Obiajulu Olabisi Ugboh is a woman of many parts. She is ex-beauty queen, a model, and singer whose stage name is Bee Cee and a Political Science graduate of Delta State University. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, the song writer takes you into her world.
WHAT actually inspires the messages in your songs?
That’s depends on the kind of song I’m writing at the time. My inspirational songs are based on true life experiences of either mine or people around me. My songs are also inspired by my observations of life.
What stands you out in the musical world?
Everything about me stands me out. For the fact that I’m a female rapper makes me unique because female rappers aren’t that much. And then you come across one rapping Englibo which of course is wow! I’m different and original. I’ve tried to carve a niche for myself in the music scene and that stands me out. It took me a while to find my style because I was listening to a whole lot of people. I wanted so much to get it right and not to suddenly start losing my essence. So, I decided to follow my heart and stick to my style not giving a hoot what people would say. I rap fluently in English and Ibo and what better way could I make myself tick than to combine both languages? That was what birthed Englibo rap style (giggled).
Which very track brought you out and why?
My very first rap Tumisile introduced me to the rap genre. My life philosophy is live and let’s live. The sky is big enough for all the stars to shine. And never underrate anybody because you can’t predict tomorrow. Love hard, love strong, love always. As an artiste, I have learnt that music chooses you, you don’t choose music. Music will test your resolve, try your patience but if you are consistent and don’t give up, you’ll come out on top.
What was your first day on stage like?
My first experience on stage before a large crowd was magical. Though I was nervous inside, I didn’t let it show. I got up on stage flashed my teeth and said ‘hello, everyone’ and I got hellos back. That was it! Their hellos boosted my confidence and I had fun performing and engaging my audience.
What stands you out on the red carpets of glamorous events?
The first thing that stands me out is my height. I’m six feet tall and I do heels too. Then my outfit, of course. I’m a fashion pundit so I know how to engage peoples’ eyes on me. I also wear my natural gold-coloured hair, that just keeps people gazing and asking questions.
What fashion item forms a large chunk of your wardrobe?
Oh my God, shoes! I’m a shoe freak. Shoes! Shoes! Shoes! I just can’t help it. My style signature is a tie hanging loose on any of my outfit.
Tell us about some of the awards in your kitty
In 2012, I got NGMA award which was a great motivation for me. I later bagged the Best Hip Hop and Best Collaboration Song in 2015 with my song titled ‘I Gat Faith’ which featured Obiwon. I was also given the Top Naija Music Award and Best Gospel Video in 2015.
The latest thing for me at the moment is the release of my new song which is an inspirational rap song titled ‘Never Tire’ where I featured Shola Shittu. It was produced, mixed and mastered by ace producer Phat E.
How did you come with a stage name Bee Cee?
BeeCee is coined from my second name Olabisi. My mum hails from Ado-Ekiti and that’s why I have a Yoruba name.
Tell us how the passion for music started
That was when I was very young. I remember as I child, I loved to sing so much that I used to disturb everyone around me with my voice. I did sing anywhere and everywhere. My dad used to ask me to sing for his guests and even when I wasn’t sure of the wordings of a song, I would still sing it with confidence. I’m not aspiring to be like anyone because I understand that we are all created to be different and do our own stuff. So, I admire people who work hard and keep a balance but I’ll always want to be me.
Why did you study Political Science?
Studying music in school never occurred to me. I actually wanted to study Theatre Arts but my dad refused, so I chose Political Science. Reason being that if truly I was destined to be an artiste then music would surely find me and it did at last.
Do you think you would plunge into politics in the nearest future?
I haven’t really given it a thought, but that could happen because in life; you never can tell. Education, for me, was compulsory with or without my talents. I knew that education would give me a leverage in whatever I choose to do in life. I wanted to be a strong woman in every ramification and what better tool than education. I also know that not everyone has good brains for education. However, I must say that if you have it, go for it because education puts you on a better pedestal.
What makes your day?
A quality time in God’s presence early in the morning settles my spirit for the whole day. When I don’t have time to have that, you could easily tell.
Who is the guy in your life?
Well, I’m married to my university sweetheart and we are blessed with three amazing kids
If you weren’t a musician, what would you have opted for?
I am everything I wanted to be and each time I look back, I am very happy. I am an ex beauty queen, song writer, singer, rapper, model, teacher, actor, producer, and fashion designer. Oh, there’s one missing…..chef.