I AM NOT A SUPER WOMAN, JUST ONE WHO HAS THE KNOWLEDGE THAT MY FAMILY MUST NOT BE SUBSTITUTED FOR THE GLAMOUR.
YOU are currently working on a song with Adekunle Gold, please tell us about it?
Yes, I am currently working on a song with Adekunle Gold. It is an adaptation of Alujanjankijan, one of our old folk songs. The song is to help create awareness about creating more time for the children, not exclusively leaving them at the mercy of caregivers, nannies, house-helps and so on, and not giving up on them even when they seem “bad”. The song also infers on the need for parents to be strong and positive, not giving up on children who seemingly are not doing well because parenting is not an easy task, encouraging them that however difficult it seems, it is rewarding.
Parenting is not only about giving birth to babies and one being called mummy or daddy. It is about nurturing and guiding, which is the most important legacy of parenting.
Why did you pick Adekunle Gold?
I chose to work with Adekunle Gold because his mode of delivery is similar to mine in terms of scale, melodic structure and presentation. His music combines elements of all the genres of our indigenous music, e.g. Fuji, Juju and Apala and delivers in a way that has a crossover effect on all classes of hearing, e.g. R&B, Soul, Hip-hop. Also, his lyrics are not vulgar and are safe for all audience. These are some similarities with my own music.
What has made you stay keyed to your style of music?
I have stayed with my style of music because it is peculiar to me. I did not copy the style from anywhere. It comes from my inside. I open my mouth and that’s what comes out. Then, most importantly, I strive, as much as possible, even in the face of distractions and discouragements to stay close to ‘The Giver’ who owns the template of my destiny.
Will this be your first collaboration?
Yes, this is my first collaboration. And I am not doing it based on the fact that Adekunle is making waves now, no. I have got many, many offers from various artistes, both known and unknown, but I am not a person who is moved by just the popularity and commercial gain of music but the substance it has to offer to the society, and the compatibility of my music and the message of whoever I would collaborate with.
How long did it take to come to the song you wanted to remake?
I had always wanted to do this song, I got the inspiration years ago, but I got the enthusiasm to properly put it in shape when I heard one of Adekunle’s songs on radio. I was attracted by his melodic structure and delivery as I said earlier, and I did more findings about who he is and what he represents.
When you started out, did you see yourself along the way changing your mind on genre of music?
No. I never saw, and still do not see myself changing my mind on the genre of music I do. My music is me. Yes, I studied music in school, but no one taught me how to sing what I sing or the way I sing. It just comes naturally, I am just inspired that way, I receive that way and I give that way; If we say improving and hone my skills to get better, yes, but changing, no.
How have you been managing your home front as a woman and career lady?
My answer to this question has always been, “Balance is everything!” As long as I made the decision to get married and have children, I must put in my best to do well in those roles. I am not a super woman, just one who has the knowledge that my family must not be substituted for the glamour and shining of the entertainment industry which is not reliable anyway. I know my priorities; I have a scale of preference: I am a woman, wife, and mother, before The Sola Allyson.
Can you be categorised as a gospel singer too?
I am a singer who uses my voice and the words of my music to shine the Light of God as the word commands.
You are usually seen in African attires. Is there a particular reason for this?
I am usually seen in African attires because I am an African who is not swept away by western acculturation, who is proud of whom she is, who stands tall where The Almighty placed her in creation and would make the best of it!
Tell us the challenges of indigenous music?
Challenges of indigenous music ke? Everything in life has a process, and challenges abound in whatever we set out to do/achieve. It is how we see and respond to it that matters. As long as one knows exactly what you are made to do and how to do it, challenges are just to keep you awake and alert. I don’t assume everyone would know me and appreciate my music.
No matter how popular one is, there are still some who do not know or identify with what you do. I have been able to understand this and I walk my path, knowing that I would eventually reach those I am sent to. And the journey so far is encouraging, it would get better, I know.
