Cynthia Ikponmwenosa Morgan, popularly known by her stage name Cynthia Morgan, is a dancehall sensation. Morgan who dropped her debut single in 2008 at age 17 was singlehandedly raised by her mother, Sherifat, a top performing gospel artiste in Benin City, Edo State. Despite not trailing her mother’s step in gospel music, the dancehall sensation revealed to Adetutu Audu that her mother is her greatest fan.
LET us talk about your Mama Cynthia Empowerment foundation. What is it all about? It was established to give back to the needy. It has been an amazing journey for me and I just want to thank God for supporting me enough to support others and making us all smile at the end. I took tour of two communities, Bariga in Somolu and Makoko in Yaba, and donated food items and toiletries to the residents.
Your mum sings gospel and you dancehall. One would have expected you to follow her footsteps. Why deviating?
Music for me began at the age of seven. I started in the children’s choir, after which I moved to the youth choir and later joined the Christian Union choir. I began putting out music at the age of 16 and I recorded a six -track demo album. My mum is a gospel artiste, so she obviously understands my craft. Many expected me to become a gospel artiste like my mum but that isn’t possible because that is not my calling. She appreciates my style of music and is my greatest fan. A lot of people do not know that I have an alter ego which is the cool-headed Cynthia Morgan.
How will you describe your journey so far?
Wow, it has been challenging. If I say it has not been, I will be lying to you. My journey so far has been defined by the challenges of growing up, not only in terms of age. As I said, I started at 17 and I have grown in terms of my craft, the business aspect of showbiz and the hassles of having to live the life of a star. Growing as a female artiste has its own unique challenges but I thank God for the brand I have. I have been able to prove myself, I think, to the point where I am no more seen just as a female artiste but as a talented Nigerian star that has the ability to contribute my quota in globalising Nigerian music.
You mentioned that female artistes have challenges. Can you share yours with us?
We are living in a world where people pay more attention to the male. We have to work two times harder than the guys to be on the same platform. Naturally, the guys catch the attention of people than the females. It is changing now with the females standing their ground and with one knowing her brand. Working on your craft, yourself and brand, I think it is all important.
With what you have achieved so far, will you say you are on course and fulfilled?
I am one hundred percent confident that I am on course and fulfilled. I already have a huge fan base in countries like Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa and other foreign countries. The reality is that this is just the beginning
So, what will you now say is your strong point?
My strength lies in my sound and talent. You can’t have a brand and not have a sound and, either way, I think the two work hand in hand. My strength also lies in God because you could create something outstanding and people may not notice it without the favour of God. So, my strength lies in God, talent and brand.
You sing dancehall. What inspires your kind of music?
People say I do dancehall. I will say I listen to R&B, pop, jazz, rap while growing up. My mum is a gospel artiste and growing up I was able to pick from different genres of music I listened to. I basically do everything but people notice that I do a lot of dancehall. So you can’t really box me into any particular genre of music. I personally created my genre of music. Every new material from me is a different kind of Cynthia Morgan and people have come to appreciate that. I always want to wow my fans because there is more to Cynthia Morgan.
Who would you say influenced you early in life?
My grandparents, my mum and my uncles. I grew up with my grandparents being an only child and I don’t have a father figure. I can say I inspire myself to an extent because I wanted to be different; a figure that people would say she is able to do this for herself despite that she didn’t have this or that. Life is what made me who I am today. My mum is also a strong figure in my life and my story of being raised by a single parent transcends to who I am today.
You have been tagged sexy. How do you feel?
I think sexy is that aura that you carry around you before people say it. It is what people see. First of all, you must be sexy inside before people recognise it. Though sexy is not my priority now, I try to be real as possible.
Take music away, who is Cynthia Morgan?
A young lady that is quiet and homely. Personally, I love to be with my family and care for people. I dream for a living. Fame has not changed anything in me. I try to be humble, I still call my friends. I have been able to manage the two and not get caught into doing what I am not supposed to do. I believe in God and love to make people happy. I believe whatever you can dream, you can get.
What inspired your recent raunchy photo shoots?
I am a proud, beautiful Nigerian lady who is comfortable in her own skin. I am free to post anything on the social media, whatever I post depends on my mood and what I would love to share with my fans at that point in time. Anyone who feels offended should unfollow me. I don’t read the negative comments because it doesn’t matter to me. Besides music, you have to be creative when it comes to your branding, your pictures, your performances and stage craft. Pictures are part of the things that brand an artiste. A lot of people say different kind of stuffs, but when you start something in Nigeria or in Africa, people start talking. We are in the 21st century and Nigeria is not like America. When I create a song, I can actually create the video in my head. So, it’s all about the craft and the branding. I wasn’t actually nude, I was wearing a tattoo and a pair of snickers. It’s just about being different and people are definitely going to talk. It’s part of the whole business. If they don’t talk, you don’t make money. So they just have to keep talking.
There are many female artistes ruling the airwaves now. Don’t you feel threatened?
I am a distinct artiste who does not feel threatened by any other female artiste. I believe in my talent and my capabilities. I don’t see competition; all I see are opportunities to excel in my craft and in the Nigerian music industry. I don’t jump on the
bandwagon blindly; rather I set standards for others to follow. I admire all the talented Nigerian artistes who stand out.
Tell us most prized possessions and fashion item you can do without
I think my height and my talent are the greatest assets I possess. I am unique in several ways. I am crazy about colognes and wrist watches. The most expensive item in my wardrobe is a wristwatch which cost me N12m.
