By ANOZIE EGOLE

Chinwendu Onwuka, aka Stevelucy, may not yet be the household name in the music industry, but she is definitely working herself to the top as a gospel singer. With the release of her first album, “It’s up to you” which will hit the market soon, the beautiful songstress may have an ace up her sleeve. In this interview, she talks about her journey into the music industry and other things that define her style.

Tell us about yourselfMy name is Chinwendu Onwuka. My stage name is Stevelucy. I’m from Anambra State and I’m the second child in a family of eight. I’m an upcoming artist and script writer. I have an OND. Due to some health challenges, I couldn’t go further to the university. But I am grateful to God for keeping me alive and I’m much better now. I plan to go back to school later on.

How did you get into the Nigerian music industry?

I have always been a music lover. During my adolescence, there were certain people who made me develop the passion for music. The likes of Beyonce, Whitney Houston and Celine Dion fired my passion. Listening to them express their emotions through music keeps me alive. You may not have met an artiste but there is this feeling of knowing them merely because you relate so well with what they say in their songs.

To me, music is one of the most amazing and exciting things that has ever happened to me. I enjoy music a lot and I’m a gospel artiste.

Do you have any album yet?

Yes. I have an album titled “It’s up to you.” I recorded it in 2012. It has eight tracks and the one that appeals to me most is “My number one”. This is because God has been so good to me. I have passed through a lot since my birth, but thanks to him, I’m still standing on my feet today.

How was your growing up like?

I was brought up in a fairly strict environment where there were rules, respect and work. I grew up with my siblings. We had fun and we understood ourselves. We were pushed to understand the value of family and hard work

Has your family been supportive of your music career?

Yes, they’ve been so supportive of my career. Their moral support keeps me going. They are excited and proud of me.

What have been your challenges so far?

For me, challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. The truth is that there will definitely be obstacles when you are about starting any business. That is exactly what being a musician is, it wasn’t an easy road. To get a sponsor and a good promoter was a very big challenge for me. But I spend more time looking at my goals than looking at the obstacles and that is what has kept me going.

What makes you different from every other gospel artiste?

My good music and my uniqueness as an individual. Everyone is unique, but we often believe that the only way we can be successful is to be like someone else. Although it’s useful to see what other people do and look at things that work for them but at the end of the day, you have to be yourself. For me, my uniqueness is also my voice and my kind of music. As long as it has good lyrics and nice beat, that is enough to make me stand out.

What is your fashion philosophy like?

Knowing how to dress is the key to looking great notwithstanding your body structure. I don’t wear anything I see. Because of my physique, I choose carefully what I wear. If it is not comfortable, then there is no way I will ever wear it. I prefer simple classic dresses that make me sexy and beautiful.

Are you in any relationship?

No, I’m single but I’m not searching. Whoever will be the love of my life will be the one to search for me and I’m waiting patiently for him.

What type of man suits your personality?

My ideal man is one who is honest in his relationship with a woman, intelligent, caring, fashionable, humorous and God fearing.

Who is your role model?

A lot of them, but Beyonce and P’square fascinate me a lot. Their dance steps and their music move me. I admire their consistency.

Your advice to youths?

To acquire skills and create their own businesses. As it is now, waiting for the government to provide jobs for the youth is a waste of time. If you have a good talent, spend more time looking at your goals than looking at your obstacles. Focus on what is possible and make it your reality.