Angela Chioma John, known with the sobriquet Annjay, is a singer, model and beauty entrepreneur. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she recalls how it all started, initial challenges and the things that make her tick.
What does life as a musician mean to you?
Life as a musician cum beauty entrepreneur has been quite challenging so far. But in spite of the challenges, it has also been very interesting and inspiring in different ways. I get inspired from different things and learn a lot in the process.
I have produced a lot of songs and I am still doing more. I am not going to quit music; I’ll keep it flowing because of the passion I have for it. My fans will hear me soon. I always find a way to strike a balance between my two worlds; music and business. My passion for music is forever.
My typical day starts from home, to office and then I move on to attend different business meetings. Sometimes, I wish 24 hours is not enough for a day; it should be extended to like 30 hours or more (laughs).
What gives you inspiration to do the things you do?
God and myself. My hard work inspires me a lot. This is very important especially each time I look back to where I was coming from. All the experiences, lessons and opportunities inspire me to forge ahead and never be a failure.
I like beauty products too and I can spend my last kobo on them. As a teenager back then, if I wanted to buy any beauty product and my money was not complete, I usually went into instalment agreements with them and when the payment was complete they would hand over what I paid for to me. I love to use quality and expensive beauty products and that is what I offer to my clients now.
What were some of the challenges encountered on the job?
So far, it’s been good but challenging. Interestingly, the challenges are what you need to take you to the next phase in life and they have been very useful for me. So, I thank God for everything. These days, music or modelling can’t pay all the bills. That’s one of the major reasons I do other businesses by the side and this has been another interesting learning curve for me.
On the business side, there has been a number of memorable moments networking and meeting the needs of our clientele. For me, the major challenge is the bad roads, because we do more high demand supplies across the 36 states of Nigeria. In addition, there is also the dollar exchange rate and custom duties is another big issue the government should look into.
How do you cope with them?
I just try not to let them weigh me down. I have a vision and mission, they keep me up tight. If it gets so tough, I present it to God on bended knees.
Tell us about your career. When was the turning point for you?
My music career has been a slow but steady journey. I’m not done with music yet but I’m taking my time to do things right. I’m not in a rush to release unpleasant songs.
My fans should expect more cool sounds and good music from me. So I’m yet to experience that banging turning point.
For my business, my turning point would be when my Abuja outlet was opened for business.
I derive maximum satisfaction in providing quality products for all fashion lovers at home and abroad. That’s why I decided to extend my brands and services to my fans in Abuja.
We are growing daily, so most definitely, the need for more branches would arise. We are currently looking at expansion to places like Port- Harcourt and Asaba.
What lessons have you learnt on the job?
It has been a very wonderful journey and the experience has been awesome. One big lesson learnt over the years is the fact that dishonesty and pride don’t pay. I can’t deal with anyone that portrays any bit of these attitudes. Even the Bible says ‘pride goes before a downfall.’
Tell us about life as an entreprenuer
I went into beauty business because I like it and it’s part of my profession as a singer and a model. I actually started this business before I went into journalism but then it was not as big as it is now. Annjay products is an international brand now and I am proud of the achievements we have recorded. We still have a number of things lined up and we are working on them. At the moment, we have our clients all over the world.
The latest Annjay product is Cura Sunglasses. It is the best of its kind. Cura launched into the Nigerian market few weeks ago. The truth of the matter is that journalism prepared me for everything I’m today.
At a point, I could no longer combine both because my hands were full. I stopped working as a journalist and ventured into full business. But, I must say that my passion for journalism is still intact.
Let’s compare when you started and now, what has changed?
A lot has changed and positively too. I’m proud to be a Nigerian but more proud to be a Nigerian entertainer. We are going global; from Beyonce featuring our artists in her album, to other countless international collaborations.
Burna Boy just got Grammy awards nomination. We are getting there. I love the vibe. It is very positive.
What are some of the changes that you would like to see in the entertainment sector?
It is so sad that a majority of Nigerians love wack songs, but with good beats. They don’t care what the musician is singing, as far as it is a danceable beat. So, if you’re doing good songs, Nigerians wouldn’t look your way, unless you join the trend to sing unpleasant and moral deficient lyrics. However, we need more ever green songs like that of Tuface Idibia, Sound Sultan, Onyeka Onwenu and the likes.
What is your definition of style? How would you access Nigerian designers?
I haven’t worked with any Nigerian designer before, but that doesn’t mean we are not going to work together in the future. I like Lanre Da Silva, Zizi Cardow and Mai Atafo.
I have international designers who I wear their clothes, shoes, bags and perfume and haven’t met them personally before.
What are some of the items that you treasure most in your wardrobe?
I love high heels, jean trousers, wristwatch, and sunglasses. I like skinny dresses; skinny jeans pants and sneakers, shorts and shirt. I always want to look very smart and simple despite being on the slim side.
How do you relax?
I drink water every morning, eat a lot of fruits to keep my skin radiant and beautiful. I also exercise regularly to keep fit. I also love listening to cool music and reading some motivational books.
Let’s talk about the people you admire and role models
For simplicity and humility, I like Shan George and Kate Henshaw a lot. I also love the boldness of Tonto Dikeh. They are good people and I admire them a lot.
If you had to advise young people, what would you tell them?
Be yourself. You have all it takes to excel. In addition, I would also tell them not to be bamboozled by what you see on social media. It is not all that glitters that is gold.
What’s new? What should your fans expect in 2020?
By the grace of God, we will all witness 2020. It’s going to be a season for new things; new business opportunities, new products, new sounds and many more.
Tell us about some memorable moments working in the entertainment sector
It has been a combination of so many things. I have experienced the good and bad moments but I thank God because the good moments overshadow the bad ones. Also, I am happy that I didn’t let some people’s negativity to stop me from moving. I recall many years ago when Morgan Entertainment boss, Chief Emeka, wanted to sign me to his label. Someone went there and tried to spoil things. I thank God for my life and I have forgiven the same fellow. And because of that experience, I have been treading cautiously in the industry.
What is your assessment of the Nigerian entertainment scene?
We are growing everyday and there are lots of young people coming into the industry. I strongly believe that in a few years time, the Nigerian industry will take over all over the world. Although I must say that there are a number of challenges that include envy but that should not deter you once you have a mission and vision for yourself.
So, what changes are you looking forward to?
It is a great place to be in and the sky is not even the limit for many. Peace, love and unity; that is all the industry needs now.
What are the things that you treasure most in life?
The things that I treasure most in life are my parents and my businesses. They are my greatest source of inspiration, the things that keep me moving and forging ahead on a daily basis.
What won’t you do in the name of fashion?
I can never go completely naked in the name of fashion.
Leave a Reply