Munachi Abii, better known as Muna, had a remarkable reign as the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria in 2007. The International Relations and Diplomacy graduate is also a rap artiste, model, TV host and now an On Air Personality. She shares with ADETUTU AUDU her life and career experiences.
LOST Nigerians got to know you after you won the MBGN pageant in 2007. But we understand music started for you way before that. When did you have your first major platform?
I was first featured on a track with a rap group in Port Harcourt called specimen A and they were number 1 at the time. That was my first major platform.
You seemed to be everywhere modelling, music, TV host and now OAP. What drives you?
My passion to live out every single dream I have ever had is what keeps me going. It is also nice to be seen.
There are so many OAPS around already, what will set you apart?
Frankly, I do not think any human is different from the other, you only choose what you like and you go for it. As an OAP, I choose to share things that excite me and wet my curiosity. How any one chooses to see that is basically up to them.
Why Urban96fm?
Urban 96 represents the soul of Lagos, which is good music and of course hit tracks. Meaning, they represent the good stuff and who no like better thing? Lol. I love the people here, they are like family to me and they encourage me, so why not urban?
Musically, would you say you are successful?
Everyone has their own perception of the word ‘success’. To you, success could mean hit tracks, to me success could mean being able to complete a full song for self or for another human being. Am I successful musically? Definitely!
Which is fulfilling for you in all the things you do?
I wouldn’t do any of the things that I do if I didn’t find them fulfilling. Every goal/ project serves its purpose.
Your kind of music is rap. Most female rappers are known to possess the attitude of a tomboy; how have you been blending your elegance with the rap swag?
I just do me. What makes me comfortable and confident. Some days I’m a tomboy, some days I’m a lady. But I am always a queen.
How would you rate your performance last year? Were you able to meet your goals?
Last year was my study year. It was my goal to study my craft a lot deeper and find myself. I set out to do that and I did, so I met my goals.
It seems like endorsement season for some of our biggest acts. Share your Lux soap endorsement experience with us
Being a Lux ambassador was a great privilege for me. I am most grateful for the platform , experience and exposure it brought me.
What was life like for you before all the fame? Tell us some fond memories from then.
Life has and still is quite decent for me. Not much has changed, except a lot more people know my face now. One of my fondest memories would be, sitting by the back door at home in Port Harcourt as it rained and I dreamed of days when I would be sort after by the world at large.
Who influenced you while growing up, the good, the bad and the ugly?
My environment influenced me. The music I listened to influenced me. My mother influenced me.
The night you were crowned, what was going through your mind?
I just thought “wow, I’m going to be on the internet”
Did you really think you would win?
Did I think I would win? Not at all. I thought Miss Bayelsa would have won. Participating in MBGN was a dare. As a child, I had dreams of being a beauty queen but it wasn’t top five on my wish list. I didn’t see the possibility at the time. But, other people saw what I didn’t and they encouraged me to go for it. My intention was always to pursue music. Being a beauty queen gave me a platform to reach for the stars. Nobody taught me how; I had to learn everything on the job.
What gave the edge over other girls?
I have no idea. I was just me.
Fame suddenly thrust itself at you, how are you coping since then and what has it robbed you of?
I have learnt a lot from gaining recognition from the public eye. No one teaches you how to handle these things but you pull through, regardless. I have remained the same person over the years. Sometimes, I do get upset, calm or crazy. I am still me and I have grown up which is what change is all about. That is what everybody does. I know I am able to handle fame better than I did in 2007. I am just living my life. When I first won MBGN, people would ask and I would say that I haven’t changed. But looking back now, I guess people change because they start to say “You’re now Hollywood. You’re now a celebrity”. It kind of makes me upset sometimes because if you have my number, call me. You see me, you know where I am, come and see me or vice versa. But if I come to see you and you’re feeling insecure, saying “What is she doing here?” Can’t I just be me, you know? So, I’ll say other people make it hard sometimes for you to be yourself but at the end of the day, you’re still yourself. Fame hasn’t really changed me. But now that we’re here, I would rather be a regular person than a famous one.
Tell us a beauty trend you are rocking at the moment.
I don’t know if it’s a trend, but I am rocking my natural hair at the moment and I love it.
Apart from entertainment, what other things do you do?
I have a foundation. It is called Muna Feeds. It would entail going to communities to cook, feed them and make them feel as important as you and I. That is my own way of giving back. As a foodie, I want to make these special people feel loved and special.
Describe your personal style
My style changes over time. Since trends also change, I endeavour to move along with it. These days, I am conscious of the way I dress because I do not want to send the wrong message. Because I am a rapper, people think I have to dress like boys to be understood. At a point, I shared their sentiments and it communicated the wrong message across to my fans. But, I am still a female and I do not want to do the things that make me feel as though I am swinging in the other direction. I have to be as feminine as possible and I need to dress the part.
