IMMACULATE DACHE

Immaculate Dache is an actress and singer who learnt the ropes through her experience at Project Fame. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she speaks about things that inspire her, some challenges and memorable moments in the sector.

What are you working on at the moment?

I am working on a whole lot of things in the studio. I am putting up my EP which will come out soon. I can’t wait for the world to hear me. I know they have heard me but I can’t wait for them to hear this. It’s really dear to my heart; from the first note to the last note of every song. It’s taken long for it to come out and I can’t wait for it because of the work put in. From production to writing, telling stories, management to business and everything. I just can’t wait for you guys to hear this. I am working on a lot. I have been away from home, doing a whole lot of things and seeing life from a different perspective. Seeing music in a different light and just bringing it back to my brand and just making sure that everything is super beautiful. I am proud of my process and progress; I’m super excited. I am working on a whole lot but the most paramount is my EP.

Tell us about your experience with Project Fame. How has this influenced your career?

My experience on Project Fame was beautiful, and educative because of what it is. It was a reality show but it actually prepared me for the real life which was reality. It was very educational, interactive and it helped me to know a lot about music that I never knew. From pacing, breath control, the things that I thought I knew as well as understanding how to make good use of my words, my notes and stage performances. I probably had it in me but with the help of the academy and Project Fame it built me. My pronunciation when it comes to singing; knowing that at this particular point, you have to be able to beat the word, cut the word. Trust me, the real life outside reality life is tough. I came up and felt like I have been there. I just have to continue to make good use of this, refer back to my memo and this hasn’t been easy but it has been beautiful.

What should your fans expect from you?

I don’t think I have disappointed so far and I think I don’t intend to disappoint them in future. They should just keep expecting good things. I think I try to build up my game, to wow them. I don’t know if I am doing it right but the response that I get from them has been very encouraging. They should expect more from me musically and, like you all know, I am also a thespian. I am also acting and I really can’t wait to go international. I am in the process and I am walking into that vision and that dream. I just want to wow my fans. I just want them to be proud of me. I would also want them to know that following me and following my story and growth is worth it. They should expect good things, good music and good acting from me. Good movies and the wow factor from me.

What are the challenges?

If I tell you that there are no challenges, I would be lying. One of my major challenges has been financing my projects. So far so good, I have been managing myself, my resources and doing what I can with what I have. It’s not easy to be a sole proprietor or a sole support system when it comes to music or entertainment, getting financial support from anywhere but myself and my few buddies, team members, friends and partner. The most challenging has been insufficient funding to put my career and music out there. I would tap myself in the back and say ‘keep doing this and keep it up.” It can be very depressing and discouraging. But God has been faithful. I get support from friends on TV, radio, family and all that. They have made me look beyond the challenges.

Care to speak about some memorable moments in the sector?

I have a lot of beautiful moments in the sector, dull moments too. I still think one is sharing the story genre on stage with so many artists, singers. That was immediately after Project Fame. It was so cool and I was just was so happy that a young girl like me from Ajegunle, Kirikiri, was sharing the stage with international stars like Kelly Rowland, one of Destiny child, TY, WAJE, Dare, and it was beautiful. That was the turning point for me; that you are no longer that girl – that you are moving on and doing good. Also memorable was travelling from one state to another for Startrek. And it’s been beautiful.

Any lessons learnt?

I have learnt so many lessons. As I would say, I have learnt the hard way. One is that I have learnt the right people that have stood by me, through thick and thin. I have also learnt to appreciate them even more. It is hard to find genuine friendship, when you know who you are especially when you are in the spotlight. Also appreciating every moment because every moment counts. Appreciating every little moment, I try as much as possible to appreciate the people around me. Not to burn bridges and I have also learnt never to look down on anybody because you never know whether the next door you are opening is the person that you have looked down on. I have learnt patience; that, interestingly, is my middle name now. I was not a patient person in the past. From a scale of one to ten, my patience strength grew to seven. Tolerance; letting go of certain things and knowing when to be angry and when not to. I have learnt a lot. And money management. Here, I have learnt to enjoy life and see life just the way it is.

Let’s compare when you started and now. What has changed?

What has changed is that inasmuch as I have complained about funds, I have worked hard. If I started with fifty naira in my account, I have worked hard not to have that in my account anymore; which is growth. I am grateful to God that I have achieved awards and recognitions. I can’t even count how many stages that I have been on. A lot of that has changed my life in a more positive way. One thing that cannot change is my personality and I try as much as possible to keep that to where I am from and how life started. It was never rosy and my early beginning has been like a reminder for me. This is who you are, this is where you are going to; no forming, no looking down on anybody. Also deliver when you are to deliver, deliver when you are paid to deliver, as well as deliver when you are not even paid to deliver. Just be yourself. However, I am not the young girl I used to be; the girl whose only dream was just to be in the spotlight. I have the spotlight and I just keep building myself, enjoying every moment. The growth and the way I see life perhaps are the things that have changed.

Are there changes that you would like to see in the sector?

The change that I would like to see in the music industry is basically between the females in the industry. We are trying and since the past five years or so, there has been a bit of growth.

Tell us about the people that you admire in the sector

I kind of admire almost everybody but have few people that I really love like Burnaboy. I love his craft, talent, his voice is everything; very beautiful. I am also in love with Omowunmi, Praise, Deja and Niniola. I admire the strength and zeal of Teniola, Simi and Davido.

Let’s trace your career path and journey to fame

Creativity has helped me to become who I am today and it has been a wonderful experience evolving and rediscovering myself at different stages of my life and career; from being a singer to songwriter, performer, actress and spokesperson. It all began from singing in a small Catholic Church to nationwide acclaim. With a vocal range that covers three octaves, I became the 1st runner-up in the 3rd edition of Peak Talent Hunt show in 2011.

It was in 2013, when my musical career really took off, after coming 1st runner-up in the 6th edition of MTN Project Fame, West Africa. Thereafter, I got signed in 2014 to Vivace Records, owned by the outstanding producer Tee Y Mix, where I released major successful singles “Osanle” and “Gogo Baby”.

By 2016, I had garnered a lot of experience and became independent at this point. I went on to release “Sugarlala” and my current 2017 hit single “Love Affair”.

Also, my acting career was launched in 2016 as well, with my stage debut portrayal of Iya Sidi in Olu Jacobs & Joke Silva’s magically produced theatrical musical “Heartbeat the Musical”, a role I played again in 2017.

I am currently working on releasing my EP and will continue to work on my debut album after dropping amazing singles like Obiyekum, Chocolate Sweet, Poze and Stay (feat. LAX).

What are the other things that occupy your time?

For me, it has been a very interesting journey and every experience has been awesome. I must say that I am also very passionate about being involved in projects aimed at improving women’s development in Africa. I am also passionate about networking and contributing to discussions on various trends in Africa, its impacts and relevance.