Eniola Akinbo, popularly known as Niyola, discovered her affinity for music at the age of eight and has nurtured her musical skills over the years. Her unique story started in 2000 when she took part in the AMEN starlet competition and emerged first runner up. Since then, she has had record deals with West Side Records, Trybe Records before joining Banky W’s EME label. Fondly called the first lady of EME Records, she speaks with Adetutu Audu on her musical career and her personality.
HOW does it feel to be the only female on EME label? I have always grown up amongst more guys than girls. And it feels good to know that I have more guys to call my family. There is of course an added responsibility when you are the only female in a record label, but it is pressure I can handle. I enjoy the sense of family and knowing that there are people looking out for me.
Many people didn’t know about you before you joined EME. What was the music industry like in the past and which record label were you signed on to?
The industry certainly wasn’t this commercial or glamorous. It was one that had people who believed in talent and did what they did out of sheer passion because, at the time, you were not respected for being an artiste. It was considered an escape for the nonentities and school drop outs, most especially if you were female. There were only a negligible number of female artistes then like Sasha, Azeezat, Kush, Weird MC and a few others. I thank God this has changed tremendously. I was signed to Westside records alongside Faze Freestyle and Djinee
Can you give us a rundown of how you met Banky W and eventually signed to EME?
Banky was my friend for years before we decided to work together. We met at the first Ovation Red Carol rehearsals which took place at the Coliseum. He heard me singing from the rest room and accosted me on my way out, telling me how he loved my voice. We became friends afterwards and five years later we decided to work on a song together. He offered me a record deal and the rest is history.
There have been a number of splits between artistes and their record labels in recent times. You witnessed one while you were with Trybe Records. Do you have any fears that you might ever be in that situation at EME?
People are bound by contracts to their labels, and in a situation where they split I am sure both parties will try to ensure that whatever option they choose is the right thing to do legally. My contract is still very valid and I have no plans to breach it.
Challenges of stardom
I think sometimes a lot of people think celebrities are super heroes forged out of steel and maybe water. They forget that when all is said and done, we all are humans. Being constantly in front of the spotlight can take its toll. You find yourself constantly having to put on a smile even if you’re having a terrible day. There is always a price to pay for everything, but sometimes I wish stardom wasn’t so demanding.
How did you get into music? Did you always know you would do music or is it something you just stumbled into?
Of all my talents I was blessed with or everything I can do or love to do, music makes me the happiest. I wake up every morning with a desire to make music and if for any reason I could no longer make music, the way I know how to, I know that I would be very unhappy. I knew I wanted to make music, but my professional debut happened unexpectedly and since that point on I have never looked back.
How would you describe your music?
I like to call it contemporary R &B/Pop because it’s a fusion of both genres and a little bit of me as a Yoruba girl from Nigeria. We are a product of our experiences and I grew up listening to R&B/Pop acts. So, I make the sort of music I am most familiar with. I can also express myself completely using R&B/POP as a tool. This doesn’t mean I can’t do Soul or Reggae or something else and maybe in future I will, but right now I’m happy with the type of music I make.
When people see Niyola on their screens and in pictures, they see a sexy lady. What is the relationship between being sexy and succeeding as a female artiste?
I don’t think you have to be sexy to succeed. I am exactly how I would be even if I wasn’t singing. I just channel who I already am and that’s what I think success requires. You must be true to yourself. Many women who aren’t perceived as sexy make beautiful music and are successful. That said, this is show business.
Can you share your memorable moments with us?
Every day is as important as the next; every moment I spend with a loved one or making music or performing is memorable. Many people would give an arm and a leg to have one extra day, not even a memorable one at that. I look at every new day as a chance to make memories.
What would you say are your regrets?
I have none so far. I have always believed that my life is not by chance and that everything happens for a reason. In time, even the most painful experiences will bring smiles to our faces, if only to be grateful that we survived the rough patches.
Share the best and worst decision you have taken with us
The best decision I have taken is following my dreams. There was a point I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep making music, thankfully I decided to stick with it. I can’t really think of any bad decisions right now. If I made them, then I am certain that I had valid reasons.
Who is Niyola outside of music?
I am an everyday woman doing the things a typical woman does. But I don’t know if it is possible to imagine a Niyola outside music. Being a recording and performing artiste means living and breathing music 24/7.
Tell us about your unique personality and how it reflects in your music and in your message.
I am very reserved. I wouldn’t say I’m quiet. A lot of people can mistake that, at times, for cockiness but I’m really just a reserved person. I believe that everybody has something special and I think that my strength is in the talent that I have. With my music, I realise that one of my strong points is being able to reach out to people and make them feel better about themselves, let them know they can be better. I believe God has given me a platform where I can reach out to more than one person at a time. So, with my music, I’m passing across a message.
How would you describe your style?
I just like to keep it simple, yet classy. I don’t like extravagance.
People have dubbed you as sexy. What is your take?
I have always been self-aware. I am a woman and have always been conscious of my body and the effect it has on the opposite sex. I am me and being sexy is innate. It is not something I do on purpose, it’s like breathing. I don’t know for a fact if it has helped increase my acceptability or made me marketable. I want to believe my music does all that for me.
How do you revitalise your voice?
I don’t do anything special to it. I just make sure I sing every day. Practice makes perfect.
How would you say you fared last year?
2013 was a very significant year in my career. It was a reintroduction of sorts for me. People received my new singles warmly, and when the video for Toh Bad was released it became even more exciting. So, in a nutshell, I’ll say it was a fair and eventful one
Are you working on any new songs?
Yes, I am. I am always working on new songs. I am constantly recording new materials. I am happiest when I am making music. The difficulty with having a constant supply of new material is deciding what to release and when to release it. My team and I always want to make sure we put our best foot forward.
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