Versatile songstress, Chineye Aharanwa aka Kryztal seems to be cock sure about her chances on the music scene judging from her resoluteness. Her participation in the 2011 Star-Quest music contest has already set her on a high as she hopes to consolidate in her bid to carve a desired niche for her burgeoning career. The beautifully endowed singer opens up on her career and how she handles advances from male fans in this interview with AHMED BOULOR.
WHAT actually influences your kind of music?
Basically, my environment plays a major role in my music, God also inspires me and the love for music also influences my kind of music.
What stands you out in the midst of your female contemporaries?
I’m not comparing myself with people but sometimes as a human being, it is good to have people you look at and say, I’m going to challenge this person. But I believe in myself because apart from singing, I have a unique voice and I write meaningful music. So, I’m not comparing myself with Tiwa Savage, Niyola or any other artiste but I believe in myself.
When did you discover you have a unique voice?
Just like the normal old story, I discovered myself when I was very young. I actually grew up in the church choir. From being a member, I was made the choir director.
Tell us more about yourself
My name is Chineye Aharanwa and my stage name is Kryztal. I’m a singer, song writer and I do all genres of music. I was a member of the band that emerged first runner-up at the Star-quest 2011 music contest. I’m a graduate of Pure and Industrial Chemistry from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Aside singing, I’m also a voice-over artiste and I am also into music consultancy.
Tell us about your family background
I’m from a family of five. I’m the second. My dad is from Owerri in Imo State while my mum is from Akwa Ibom State.
When did you start music professionally?
I went for Star-Quest in 2011 music contest, after the competition, I decided to take it up since it is what I enjoy doing. Before then, I had always been doing it as a hobby but the Star-Quest competition made it official.
Tell us more about your first album which is still in the works?
I’m not done with the album yet but I’m working on nothing less than 12-tracks for the album. For now, I have one “Cindarella” on air, I have ‘Waka Waka which is a reggae song; then I have ‘As E Dey Hot’ which is pop, and the “Azonto Dance”. I have many songs that are of different genres.
How prepared are you for the challenges ahead of you on the music scene?
I’m fully ready; I’ve never been this sure.
How do you cope with male fans who want more than your music?
It is not something I cannot handle. There are some male fans that actually want you not because you’re singing. Though, some really appreciate you because you’re a singer, so you just have to know when to draw a line.
What is the nastiest thing a male fan has said to you?
A guy once told me he liked my boobs. It is not too nasty but some people just say crazy things to you when you’re trying to make them feel your music.
Do you have a man in your life?
(Laughing) I have Jesus in my life.
Have you encountered any major challenges thus far in your young career?
Every artiste faced different challenges especially when you’re not there yet. Number one, no one wants to associate with you until you’re already known. Some people look down on you because they feel that, anybody can wake up tomorrow and call himself a musician. Also, trying to break into the limelight is more challenging because we have many already established artistes.
Who are the people you look up to in the industry?
2face is a common person, so I try to avoid him but sincerely, 2face is a rare gem. I like 2face and Dare Art Alade because of their unique voices and they don’t just do anything like the other artistes. For female, I like Omawumi because she has a crazy part aside her scintillating voice.
What type of image do you intend to portray as a female act?
I just want to surprise people at every point in time. For instance, I’m coming out with a video “Waka Waka” which is quite different from the video I just did “As it Dey Hot”. The first video portrays a crazy image but the “Waka Waka” video portrays my and gentle and soft persona. So, at every point in time, I just need to keep surprising my fans. I want to be unpredictable with the kind of image I portray.
Have you performed with any established artiste?
You know I started with a band; I’ve not really performed with some of them. I was formerly in Gloria Ibru’s band; I was the only female in her band. So, I’ve worked and performed on stage with great musicians like Raskimono, Shina Peters, 2face Idibia Alex O, Mike Okri, Oritz Wiliki, Gloria Ibru, Kween and several others.
Has the Star-Quest music contest impacted in your music?
It has contributed a lot, it was fun all through, we went there individually but they later put us in a band. It is always two vocalists and instrumentalist. It was fun because we were singing live, showcasing our unique talents. They want to see how well you can work as a team, and how well you can entertain people. So, it was fun, I learnt a lot. Though, it was hectic, it also helped me discover myself.
When did you have your first kiss?
Do you know that I kissed Jesus this morning before stepping out? I’ve been kissing Jesus from my mother’s womb.
How has your beauty affected your love life?
There is nothing negative about being beautiful, but the only disadvantage is that, people keep coming; you can’t say this person is coming because he truly loves you or because you’re beautiful, I won’t say it has affected my love life positively or negatively. Like I told you, I’m in love with Jesus.
Have you been heartbroken?
No, I’ve not been heart-broken by any man.
How many hearts have you broken?
Nigerian men can’t be heartbroken these days. Their hearts are as strong as iron. For real, I don’t think, I’ve broken anyone’s hart before.
Are you working with other artistes on your debut album?
For now, I don’t really want to bother myself on who to feature, my utmost concern now is coming out strong, carving a niche for myself in the industry. The track on the album is not complete yet. If I have to feature any artiste, I will definitely do it.
Can you kiss a male fan on stage?
The truth is that, as an entertainer, you can’t say you can’t do it because when I used to sing with a live band, there were some things that I found myself doing. If I’m doing a love song and situation warrants that; I will do it but that doesn’t mean it will go beyond that stage. For instance, you see D’Banj removing his shirt on stage just to make the audience feel his message. So, as an entertainer, anything can happen.
What are your hobbies?
Obviously, my hobbies are singing and reading.
