…Says, ‘Women, like Burna Boy’s mother are the powerhouses driving global success of Nigerian music’

By BENJAMIN NJOKU

Rising Afro-fusion sensation, Adaorah, who shuttles between America and Nigeria as a solo singer is currently breaking new boundaries with her music.

The songstress, born Chantel Adaorah Chukwuemeka recently recorded a milestone with the release of her remix of Mike Okri’s evergreen song, ‘Time na Money’, featuring the music legend himself. The song, which is already creating buzz on different digital platforms, is a reaffirmation of Adaorah’s creative ingenuity.

It also depicts the singer’s knack for creating music that could resonate with different audiences, an attribute that sets her apart from her contemporaries back home. In this engaging encounter, Adaorah, who released her debut single, ‘Rock My Borry’ produced by Andre Vibez, in 2022, shares her dreams and aspirations, setbacks and breakthroughs as a solo performer. She also reveals why she collaborated with Mike Okri to remix his evergreen song ‘ Time na Money’ and what she perceives as the place of women in the global dominance of Nigerian music.

Excerpts:

Why did you choose to remix Mike Okri’s evergreen song, ‘Time na Money’?

I really like the song and it was a song my aunties and uncles danced to, back in the days. Premier Records manager, Mike Odiong was able to connect me with Mike Okri. He told me that ‘Time na Money’ is a great song to remix. And if you listen to a song like Flavour’s ‘Ashawo’, it literally emulates that kind of vibes of Mike Okri’s ‘Time na Money.’ So, old school jams are always an inspiration for new school jams. This song kind of elevated my status, and I had so much fun remixing it with the original creator, Mike Okri. It was amazing. We had to work in the studio together in Nigeria, as well as shot the music video together too in Los Angeles. It was a great adventure. Mike Okri really likes what we are doing with his song. And that’s why he agreed to collaborate with me to remix the song. Apart from the remix of ‘Time na Money’, I’m dropping a new single sometime in December, this year.

How long have you been into music?

I’ve been singing for a very long time since I was a kid. At least , for about 10 years now. I started off as an opera singer and I was singing Coloratura Soprano, like the range that’s close to what Mariah Carey sings as far as hitting those notes. I used to sing in Italian, French, Latin and German and was touring the US performing classical music and competing on multiple stages. It was all fun but I didn’t think this was the direction I wanted to go with my music. So I emerged more into the pop and RnB kind of vibe and I really enjoyed that genre. I like to introduce myself as a permanent face of the African music scene. I love Afro-beats. I grew up listening to Afro-beats. I released my first single “Rock My Barry” produced by Mavin Records Andre Vibez in 2022.

How did you develop the passion for music ?

I was about 12 years old when I joined a competition, where, if you won the competition you would be given a ticket to attend a concert in the United States. I decided to go on stage to share my talent and feel the energy of the crowd and everyone cheering me on. It just felt so good. I didn’t realize that was going to be the moment that would kick-start my journey into the world of music. So I think the first time I genuinely took my music seriously was when I auditioned for a visual performing arts academy. When I went there, I was like, oh, I’m going to sing Beyonce. I’m going to sing Britney Spears. And they brought sheet music for me to read and sing- it was in Italian. So I had to get a vocal coach. I had to do training so I could prepare for the audition. After my training, I got into the academy, and it just kind of blew up. I started singing in French, Italian and Latin; telling stories, performing across the U.S. and competing with other people who sing opera and classical music.

Would you say it was easy to break into the industry when you started your career in the United States ?

It wasn’t easy at all. Breaking into the industry is almost like 80% your talent, hard work and 20 % luck. So, being an independent artist, it’s been tough trying to get people to believe in my talent as well as invest in me. The manager of Premier Records, Mike Odiong is my childhood friend. He helped to introduce me to a lot of people in the industry.

Looking back, how would you describe your musical journey so far?

I’m grateful to see my music grow in leaps and bounds. I have been able to headline my own show in the United States. I have also opened shows for the likes of Davido, The Cavemen, Wande Coal and Tiwa Savage. So, I have had amazing opportunities in the industry.

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But I also feel like I still have so much more to offer. Right now, I need somebody who will invest in me as an artist to enable me give my best. But as an independent artist, I have done really well in my career. I am excited that I have shown everyone the stuff I am made of.

That means you are shopping for a record label to sign you on?

That’s the goal. I love to be signed with a record label that will promote and invest in me. A record label which can actually provide additional resources to push my music farther than where it is at the moment.

Which country are you focusing on?

I am a global artist, I don’t think I should limit myself to one particular place. Afro-beats is something that is global. My focus is on Nigeria, South Africa, America or Ghana.

Is your music a blend of Afro-beats, soul and pop ?

I don’t like to box myself into a category. This is because I feel it restricts me to express myself freely. For me, I always like to try all types of sounds, but my base will always be Afro-beats. It can be Afro-pop. Afro-soul, but I will always have that foundation as Afro-beats. I will describe my music as Afro-fusion. Burna Boy’s music is Afro-fusion, while Ayra Starr and Oma Lay’s music is Afro-beats . I do music that resonates with my fans.

How have you leveraged mingling with top Nigerian musicians headlining shows in America to popularize your music ?

I don’t see myself as an opportunist, but I always stay connected with these superstars. So, it’s great to surround yourself with people of like minds. I have met with Reekado Banks, Tiwa Savage and Bianca. I have had an opportunity to be in the studio with some of them. I like surrounding myself with these music stars. I’m still connected with them. But I don’t approach them for the purposes of using my closeness to them as an opportunity to advance myself. I approach them to build a relationship.

What’s your thoughts on the global recognition of Nigerian music?

Afro-beats have always been here. It was just about a few years back that the rest of the world started catching up with Afro-beats. It has really taken over the global music space. I go to clubs and parties and I see Americans singing Yoruba songs. They don’t even understand what they are singing, but they are just vibing the music. I feel that Afro-beats has got the respect it has always desired and it’s not going anywhere. It’s here to stay.

In all of these, where is the place of women in the global success of Nigerian music?

I think women are the powerhouses helping to drive the global success of Nigerian music. For instance, Burna Boy’s mum is his manager. She’s helping to ensure that Burna Boy is successful on the global stage and stays on track to be the superstar that he is right now. We also have amazing female singers who are also making waves on the global stage. The likes of Tiwa Savage,Yemi Alade, Ayra starr, Tems, Teni-The Entertainer among others. All of them are so unique in their own ways. I think women bring different angles, views and vibes to Afro-beats music and Nigerian music at large. You don’t always get that when it comes to their male counterparts.

Would you say it has been rewarding for you since you delved into music ?

Absolutely yes. I am a full time artist, but I am also a full corporate worker. Basically, from 9 am to 5 pm, I am doing my corporate work, while from 5 pm to 1 am , I am doing my music. I’m always excited that I’m doing music. I know this is my passion. Music is something I have always wanted to do in life. I have done crazy things to ensure that music comes first in my life And I want to get to a point where I will no longer worry about corporate jobs as I focus solely on my music.

Did you take up a paid job because music cannot afford to foot your bills?

At this time, it’s about me investing in my music, which is why I said earlier that I need someone who will invest in me. My job is basically to help me fund my music. If I have to travel, book for a hotel accommodation or have a studio session, I make the expenses from my pocket. I am investing in myself.

Any antidotes you like to share from the recording of your songs or shooting of the music videos?

I am basically inspired by everything around me, whether it’s my own story or stories I hear from other people and the things that I see.. Everything kind of draws inspiration for me. My mood determines how I create my music. When it comes to music videos, I am very creative. I like to tell a story. I like to have different colouring and lighting , camera angles and camera play. Depending on the story I’m telling, I like to end it with a music video.