UK-based Nigerian Singer, Lola Rae, is back in the country. The singer, 24, made a gallant entry into the music scene in November 2012 with her debut singles, Watch My Ting Go and High featuring Bridge (of L.O.S.), before going off the radar. Here is an excerpt from her interview.............
You’ve been away for about 18 months; what happened?
It’s not quite 18 months, and really I’ve been going back and forth, I’ve been doing more of performances at gigs and my last song was released in May 2014.
What have you been doing since then?
Well, I’ve had a whole team change. I’m now with Twenty 20 media, I needed a new management team and luckily Kamal Ajiboye (Davido’s manager) came to the rescue and we’ve been re-branding, recording new songs, working on new materials and creating a new sound for the industry.
Now that you are back, what has changed?
A lot has changed; my new songs are quite different from what people are used to. It’s more current, it’s more hard-hitting and I’m having fun with it now as against when I took it too serious, back then the my sound was too serious. Now I just do my own sound and it’s not easy to put it in a specific genre.
I’m working with more producers now and I’m really excited, I’ll be in the studios soon with Shizzi and possibly Legendary Beats. This year I intend to be more consistent because that’s what I’ve lacked in the past, there’ll be more collabos, more videos so you’ll see me more.
Why did you sign a management deal with Twenty 20 media?
I never wanted to be under a record label because I just don’t want to be prohibited from doing things or not really have a say in my own projects, because most times these record label guys have no idea about music or music business, they’ll just sit down and give orders because they have money.
So I wanted a situation where I’ll be with someone that really understands music, understands the industry and the business angle of it, and that’s what Twenty 20 media brings. I’ve seen Kamal at work before and I see how he handles Davido’s projects, he’s a fantastic manager, and very professional especially in crazy circumstances.
Is there a plan for an album this year?
I think I’ll want to release an album next year not this year, there are lots of plans already for this year, and I pray everything goes to plan.
Do you feel threatened by other female acts especially now that you are making a return to the industry?
I don’t think anyone needs to feel threatened, because the industry is already hard enough for female artistes so we should be united and support each other and not feel threatened. The guys don’t feel threatened, so why should we feel threatened?
Which of the female acts will you like to work with?
I will like to work with all of them. Already I worked with Tiwa Savage on the African rising project, I think Seyi Shay is amazing too.
Away from music, how would you describe your personality?
I’m extremely shy and I’m a very quiet person. Though when I’m on stage, I get very crazy and I’m very energetic, but I’m not like that in real life. Most times people that know me come to me and say, ‘wow, I didn’t know you could do that’. I’m very family-oriented and I love music so much.
If music had not worked out for you, what else would you have done?
Somehow I would have worked in the music industry someway somehow, either as a manager, show promoter or something close. I’ve always wanted to do music and while I was in university I studied fashion but deep down I felt fashion is not what I really wanted to do, music is what I love.
Even though fashion and music go hand in hand, but regardless I abandoned fashion for music and I’m so happy I did.
Have you ever thought of quitting music?
Yes, especially for female artistes. There are so much trials and tribulations, there are certain things that you can’t say or do back to people even when they step on your toes because you have to be polite and maintain a certain level of decorum.
Are you married?
No, I’m not. I’m still young, I’ll be 24 next week, I can’t be married already, I should be getting married like 30-32 thereabouts.
Are you in a relationship?
Right now the only relationship I have is with Twenty 20 media.
What happened to your last relationship?
Honestly I don’t know. You know relationships are very political, sometimes you don’t even know what happens to them.
How would you describe your ideal man?
I’m not really based on looks, rather I’ll go for someone that can make me laugh. I can laugh at anything, and if you can just make me laugh, I swear I’ll be your best friend.
A lot of Nigerian albums dropped last year, which is your favourite?
Wow, there was quite a lot, but for me Olamide, Timaya, P-Square, Tuface and Wizkid’s album stood out for me.
Looking at your career now, would you say you are fulfilling it enough?
Not at all, I still have so much more to do. I want to be a trailblazer in the industry, there’s a lot of things planned.
For more scintillating and juicy stories, follow the official Naijapals accounts On Twitter - @Naijapals and Facebook - www.facebook.com/naijapals
| Posted: at | |
Larry28
Ritabrenice
beneno
femjay
echeeche
saviourekpe
DRraze
Nicksam
Fertymor
TRENDING GISTS 
Watch Touching Video Of Lady Surprising Boyfriend Who’s An Okada Rider
Sports Minister, John Enoh Roots For Peseiro’s Return To Super Eagles
Just in: EFCC Withdraws Suit Against Yahaya Bello In Appeal Court Over Alleged Fr@ud
Federal Govt Suspends Dana Airline Indefinitely Over Safety Concerns
PHOTOS: How Four Friends Died In Akwa Ibom Auto Crash