With a new single and several business ventures, budding singer, song writer, model and entrepreneur John Angela Chioma, better known as Annjay, is one artiste to look out for this year. Speaking with Ovwe Medeme in this interview, the former journalist says that she is not willing to compromise her dignity for a shot at fame. She also talks about other issues including career, love and marriage.
WE just entered the second quarter of the year. How has it been so far?
2017 has been a great year so far. I recently launched my hair line called Annjay Hair. I also launched my official website called Annjay’s World. Also, I will be releasing a new single soon so I would say that 2017 has been about work and more work.
What is the new single titled?
The new single is titled Man No Be God and it will be dropping in a few days time. I call it a reality song because I have come to realise that some humans play God; a lot of people would die because of the greed of others. Humans don’t forgive easily. Everybody’s destiny is different. God is above everything and he can change someone’s destiny in a second.
What other tracks have you released so far?
I have released a couple of singles. Among them are Gbakodoro, Fly High, Fall in Love, and Do Me Right.
How is the venture faring?
It’s doing well by the grace of God. We have our clients across the globe. We are into Brazilian virgin human hair, eye lashes for women. We have other products coming out soon in the market.
How does combining business and career sit well with you?
I would say that it is the grace of God. Also, I’m a time-conscious person which simply means that I don’t joke with my time. It hasn’t been easy but it has been worth it.
What business challenges have you encountered?
There have been challenges of exchange rate and a declining economy. This is really affecting business a lot as many people often complain about it. But we hope things change soon in Nigeria as many investors believe so much in the Nigerian market and Nigeria as a whole.
Aside hair, what other business are you into?
We have some good products that will be hitting Nigeria market soon. And I believe Nigerians as a whole will benefit from this wonderful brands. That’s all I can say for now, but the general public should note this and keep their fingers crossed.
What is it about being a musician that thrills you the most?
When I see myself singing to thousands of people, it makes me feel fulfilled. Also, working with positive-minded people from different backgrounds is great. Singing as a career is beautiful but one needs to take things easy because once you are there, a lot of things might get into your head that could make you lose focus. So, I am staying grounded to make sure I remain the person I used to be.
What message do you propagate in your music?
I have positive messages in my songs. My producer and I sit down together and work on my music properly even before going to the studio. Music is not something you rush; it requires a lot of work and time.
What inspires you when you mount the stage?
I would say my passion. The passion I have for my career drives me to give more when I’m on stage. I have it planted like a seed inside me and it can never die. I am not the type that sits down and looks for a way out.
Artistes are known to take performance-enhancing substances. What is your source of energy when on stage?
I am aware some artistes take drugs to help them perform on stage, but as for me, I don’t do anything or take drugs to get inspiration. I don’t need any substance to perform on stage. I remember many people have asked me this before during interviews; what I don’t know is why the drug questions keep coming.
What determines your stage fashion?
I look at the concept of the event and that would help me to decide what I’m going to wear while performing on stage. If it’s corporate, church or entertainment event, I will dress differently. You don’t expect me to dress the same way I dress to an entertainment event to a church or corporate event. So, it depends on the event. All I want people to know is that I’m doing my job. Nobody should judge my dressing because I want them to understand that’s what entertainment is all about.
Would you drop your career because of marriage?
This is one subject I don’t like talking about because I want people to know that sometimes in life man proposes but God disposes. The future is not predictable as it’s in the hand of God and, again, nothing lasts forever. I like my career and business very much and I don’t intend to quit. I do my best and leave the rest for God as usual. Everything I’m doing today is with the grace of God.
Are you married or in a relationship?
I’m not married and I don’t like bringing my private life to public domain. My music career and business have nothing to do with my love life. That’s the way I see it. Marriage is a beautiful thing but I don’t like talking about it because that’s not the main thing right now.
What attracts you to a man?
First and foremost, he must be a God-fearing person. Also, he must be compassionate. The way a mean treats others tells a lot about him. He must be smart and intelligent and be willing to help me build my career, business and family.
How has your modelling career been faring?
It is going fine. So far, I have modelled for some clothing companies and in music videos. I have also modelled for slimming supplements by Nature Hero, a New York-based company.
What defines your fashion sense?
I love to look good and comfortable. I don’t follow trends as long as the outfit looks perfect on me. Nobody should expect Annjay to follow trends anytime or any day because I’m the wrong person to expect such from.
What fashion item forms a larger part of your wardrobe?
That will be shoes and sunglasses. I like them a lot. If you enter my room, you will see different types of shoes all over the place. Sometimes, my mum will jokingly say ‘my daughter, how do you manage to wear all this leather on your legs’?
What fashion item can you spend a fortune on?
I can spend my last kobo on shoes, sunglasses and perfumes. I don’t joke with them.
What stands you out on the red carpet?
My outfit and the way I carry myself. And you know that red carpet is another major work in entertainment industry. If you are not looking good, sorry you are not fit for red carpet. I’m not perfect but always trying my best when it comes to that.
What lessons has life taught you as a musician?
Life has taught me to be strong, always expect challenges, never give up and don’t depend on anyone except God.
What is the naughtiest thing you’ve ever done?
During my school days, I was having an argument with my course mate and before you knew it, she turned it into a fight. Before I could say anything, she hit me on the face and immediately I gave her back and she held my clothes and she started shouting, ‘you go kill me today or I’ll naked you’. That statement put me off that I tore the shirt I was wearing by myself, leaving only the bra and Jeans on me and I beat her up. I was a tomboy; I had another shirt in my bag that I quickly changed into. She was plump so she felt she could intimidate me with her size, not knowing that lepa no be disease. But that was then and not now.
How much will make you go nude in a music video?
No amount of money will make me go nude. Rejecting such offers doesn’t make me an unprofessional entertainer. But the truth is that whether I go nude or not, what will be will be. For instance, after going nude and people pick interest in working with you with millions and later disqualify you because of your nude movies or video.
Which would you consider your first love; music or journalism?
Both of them are my first love but journalism came first. Journalism prepared me for everything I’m doing today. I’m a journalist anytime because I know how much both careers work together.
