By Olaitan Ganiu

Nigerian American-based singer, Jemiriye Adeniji, has said that her latest audio-visual project entitled, ‘Eko – Lagos,’ is aimed at celebrating the cultural heritage of Lagos and Africa.

The colourful video, which was shot in National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, showcased the Lagos lifestyle and cultural identity that included Eyo masquerades, sculptures, and cultural dancers.

In a chat with The Nation, the Afro-fusion songstress disclosed the inspiration behind her latest tune saying it was borne out of negative perceptions about Lagos from foreigners.

“I’m using my new song, ‘Eko – Lagos’ to school the world about Africa. It is to celebrate Lagos and also serves as a love letter to Lagosians and Africans as a whole because people in Diaspora are not privileged to see good things about Africa. Many of them believe Africans leave on the tree but you can’t blame them because that is how they’ve painted African and this why I’m using the song to change this narrative,” she said.

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On the influence of Lagos in her craft and life, the 2012 Nigerian Idol finalist said growing up in the centre of excellence state has made her a goal-getter.

“Every day in Lagos is hustling and bustling. Because you constantly have to provide for yourself, I mean, you are your mayor. So, anywhere I found myself in the world, I realized that whenever I stepped up to do things people looked at me and say “Why are you so up and doing” and this is because Lagos has moulded me to be a goal-getter. The Lagos in me always pushed me to do more because growing up here and seeing how things are done in this part of the world would show you that there’s a big competition out there. It is like the survival of the fittest but you have to channel that energy towards the right direction and that when we can talk about how great Lagosians are all over the world.

“A lot of Africa countries want to be like us here especially when it comes to the entertainment industry, people want to come down here so that they can become popular and tap from the excellence of Lagos so the world can celebrate them. If you can survive in Lagos, you can survive anywhere in the world. No matter how low you think you are, if you step out you will see how valuable you are to other communities and the world,” she said.

The Afrobeat exponent noted that since the release of the song, her friends in the diaspora have begun to rethink visiting Lagos.