The name may not readily ring a bell, but Sistasoul has been responsible for a number of songs. Though yet to hit the main stream, her passion for music far exceeds that of making money through it. She spoke with Hazeez Balogun and Olamide Oni on how her music can make a difference in the lives of many.
At what age did you know you could sing?
I have always loved music but realized only music could hold my attention the longest since I was 13. Since then, I never went back. Even as a kid, the passion has always been there. My parents always tell me that when I was a little girl, I used to compose songs for myself. So it’s more like a God-given talent.
So when did you start professionally?
It took me a long time to decide to take music as a profession. You know how it is in this country? I also had to take care of my education before I did music. I started singing professionally at 20, and I have never looked back.
If you started that early, there must have been a driving force?
My father passed away when I was three. Before his death, there was always Bob Marley and Fela, Sunny Ade, etc playing in the house. We had a blast. My parents were close. I have two older brothers and a big sister. I was the sheltered one (laughs). I studied in Lagos. Primary, secondary and University.
Did you get support to sing from your parents?
My mother supports me wholeheartedly. I was a dada (had natural dread locks) as a baby and she concluded I was either going to be mysterious or go into the arts. She also stressed the need for me to get an education, both in and outside of school.
So who do you look up to in the arts?
You will be surprised that as a musician, most of those I look up to are not musicians. My role models are my mother, Cyprian Ekwensi, Chinua Achebe, my uncle Tony, Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill, Sade, the woman traffic warder in Alaba area, and of course, Yinka Davies. I draw inspiration from life, experiences of others and mine, water and air, new cultures, the people and other people’s music.
You seem to talk about issues in your songs…
My music is what the everyday people relate with. I talk about life, current issues, pain, love. I shy away from going political because music is an escape for me, but you can’t really run away because things are far from good in Nigeria; it is disheartening. You can’t run away because Jos is staring you in the face. Niger-Delta is. No electricity. Education is almost minus zero.There are no books in our schools, the teachers are tired. It’s crazy. As for my music, it is a powerful tool. Fela said if you play with music, you will die young. Musicians have enormous power. We should use it wisely.
How was it when you first started professionally?
Wow, that is not an easy one. I respect everyone and their craft but I’m just trying to have my say and be happy. I basically put stuff that I can out there and if it ministers to you, fine. I have never sought approval from any human being except God and my mother.
So, I try to do my own thing. My songs are original, so it is hard for anyone to say that I copied their music. I just try to do my own thing without bothering anybody. I know some people out there can relate to my music and enjoy it. That alone makes me happy.
You seem not socialise with other artistes
I don’t socialize much so I don’t quite know how I’m being treated or not but when I see my people we talk and bond as much as we can. I just want to concentrate on being better and putting out great music.
You also do music with instruments, very few musicians do that today,
I am still learning. I play the guitar, I always want to get better at it, I am also experimenting with diverse styles, I am fascinated by Fuji music, I would love to work more on harmonizing and fusing other genres of music to suit jazz/soul/reggae which is what i basically do.
What challenges do musicians face generally?
On challenges, I feel musicians should have more access to studios, to make mistakes, correct them, listen over and over before we put music out. The eight hour studio session bit does not cut it, too much pressures. And we could stand to support one another without looking much as to what we stand to gain.
What do you hope to achieve with music?
More music that would have made people decide to be better human beings. I want to see positive things happening in this country. I want my music to sooth people. For us musicians. I think we should search ourselves and let our conscience decide if we are doing our very best. Me, I am praying for strength as I try to do my own best.
Tell us a bit about your husband and children?
I leave my family life out of my music. I don’t want to discuss anything about that.
What does it take to make it in the music industry?
For the person trying to make a career in music, and this advice still applies to me, get ready to hear a lot of crap and empty promises. Get ready to hear negativity, but stand firm and sweat it out. Laugh, cry, move on, drink lots of water and continue to better your craft.
When do you hope to drop an album?
On the album, please keep your fingers crossed. I am at work on it. I won’t be so quiet this year though.
Which artistes and producers have you worked with?
I have worked with Jeremiah Gyang, Kenny C Sharp, Akin Cole, Panji Anoff and Abaguu Tersoo 3.
How would you classify your music?
I classify my music as experimental in the sense that I always want to fuse soul, jazz, reggae to other genres of music like Highlife, Fuji, Funk.
When was your most embarrassing moment? Tell us exactly what happened.
Most embarrassing moment would be when I almost got electrocuted on stage by a microphone and people were clapping and cheering probably thinking I was doing a new, funny dance. It was crazy and not until I threw the mic in pain and with a shriek did people realize. I started laughing because I don’t get embarrassed easily, and they joined in the laughter. Still, it was something.