Why I’m choosing MUSIC OVER accounting –DANIELLA OJI

Ex-Project Fame housemate, Daniella Oji, 24, is slowly making her entry into the Nigerian music scene. Out with her hit song, Waka-waka, the Crawford University Accounting graduate talks to JOE AGBRO JR. about why she would rather follow her singing career. Excerpts 

HOW did you venture into singing?

I started singing from when I was small. I remember when I was five years old, I went for a birthday party and I sang. Ever since then, I’ve been in the choir; I’ve been a classical music singer. And then a little bit of contemporary with my sisters and everyone in the family. We’re just all singers basically.

How did you get into the Project Fame Academy?

I’ve always wanted to be among the contestants on the show. I tried it out when I was 17. That was in 2007, when they first started but I didn’t get in. Then, because of school and everything, I didn’t get an opportunity to re-audition. So, I tried again last year. And I went in via the wild card. I just did a video and I got in. it was amazing finding out that I was chosen.

 After getting into the House, especially through a wild card, how was the whole experience?

It was fun but it was pretty stressful. It wasn’t easy getting a strong fan base because I came in late. I came in the middle of the show. Everyone had already gotten a strong fan base. I thank God for how far he brought me into the competition. I’m sure nobody thought I was going to get into the final.

 Now, what informed your song, Waka waka?

I wrote it in the Academy. It was inspired by a relationship. The song just goes to send a message to people that are hurt to hold and be strong if a relationship is not working out. If he or she is not treating you right, don’t be afraid to walk away because if you don’t leave, you might not just find out other things that could work for you. And it just goes to say generally to everyone, ‘if you’re in a place where you don’t feel appreciated or you feel you deserve more or can achieve more, don’t be afraid to aim higher, don’t be afraid to dare to move on or to attain something that is beyond your reach. Nothing is impossible to achieve.

 Was that song your experience?

Yes. It was a bad experience. And there was a time I was talking to the principal of the Academy and conversation just led to me talking about that and when I had to write a song and nothing was coming, she said, ‘why don’t you write about this situation.’ And I was like, ‘Okay, that would actually make sense.’ And then, it just came.

 Have you written other songs?

Yes, I have written other songs, a lot of them. I’ve got one, Free, which is coming out soon.

 Now, most parents are not so excited about their children pursuing a career in the arts. Did you get support from your parents?

Well, initially my parents were like, ‘yeah, you can do music if you want to do music. But you have to go to school first.’ And that was all they hammered on. ‘Go to school first.’ Yes, so far, they’ve been very encouraging. I’m done with school now, done with NYSC, I’m running a professional programme but they’ve been very supportive.

 What did you study and where did you school?

I studied Accounting in Crawford University and I’m currently running my ICAN (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria) professional programme.

 If you were to choose between Accounting and singing, what would it be?

Singing of course (laughs). No knowledge is wasted basically. You never know. Accounting would always help in the music business. Music is also a business and you have to be accountable to be able to make good money out of it. So, it works hand in hand. But music is definitely my choice.

The industry is tough with many people doing music. Are you ready for the competition?

Well, yeah (laughs). It’s always going to be hard if it’s a competition but when there’s hard work and consistency, there’s always going to be a chance to achieve what one wants to achieve. That’s what keeps me going on.

 Who in the industry would you consider as a role model?

I love Asa (laughs). I love her performing style. I like the way she writes. I like her genre, her brand. I also appreciate MI. MI is an amazing artiste. He is very creative. And then IllBliss. He is just one person on the side that is just silent and he is doing something amazing too.

 So, you have many role models?

I do. You don’t want to have the list right now.

 You talked about getting out of a relationship was inspiration for your song, Waka-waka. But what is basically your source of inspiration?

Well, if you ask any writer or any musician, you could get inspiration from anywhere. It could be in the bathroom or a long drive or listen to good music. Especially for me, listening to good music inspires me to want to do something. You know how it is, you’ll be like, ‘I wish I was the one that sang like that or I wish I had a storyline.’ It just comes.

 So, what would you consider as your major strength?

Well, having that strong support from people around me  family and friends that encourage me to go on. And then, when I see how hard the industry is, how competitive it is, it also encourages me to work harder. It doesn’t weigh me down. It pulls me up.

 What would you consider as your weakness?

I’m just too emotional some times. But it’s a work in progress. It can also be a source of strength. I drew Waka-waka  through that. That’s got to count for something.

 Currently, are you in a relationship?

Yeah, I’m in a relationship.

 What would you say attracted you to him?

Well, he’s a very mature person. Sometimes, I don’t know how to explain it. He’s just an amazing person. First of all, he’s a Christian. Apart from that, he’s a mature person.

 Now, there are quite a few female singers that are daring in their dressing, exposing their body. There are conflicting arguments for such dressing. What’s your take on female artistes dressing provocatively?

I’m not in a position to address anybody. I think if anyone wants to dress in a particular way, they should be allowed to dress so. It’s their life and however, as Africans, we’re encouraged to be decent. But then of course, if you look at it on the other part, the decency doesn’t necessary account for how you’re dressed. Character also matters. But that should also be a part that should be considered because that’s the first thing everyone sees  how you look. I strongly stand for decency. But then again, everyone has their own belief of how they want to behave or dress. But my own perspective as a role model would be to be decently dressed.

 What is something you would not be caught dead wearing in public?

(Laughs) I won’t be caught being excessively exposed, anything provocative. I wouldn’t be caught covered from head to toe in public like a cloak.

 Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I hope to be at that point where people can say I’ve been touched by Daniella’s music and they’re talking about it. That’s my kind of music  I’m a soul-singer.

 Music promotion in the country leaves a lot to be desired. How can one be successful?

Well, you need support. Apart from talents, you need support. You have to be able to bring something extraordinary, to be able to stand out. Then, you need God because this music business, no be by muscle. It’s just by grace. Like you said, promotion is not beans. Anyone can sing if they wanted to but what would make them be heard is promotion. And promotion costs money. So, finance also plays a huge role. You need talent, you need God and you need money.

 How much would you say you’ve spent in your music career?

(Laughs) Oh my God, I can’t, even though I’m an accountant, I can’t say I’ve been able to put pen to paper. But it’s been huge because for people like me that sleep in the studio, it’s crazy. You don’t want to know. I don’t even talk about fuel, make sure that there is light in the studio to be able to record and then you’re moving here and there trying to get your songs to radio stations. You spend money without even realising it. But then, you spend it for people that support you. Some people would even do stuffs free and you don’t understand the worth of it until you actually find out how it cost to do that thing. It’s a long story but music has been very expensive.