Nigerian female musical artistes have proven that women, though few in number, are fearless and strong – especially, when unified and are not only capable of standing as tall as their male counterparts but also of outshining them. Chidinma Ekile and Eva Alordiah are young ladies that have introduced game-changing elements to hip-hop and rap culture and continue to influence the new generation of artistes.
These girls might be young but they are already making waves in the music world with talents that will stand the test of time.
CHIDINMA EKILE
I grew up in an environment where a lot of Peter Tosh and Bob Marley were played.
Chidinma Ekile became a household name when she won the third season of MTN Project Fame West Africa, when she surprised the judges and audience with her power-packed performances. In 2011, Chidinma released her first solo single ‘Jankoliko’. Following the release of the music video for her “Emi Ni Baller” single, she became the first female musician to climb the number one spot on the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10 chart. In 2012, Chidinma won the Best Female West African Act category at the 2012 Kora Awards. The talented singer recently released a single featuring her mother, Martha, both on the cover and on the track itself. Little did she know that barely weeks after, she would mourn the loss of her father, who passed away last December 2014.
Four years on after MTN Project Fame. How has it been so far?
It’s been good though nothing is easy. I’ve been keeping up by God’s grace.
What was the journey to your first solo single ‘Jankoliko’ like? Where there challenges?
Jankoliko was not the kind of song I wanted to be my first release. I wanted a ballad; probably because I was fresh out of a competition but I was convinced to give Jankoliko a try.
What was it like winning ‘Best Female West African Act” category at the 2012 Kora Awards? Did it impact your career in anyway?
It was awesome and it did impact my career positively; most especially in the Francophone community.
What is the story behind your new single ‘Martha’?
I was thinking about my Mom at the time and remembered everything she told me she passed through before and after my birth. I just thought I should put it into a song.
What is the goal of your new single?
It’s basically for every mother out there and to every child who is, in any way, challenged by sight and that’s where the NMA Foundation comes in.
What are your fondest musical memories while growing up – in your house or in your neighbourhood?
My father was in love with reggae music; I grew up in an environment where a lot Peter Tosh, Bob Marley and Lucky Dube were played. My eldest brother made me listen to Alicia Keys as I was just about to begin my piano lessons. Me and my other six siblings would sing and play and the neighbours would get upset but we were many so they really couldn’t do much to stop us.
Do you get nervous before a performance?
Definitely.
How do you handle mistakes during a performance?
There isn’t really much I can do about mistakes on stage. I just make it look like part of my performance.
Do you have a role model? Are there women you look up to?
I have always been a fan of Onyeka Onwenu’s music.
What would you say are some of the challenges female musicians face in the industry?
Our industry is male dominated so a female needs to work twice as hard to make the kind of money
EVA ALORDIA
I am lucky to be able to share my life through my music.
Female rappers have existed as long as hip-hop itself but it took a while for them to be established on the scene. Nigeria’s Eva Alordiah, Eva as she is aptly called, is one of the first female rappers to score success in this regard. Her agility and vocal prowess can hold their own with any male rapper out there. Considered one of the best female rappers in Nigeria, Eva Alordiah is one artiste that has proven that rap is not just a man’s thing. Since entering the Nigerian music industry, Eva has received several awards including one ‘Nigeria Entertainment Award’ upon receiving four nominations; one ‘Eloy Award’; and, one ‘YEM Award’ from two nominations. Her debut mix-tape, The IGO E.P, was released as a free digital download in 2011. She has worked with who’s who in the industry and is set to release her debut album, 1960, this January.
With creative influences from her teenage years, Eva is also a fashion designer and make-up artist who currently runs Makeup ByOrsela, a company that specialises in make-up.
You are considered one of the best female rappers in Nigeria. How does that make you feel?
I am humbled when people put it like that. I generally do not do music thinking “Oh, I am the best female rapper.” I just do it because I love it. So, when people make comments like that, it is big for me. It makes me feel like I am actually doing it right. I appreciate it.
Why did you choose rap? How did rap as a genre of music begin for you?
I started out as a writer; music has always been in my life, thanks to my family. I was on the path to becoming a published author until I heard Eminem’s ‘Cleaning Out My Closet’. The technicalities of Eminem’s rap music were very interesting so I challenged myself to do it. I think I must have fallen in love with it from then on. It was different from just writing stories or normal songs and choruses.
What were your earliest influences?
My earliest influences were Sade Adu, Michael Jackson, Missy Elliot, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, JayZ… When I started my career however, the only rapper that made me feel like I could succeed in Nigeria was M.I. I was very inspired by his single “Safe”. I loved it so much; I even did a cover at the time, “I Dey Play,” with Tha Suspect who is also an amazing producer.
Which famous musicians have you learned from?
I tend to pick up this and that from everyone. There is always something to learn and, sometimes, you never really know what you are looking for until it hits (you). Right now, I am learning a lot from Femi Kuti and Jesse Jagz.
Tell me the story behind your new album, ‘1960’. What is it all about? What inspired it?
My debut album, ‘1960’, is one I am very proud of. I am blessed to have an amazing team of highly creative individuals making this album with me. It has been a long process to get to the completion of the album but it’s been worth it. ‘1960’ is synonymous with Independence for me, as it is Nigeria’s year of independence. It is also my Mom’s year of birth. I got inspiration from that because she really inspires my every move. It is an album that captures the stories and essence of a young, independent Nigerian girl; Me. I have also put myself out to talk about issues I know a lot of girls want to talk about but have no medium to do so or are incapable of because of fear of what others might think. I am not afraid of what people think and my music gives me the opportunity to express my views on a lot of issues and be a voice for a great many people. It is not all rosy and perfect like a lot of people tend to believe it is; I am lucky to be able to share my life, through my music, with hopes that it inspires and moves people. I think ‘1960’ does that totally and the fans are going to be very excited about every song on the album. It is a fearless, point-blank, in-your-face collection and I made sure not to stop myself from stretching my expression of music with this album. It was produced by ‘Tintin’ and ‘Gray Jonz’, two producers I really respect and I am blessed to work with. We also had the pleasure of working with Femi Kuti, Darey Art-Alade, Olamide, Sarkodie, Yemi Alade and Sir Dauda. I am very excited about this album. It will drop on January 14th, 2015.
Were you influenced by old records and tapes? Which ones?
Yes, very much. I grew up on Don Williams, Sade Adu, Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson and more as were favourites of my Mom. I am also quite big on Nina Simone, Angelique Kidjo, Oumou Sangare and Miriam Makeba. I pull a lot of inspiration from times past. It is beautiful to work with history and I love that there’s always someone who has already said what you want to say, albeit in a different way but just alike.
Rap is not popular in Nigeria, especially coming from a female. How would you say it has been so far? What is the reception like?
I really love rap and writing rap music. I don’t do it to please people. I do it to entertain so, it is important for me to focus on doing exactly that and just believe that the people who would love my music would love it and unashamedly too. Rap, as a genre, generally has a spot in the hearts of Nigerians. I do believe we really love rap music. So far, it has been a bitter-sweet learning experience and my fans make it all worth it. It is very encouraging when someone says “your song inspired me” or “you are my favourite rapper”. It makes me feel like I am definitely doing something right and that makes me want to do even much more.
How busy are you?
Very busy, especially right now as we prepare to release my debut album, ‘1960’ this January. I am constantly trying to create time for family and friends. As an independent artiste, I am responsible for not just the creation of my music but also the creation of all my visual works; the business side of things and all of that. It can take a toll on you, but I get by. God helps and I am grateful that I am busy.
Would you say it’s lucrative being a rap artist?
I think anything at all is as lucrative as we make it or believe it to be. I want to do something I absolutely enjoy and I live everyday praying for grace to do just that.
Tell me a bit about growing up. Where did you grow up?
Growing up was quite a trip! I remember we moved around Nigeria a lot as my folks were busy; job changes and all of that. So, I spent the early part of my life moving from Asaba to Bida in Niger State and then to Lagos.
Is it a struggle being a role model for so many young women while trying to produce something artistically valid?
No, it’s not. Everything that I am today is simply because I have been myself from the beginning. So, if being myself is what has made me become the person I am today then, that’s certainly not a struggle for me. I am just myself. I do it for love.
How would you describe your dress sense?
I like a bit of funk. I like comfort but with an edge. I am spontaneous and not afraid to try new things, especially things I know people are not willing to try. Fashion is art for me.
I understand you are a makeup artist and fashion designer. How do you balance your music with other obligations?
You know it is funny how I cannot help but love what I love. I am very lucky to have been brought up by parents who weren’t too interfering with my extra-curricular activities as a child. I dabbled into fashion at a young age because my Mom began to sew and collect fashion catalogues. I have always being a fine artist. I have an eye for visual arts and whether it is designing fashion, creating make-up looks or creating music videos, I am constantly creating stuff.
Where do you see yourself and your music in the next ten years?
Oh, ten years is a long time! I would love to have two kids by then. I am definitely looking forward to that. I definitely would still be creating music in ten years. I hope I can do all seven albums in that time.
What is one of the best lessons you have learnt about life?
Everything good or bad happens for a reason. With time, the reasons would unfold but at the moment, we must accept who we are, where we are and how we are; and, nurture that for as long as is necessary to get to the next phase. Again, you love yourself first, then, love everyone else after.
nice