Niyola: Finding fulfillment in music

Born Eniola Akinbo but known by music lovers as Niyola, she is one female act in the entertainment industry in Nigeria who has proved her consistency in the game as a musician. The sultry singer, who is the first lady of Empire Mate Entertainment (EME) owned by Tunde Demuren and Banky W, in this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, opens up on her world of music, growing up and what her fans should expect this year. Enjoy…

Being EME first lady, has there been any challenges coping with the guys?

There’s nothing to cope with really. We are all adults, individuals with unique gifts. Music is our unifying factor. Remember, this is not a competition. In all, I am confident in myself and my talent, so I don’t even see any gender problem. We are all good.

What makes Niyola thick?

Well that will be being true to myself and being able to be 200 per cent humane.

What other projects are you working on at the moment?

In time you will find out. But I am definitely close to wrapping up my album.

What has kept you going in the music world?

Whether in the music world or the real world, one needs strength as a human being and as a female to survive. My principles which are deeply rooted in my upbringing and also my faith in God keeps me going.

As a graduate of English language, one would have thought that you will end up being a teacher or a journalist. Why music?

I know of people who studied English language and work in banks. I’m sure you do too. This is Nigeria. Anyway, to answer your question, music is my first love. Everything else is acquired but music is inborn.

When did you actually discover your music talent?

My dad helped me discover I could sing at nine by making me write songs and taking me to concerts and eventually making me to sing at a church conference.

What was growing up like for you?

I come from a large family, so growing up was an experience. I always had several people in my house and it was really interesting, experiencing and dealing with different personalities.

What is this bond between you and Kemi Adetiba as she is responsible for most of your music videos?

Kemi is a great woman. She’s great at what she does and she just gets me. Even without revealing much to her, she interprets exactly what I feel before putting my vocals on a record.

How was your first time on stage like?

It was more of nervousness than excitement because I had dreamt of that day all my life before then. When it ended, I was in tears because of the overwhelming applause I received.

These days we see musicians delve into acting. Do you have any plans to do so too?

I have actually read a few scripts and been offered a few parts. I have also made some appearances in some small productions. Acting is something that interests me a lot. But, like in everything I do, the story has to intrigue me. The script must challenge me.

What is that one thing we don’t know about you?

If I told you now, it would no longer be private. I’m a very private person, so chances are those things that are not known about me will never be known about me.

If you are given the opportunity to change one thing in the entertainment industry, what would that be and why?

It would be the stereotype because it stunts the growth of real talent especially for the younger ones. It makes it almost impossible to evolve as an artiste.

For someone who has been in the music industry for some time now, are you satisfied with the lot of females in music these days as compared to 10 years ago?

I would say I am impressed more than I am satisfied because satisfaction is final and absolute. These ladies have really grown in their craft and I think that’s what’s most important. The rest won’t be too far if things are in place.

What would be that achievement that would make you feel a sense of accomplishment?

Well, I am of the opinion that having the talent to sing is a platform to give me the clout I need to achieve my life’s true purpose which is giving strength to others in whatever it might apply. When I have successfully done that on a level that the world feels the impact and people can boldly say that they carried on and didn’t give up because of me, then I would have accomplished success.

What do you look out for before getting into a relationship?

The little yet basic things like honesty, discipline, self-respect, fear of God and confidence.