Reasons Niyola is the most patient and persistent female artist in Nigeria

EME recording artiste, Niyola is no stranger to the music industry from her escapades at Westsyde music to her heroics at EME, the diva has been patiently waiting to exhale. It is finally looking good in 2013 after releasing one of the most talked about songs of the year past, the 31 year old is aiming for more going by this tell all interview where she talks about her past, present and future.

This interview confirms that Niyola is most likely the most patient and persistent female artist in Nigeria. You just have to read it to be convinced.

How would you say you fared last year?

2013 was a very significant year in my career. It was a reintroduction of sorts for me. People received my new singles warmly, and when the video for Toh Bad was released it became even more exciting. So in a nutshell I’ll say it was a fair and eventful one

This is a new year, what are your projections for the year?

I feel very strongly about this year because God willing I will show more of what I am about through my music and definitely give my fans more material through singles, collaborations and maybe an album. I believe every other financially rewarding opportunity will definitely follow with all that visibility. So I just need to work hard at churning out great works.

Are you working on any new songs?

Yes I am. I am always working on new songs. I am constantly recording new material. I am happiest when I am making music. The difficulty with having a constant supply of new material is deciding what to release and when to release it. My team and I always want to make sure we put our best foot forward.

Challenges of stardom?

I think sometimes a lot of people think celebrities are super heroes forged out of steel and maybe water. They forget that when all is said and done, we all are humans. Being constantly in front of the spotlight can take its toll. You find yourself constantly having to put on a smile even if you’re having a terrible day. There is always a price to pay for everything, but sometimes I wish stardom wasn’t so demanding.

Can you give us a rundown of how you met Banky W and eventually signed to EME?

Banky was my friend for years before we decided to work together. We met at the first Ovation red carol rehearsals which took place at the coliseum. He heard me singing from the rest room and accosted me on my way out, telling me how he loved my voice. We became friends afterwards and 5 years later we decided to work on a song together. He offered me a record deal and the rest is history.

How does it feel to be the only female on the label?

I’ve always grown up amongst more guys than girls. And it feels good to know that I have more guys to call my family. There is of course an added responsibility when you’re the only female in a record label, but it is pressure I can handle. I enjoy the sense of family and knowing that there are people looking out for me.

Many people didn’t know about you before you joined EME. What was the music industry like in the past and which record label were you signed on to?

The industry certainly wasn’t this commercial or glamorous. It was one that had people who believed in talent and did what they did out of sheer passion because at the time, you were not respected for being an artiste. It was considered an escape for the nonentities and school drop outs, most especially if you were female. There were only a negligible number of female artistes then like Sasha, Azeezat, Kush, Weird MC and a few others. I thank God this has changed tremendously. I was signed to Westside records alongside Faze Freestyle and Djinee

There have been a number of splits between artistes and their record labels in recent times. You witnessed one while you were with Trybe Records. Do you have any fears that you might ever be in that situation at EME?

People are bound by contracts to their labels, and in a situation where they split I am sure both parties will try to ensure that whatever option they choose is the right thing to do legally. My contract is still very valid and I have no plans to breach it.

How did you get into music: Did you always know you would do music or is it something you just stumbled into?

Of all my talents I was blessed with or everything I can do or love to do, music makes me the happiest. I wake up every morning with a desire to make music and if for any reason I could no longer make music, the way I know how to, I know that I would be very unhappy. I knew I wanted to make music, but my professional debut happened unexpectedly and since that point on I’ve never looked back.

How would you describe your music?

I like to call it contemporary R &B/Pop because it’s a fusion of both genres and a little bit of me as a Yoruba girl from Nigeria. We’re a product of our experiences and I grew up listening to R&B/Pop acts. So I make the sort of music I’m most familiar with. I can also express myself completely using R&B/POP as a tool. This doesn’t mean I can’t do Soul or Reggae or something else and maybe in future I will, but right now I’m happy with the type of music I make.

When people see Niyola on their screens and in pictures, they see a sexy lady. What is the relationship between being sexy and succeeding as a female artiste?

I don't think you have to be sexy to succeed. I am exactly how I would be even if I wasn't singing. I just channel who I already am and that's what I think success requires. You must be true to yourself. Many women who aren’t perceived as sexy make beautiful music and are successful. That said this is show business.