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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2012
Like many established artistes, Ibiyemi's career as a singer, songwriter with a particular love for soul music started in the church choir. Born on the 22nd of May 1981 in San Francisco, California, Ibiyemi's burgeoning career is currently on a high. She reveals more about her life and music in this interview with AHMED BOULOR.
My best part as an artiste —Soul/Jazz singer, Ibiyemi
H
OW did you come about the fusion of Soul and Jazz which is your sound identity? It wasn't something I planned or deliberately set out to do, but as I began to write and record, it became obvious that I was leaning towards Soul. I am influenced by a lot of genres, I listen to different kinds of music, but I find that for the most part, my music is essentially Soul. How were you able to feature Sound Sultan in the song titled 'True Colour'? Sound Sultan had been on my collaboration wish list for some time. I have great respect for him as an artiste and I'm a fan of his works. When we decided that we were going to do collaborations for the deluxe version of 'Love Always Wins'; I just knew I had to ask him. Thankfully, he agreed to record and we went to the studio, wrote the song together and the rest as they say is history. What explains the thought provoking questions you posed in 'True Colour'? We live in a society where things are very difficult. We are plagued by corruption, widespread poverty and so many issues. I find that when the issue of 'the way forward' is discussed, everyone points at the government or someone else. But in the end, that's only a part of it. Given the same opportunity, what would we do? What can we do now? Are we really true to ourselves? Those were the issues I raised with the lyrics of the song. How do you manage to cope in an industry where there are so many Pop artistes? To each with his own. I honestly believe that there is room for many different genres of music. As long as there is an audience, I say play on. I make music for the fans who love to listen and buy. It gives me great joy and fulfilment to write, record and perform. I just keep going. How did your debut album 'Love Always Wins' fare in the market? The response was great! It went a long way in confirming to me what I've always believed in - Nigerians love Soul music and good music at that. People would have you believe otherwise; limited distribution and the lack of proper sales records make it less apparent. But it is a fact. Were you inspired into doing music by a local or foreign artiste? It's difficult to trace my inspiration for going into music to one artiste. For as long as I can remember, I've loved to sing and as the years went by, I realised I wanted to pursue a career in music. But at
the time when I began recording, I was in Nollywood. I think it would be great if greatly inspired by a Nigerian alternative we had more directors using local artistes artiste, Age Beeka. He gave me my first and their music, with permission of opportunity to perform a song I had course. Both industries are evolving and written on stage. there's a lot to be gained from such How do you intend to carve a niche for partnerships. yourself in the ever competitive local At what point in your life did you music industry? discover that you could sing? I intend to keep making music that That's a tough one. I'm really not sure. people can relate with. My music is As a child I always sang adverts, nursery inspired by real life situations and I'm rhymes and whatever I heard; sometimes, always eager to hear feedback from to the irritation of those around. But it listeners. I like to tell stories through my wasn't until my secondary school days music, and I'm excited when people can that I realised people actually enjoyed relate with my songs. Music is such a hearing me sing. My school mates would powerful tool. gather round and just listen to me sing What would you have ventured into, if song after song. I think that's when I not for music? really knew. What was growing up in California, I do a bit of event planning now; I may USA like? have done that full time. I also may have I was born in become a writer. I California, but I grew We live in a society used to write a lot of up in Nigeria. We where things are very poetry and short moved back to Lagos difficult. We are plagued when I was 6 and stories. I attempted by corruption, script writing back in moved to Abuja when the days as well, but widespread poverty and I was 11. My father is a these days the words retired civil servant so many issues. I find seem to always come and his work duties that when the issue of involved moving with melodies. 'the way forward' is around a lot. How did you get inspired to write the How did your career discussed, everyone song 'Big Daddy' begin in 2003? points at the government which was a I started out by or someone else soundtrack for Chris testing the waters and Ehindero's short film basically learning the on rape? ropes. I would go to That was a the studio and watch. I challenging one! I have began to do backup never experienced vocals for other rape, but I know artistes, and people who have and eventually that year I it's a very deep and recorded my first sensitive issue. I knew single 'Can you love when I was writing it, me?' I gave it out to I'd have to try to local stations in Abuja capture the different in a bid to test emotions of anger, audience reaction. The hurt, despair and song later moved up to sadness that I imagine number 1 on the charts a victim would have on Cool FM Abuja, the most popular gone through. It took weeks to write, I urban radio station at the time. That remember crying every time I attempted encouraged me a lot. I continued to write writing. In the end though, I think it was and record and eventually moved to worth it. When I eventually watched the Lagos. film, it seemed apt. Were you part of any music group in Do you think movie producers in the past? Nigeria are utilising the benefits of When I was really young, about 7 or 8 I promoting their movies by engaging believe, I was a member of a children's Nigerian artistes on movie soundtracks? group called 'God's Love Club'. We sang Probably not. I've done a few at church events and fellowships. That soundtracks, but as far as I know, it's not was a very long time ago. That's the only common place to use professional artistes group I've been a part of.
What was it like performing at the 2007 Presidential inauguration ceremony? Again, that was another humbling experience. I still remember how excited I was when I got the call. I felt like I was a part of history. Prior to that year, it had always been played by the military band; the commander warned me severally not to forget the lyrics. Millions of people watched via television and the internet. Technically, it's my largest audience yet. Why did you decide to shoot the video for your song 'Don't Leave Me' in South Africa? The video director, Tosin Igho suggested it. As soon as he heard the song and the ideas I had for the video, he said he had the perfect location in mind and it was in Johannesburg. He was based there at the time, so we flew out to meet him. Everything was in place and we shot it in a day. What's your relationship with Emem Ema of One management? Emem and I go way back. We used to be members of the same group, 'God's Love Club'. That was far back. We went to the same primary school as well and she was my manager for three years. What does love and passion mean to you? Love is the highest level of commitment. It's a deep, beautiful foundation for our existence. God is love! Passion is a by-product of love. Love is the most important thing; it's the reason why I sing and I live. Are you in love at the moment? Yes I am (smiles coyly). Would you say music started for you in the church? Yes I would. I joined the choir long before I began to consider a career in music. I learnt a lot and got the opportunity to serve at the same time. How did you feel singing the American National Anthem at the 228th independence of USA in 2004? I felt very humbled by the experience. I had just started out, and there I was singing to a room full of dignitaries at such an important event. It was surreal to have senior government officials walk up to me afterwards and say they were proud to hear me sing the anthem so well. Do you still find time for live performances? Oh definitely! It's my favourite part of being an artiste. I love to sing and get instant feedback and energy from the audience. I'm planning a tour soon, hopefully in several major cities and I just can't wait.