot. As a result of that, I had inferiority complex while growing up. But I had the love of my parents and siblings. As a child, I wanted to be a teacher and a housewife because I love children a lot.

Education

I attended Fountain Nursery and Primary School, Surulere. I went to Federal Government College, Ijanikin, for my post-elementary education. Afterwards, I proceeded to the University of Lagos, where I studied English and Liberal Arts.

Music

My uncle, Kingsley Ogoro, happens to be one of the pillars of Nollywood, and I always told him to give me an opportunity. But like they say, a prophet has no honour at home; so, he never took me seriously. But I had a friend who was a sound engineer and he really believed in me. He paid for my first studio session and that’s how my career was born. My first song, No Cry, got me a lot of attention. I was nominated for a lot of awards like the Hip Hop World Awards (now Headies), Nigerian Music Video Awards, among others.I teach outside the box with my music and my songs are not just for entertainment. I believe in a life of purpose and I always want to impact lives.

Acting

Popular producer, Charles Novia, just called me one day and said since I am able to sing, we should see if I could act as well. He offered me a role in his movie, Alan Poza. After that, I was called by Emem Isong to feature in a movie, Knocking on Heaven’s Door. It was a musical movie and I wrote about 95 per cent of the songs used in it. The movie got a Ghanaian award for Best Original Soundtrack. The roles kept coming in from then. I have also featured in TV series such as MTV Shuga and Tinsel. I produce a lot of soundtracks for movies. I also have plans to produce my own movies and that could be as early as next year.

Breakthrough

My first single, No Cry, got me a lot of attention. At that time, I was arguably the first new generation female singer. People like Kween then came after me. In terms of movies, my breakthrough would be Knocking on Heaven’s Door.

Career decline

People will always have opinions. They don’t want to see you evolve; they just want you to keep doing the same things over and again. I have been evolving with my music. I think where I have done a disservice to myself is not paying attention to my brand commercially. I’m just in my own corner doing my thing; I haven’t done enough to push my brand commercially.

Female artistes

There have been lots of female artistes who had great potential but suddenly fizzled out. However, it isn’t always the artistes’ fault; it has to do with the environment. There is a lot of cabalism and favouritism going on in the industry. There are some people at the helm of affairs that would do anything to frustrate the careers of up-and-coming acts all in a bid to favour their own artistes. If a female artiste doesn’t sleep with them, they don’t bother investing in her. Even when the artiste uses her money to promote herself, they would still attempt to frustrate the person. A popular radio presenter once said that some CEOs of record labels often tell them not to play the music of certain artistes. I think it is harder for women to make it in the industry than men.Despite the talents, female artistes are usually under pressure to look sexy and show off skin because it is believed that’s what sells their music. Meanwhile, male artistes don’t go through all that. I have had meetings with several top shots who acknowledged that I am talented, but they were more interested in sleeping with me before doing anything. And most of them are married men.

Current projects

I do more of movie soundtracks these days but fans have been demanding that they want new music from me, so I’m working on an EP. In terms of acting, I have been involved in a couple of stage plays, and I just concluded work on one, titled No More Cries. I’m currently in talks to feature in two other plays.

Balance

Acting and singing go hand-in-hand for me. Some acting projects require me to sing, so my fans get to see me sing and act at the same time. But I wouldn’t deny that my career has been tilted more towards acting these days. Acting pays me more.

Lessons

I have learnt that integrity pays. You should always be yourself at all times. The people you are trying to impress would not be there all the time. Find your own brand and don’t copy anybody because you don’t know what they did to get to where they are. Also, if you make a mistake, own up to it and move on with your life.

Romance

I’m currently single. I like a man who is honest, hard-working and God-fearing. Someone who has a plan and knows how to achieve it. I also like men who are upfront and are not afraid to state what they want. He shouldn’t be easily swayed by the things around him, and he has to be romantic. He should be gentle, thoughtful and creative

Fashion

I love Afrocentric wears. I also love costume jewellery. I can never be caught wearing bum shorts outside my house. 

Source:- Sunday Punch