Rhythm and soul diva Azeezat Allen is also a director at Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), the Assistant Coordinator of the Female Musicians Association of Nigeria (FEMAN), and the Managing Director of ‘The Way To Happiness’ a non-governmental organisation. Popularly known as the ‘Queen of Love’.
She has churned out albums that have rocked the music scene in Nigeria and beyond. At a tender age, young Azeezat discovered music as her first love and began the journey of fulfilling her desires. She began writing songs and participating in singing competitions nursing her dreams to fly the nation’s flag internationally like Sade Adu. She speaks with Adetutu Audu.
How would you say you fared last year?
Last year was great. I gained more joy in the presence of God which helped me to rediscover lost treasures. It is not about anything material, but I believe I have move closer to my purpose. I am grateful to God. This informed my making up my mind not to do anything outside God this year. It is whoever fraternizes with him that rules the world.
Now that you are on the board of Copyright Society of Nigeria, COSON, what is the experience like?
It has been a great experience, especially working with other members of the board, including the staff of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) to ensure that right owners are duly paid their entitlements. It is also very challenging because many people still don’t understand the concept of copyright in Nigeria, and inculcating this into our culture seems a tall order. But we believe, and when you believe, you can achieve.
Musically, what are you working on?
I’m also putting together my new band, called ‘The Energy Band’
Apart from music, what other things do you do?
Apart from music, as you know, I’m a member of the board of COSON. I am also the Assistant Coordinator of the Female Musicians’ Association of Nigeria. I am a socio-preuneur; I run Hairvolution Magazine and Network Tentacles, an online media and promotions outfit. At the same time, I am still inspired to work in the studios, because I truly love to sing, and as long as people don’t get tired of hearing my voice, I will not get tired of recording. So future plans, I still want to be dishing out songs, starting with my latest single ‘Life Begins at 40.’ Finally, watch out for “I Bared My Chest” a book in which 21 women share their naked truth to being unstoppable.
You are one of the few celebrities whose marriages have survived the test of time, what is your secret?
My marriage is at the feet of the Almighty God, and anything you put at His feet, He doesn’t trample on. No, He uplifts and protects.
What lessons has marriage taught you?
Marriage has taught me to be closer to God, to put Him first before anything or anyone, tell Him everything. Also, marriage has taught me the importance of patience and the virtue in commitment.
The hip-hop culture is fast eroding our cultural values, do you agree with this?
Truth is, Nigeria is not living in isolation. We are affected by the world around us, and they are also affected by us. Even though we are doing hip hop, we are doing it our own way. That has given us headway in global music terrain. Don’t forget that many people in the western world are now wearing print pants or trousers that are inspired by our Ankara and enjoying our brand of hip-hop music. So you can’t say hip hop is eroding our culture, but rather it is rebranding, dignifying and edifying it.
What do you think is the problem of Nigerian music industry?
I don’t really like to say that we have problems. In this life everything is a process. Anything that looks like a problem now in the Nigerian music industry is all part of our growing process. And we will definitely get there. The fact that Nigerian artistes can now collect royalties from the use of their musical works by radio and TV stations is something that long seemed like impossibility. But it is happening. It means other great things will come to pass; it is only a matter of time.
You promote Afro-eccentricity in your music, why?
I believe my music is a representation of who I am. I have western education, but I am African by birth. It is a blend of both that I exhibit.
Would you say the likes of you paved way for the female artistes we have now?
I think they have been putting touches to what I have been able to create, the revolution I was able to create by projecting our own cultural values and heritage through music, to take it to the next level. Kudos to them, they are doing well and I think it is just for me to come in and build it to the next level because it started with the likes of me.
I won’t claim its originality because there were lots of other people that have been doing it before I came and I like the fact that they are taking it to the next level, but I’m coming to show them the next level more than the level they have taken it to. I created the path for all of them and I will show them how the game is being run in due time.
Many have argued that if you had not married your manager who doubles as your hubby, your career would have gone far, what do you think?
Hmmm, that’s interesting. Those people must have a crystal ball that is specially revealing my life to them.
Who are those who inspire you?
The greatest inspiration in my life is of course my God; He is my everything and has seen me through thick and thin. There were moments I gave up on myself but God sent people, situations, and scriptures to me to pick me up, and make me believe in myself again. Other inspiration will be my mom, hubby, family and friends. I am surrounded by people who truly love me and want the best for me. Knowing that always inspires me to be the best I can be, so I don’t let them down.
Describe your sense of style
My sense of style is dictated by the principle of creative simplicity and comfort. My style is an extension of who I am, and who I am creative, colourful, va va voom, yet simple.
What determines the clothes you wear?
For me, I always like to make a fashion statement because I enjoy people complimenting my looks. I like people to say “Oh! She has come
How have you remained scandal free?
I was well brought up by my parents, especially my mom. She did a great job of training me. My mother is a no-nonsense woman, and though I’m no longer under her roof, she still would let me have it if I did anything untoward, so also my dad; Even my brothers and sisters, as a matter of fact my siblings. So if I get into a scandal, my whole world would fall apart because all my loved ones would turn their backs on me. I’m answerable to a lot of people, including God.
How do you juggle been an artiste and been a wife?
It is the life I live; I have had time for lots of practice. Organization is key, plus delegation, and of course my husband understands my work routine, and he is very supportive and understanding.
What fashion item can’t you do without?
Unbelievable, but it is true, my Shea butter. Once it is missing from my collection, everything else scatters. It is multipurpose, you know. It is great for my skin, and wonderful for my health. That is beauty item. The fashion item I can’t do without will have to be my hair.
What crazy thing has a fan done to you?
I think it will be guys calling me and assuming that even though I’m married I would want to get down with them.
You seem to love moving location, why?
I’m a gypsy, honestly. Thank God I found someone who shares that interest with me. But to some extent, I’ve satisfied that craving.
How did your journey into stardom begin?
I had my first publication at the age of 13. It was a poem in the state-owned Newspaper, which was made possible by my ever supportive mom. I was mighty proud of myself when I saw my poem published. Writing was my first love, but I have always loved to sing too. Growing up, I remember that while running errands, I will keep myself entertained by singing and mimicking European songs even with my inability to speak the English language well. As time went by, I became fully aware of my singing talents, particularly in the second year of high school. My love for singing naturally spilled into my years in college. While I got many commendations from several class mates, I also got some schoolmates going into laughing bouts each time I opened my mouth to sing; it was really embarrassing. In spite of the mockery, I must have loved singing more than I hated the embarrassments because I never stopped singing. As much as I loved music and loved singing, I had a personal running battle within me about making a career out of it. By the time I got into college, I was invited to be part of a music group called “The West Coast Family.” I was the only female in the group of three members. We also had a group of followers we called ‘Moral Support’. They were all male. Honesty, I didn’t see anything wrong in being the only female among several males. I was the singer; Dj Xmas was a Dj, rapper and arranger; while Magnificent (aka Mag) was a rapper, singer, and songwriter.
I got in professionally in 1999. I was part of the first ever “Girls Nite Out” which, was organized by Smooth Promotions, the Organizer of “The Headies.” There was a talent hunt competition as part of that event, I took part in it and I was the 1st Runner up. Because of that exposure, I was able to meet someone who believed and invested in my talent. That was how my music career took off.
