Encomium
+ Plots Nov. 9 album launch
FORMER PMAN second Vice President, Judith Akpomejevwe Nwachukwu is back to the music scene with a bang. The one-time NNPC staff, gospel artiste and serial entrepreneur would be officially launching an album on Sunday, November 9, 2014, in Sapele, Delta State.
Entitled Thankful, Lady Judith (that’s her stage name) in this interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly unveiled the long-awaited album, coming over 15 years after her last effort in 1998. She also explained why she had to relocate to her Delta home state after her stint with PMAN.
Fans have been asking where Lady Judith has been?
Lady Judith has been improving herself. I’m sure anybody watching my new videos would agree I’ve really advanced in my profession. I’ve expended a lot of time, energy and resources in my career. I went back to school. I did Entrepreneur Studies at the Lagos Business School. I kept working on myself. So, what you’ve seen now is a result of all the time I put in my work, that is why you guys have not seen me all these while.
You relocated to your state, Delta after your studies at Lagos Business School?
Yes, I had a project in Delta State. I wrote a theme song for my state. It’s entitled Finger of God. I had a big show with notable artistes, including the late Kefee and a whole lot of other acts. It was a great show that is still on the lips of many.
When was that?
Two years ago.
You surely missed Lagos all through your absence?
Yeah, I missed my friends, colleagues, my fans in Lagos, all of you. In fact, I missed Lagos. I especially missed the Go Slow (heavy traffic) (laughs).
You were rated the most popular PMAN Vice President while you were in office in 2008. How does it feel to be so recognized?
It feels good. Like you know, I made my own impact. Everybody who was active in PMAN then knew I added value. I had a show. It also gave me the opportunity to meet people like you back then.
This is obviously not the same PMAN you left behind about seven years ago?
You know a lot has happened in PMAN. There has been infightings, squabbles and sharp divides. My take on the crisis rocking the union is divided, we keep falling, united we will stand. We must sacrifice our selfish interests for our union to move forward for our benefit. We need to come together so as to enjoy what is due to the industry. Nobody is gaining anything from PMAN now, we are rather losing.
Away from PMAN, what are you currently working on?
I’m launching my new album on November 9, 2014. The venue is Sapele Athletic Club, Delta State. It’s going to be a big show and a project I hold close to my heart. The new album is entitled Thankful.
How long have you been working on this album?
For about two years. I have shot about four videos. We just needed to do something standard. You know the industry is highly competitive. So, we have to take our artistic expression to the next level.
How long have you been singing professionally?
I’ve been singing in the last 15 years. I’ve done a lot of shows locally and internationally.
So, why did it take you over 15 years to release another album after There is a name?
I was not just a singer, I was also working. I had my business. I had to marry and take care of my kids. I also went back to school. I travelled out. There were a lot of things that took my time.
Many are still wondering why you would abandon a lucrative job at the NNPC for music?
I have passion for music. We all were created for a purpose. Life is not all about making money. There is something you have to live and die for, whether you are paid for it or not. Even if I don’t make money in music, I would still be doing it. We are all here for an assignment. You can’t imagine how many people I have empowered over the years because I’m in show business. They would have probably suffered if I was elsewhere. This life is more than money. It’s more than fame. It’s something deeper.
What do you generally sing about?
I sing about God’s blessings. I glorify God for all He has given to us.
What’s your projection for gospel music in Nigeria?
We are making progress and things can only get better. But artistes must recognize the fact that they must give account of their gifts. What you do with it matters a lot. The impact you made with your talent counts more than the material benefits accruing from it. You can serve God and have everything if you follow His divine will.
What’s the difference between inspirational and gospel music?
They are related. Yes, you can inspire people, but is it with God’s word? What is it based? If it’s based on what the Bible says, then it’s inspirational. The word of God gives life to our aspirations. It inspires us. That’s what we do when we sing gospel. We are also preacher, ministering the Word through songs. So, we are inspirational singers. We are gospel artistes. I also inspire people with my life. It is not just about what I sing, but what I do. Fans expect me to do what I sing. That’s what separates us from secular musicians.
Any regret?
Not at all. I love what I do. I’m satisfied with what God is doing in my life.
You sing, you are in business, you are also a mother. How do you handle all of these?
It has not been easy. But God has been my strength over the years. I know that He has given me the grace to handle the diverse talents He has blessed me with. So, I can do all, including singing, business and home keeping through Christ who strengthens me. So, it’s not really a challenge. I plan, I have a good team.
Can you please tell us more about your forthcoming album, Thankful?
The album is entitled Thankful and the whole idea is to give glory to the Creator. It is more like a testimony for what God has done in my life, so far. I want the world to know that what God has done for me, He can do for everybody who looks up to Him. It’s a seven-tracker. I shot at different locations. I shot in Lagos, Benin (Edo State) and Delta State. It was directed by Whytehouse Production. The tracks are Thank You, There’s a Name and Feels Good to know. There is also worship song and a bonus track, Finger of God.
How is the family?
They are fine. My husband and children have been quite supportive.
Where is your career headed?
To the top. I’m eyeing the international scene. I keep growing. I don’t feel I have arrived. I want to win a Grammy.
Please, let us into Lady Judith’s world?
I’m Lady Judith. I hail from Jesse community in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State. I was born into the family of late Sir Samuel Deniran about four decades ago. I attended the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where I obtained a B.Sc in Medical Laboratory Science, with specialty in Haematology and blood serology. Upon graduation, I worked in the medical department of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Lagos for 10 years. My passion made me pursue an active career in music where I produced a gospel album entitled, There is a name in 1998.
I am a co-founder of Association of Female Musicians in Nigeria (AFEMAN), with other music stars including Onyeka Onwenu, Esse Agesse and Salawa Abeni. I was lead singer at the epoch making Benny Hinn mega crusade, Heal our Land and that of Reinhard Bonnke, both in 2005. I was elected PMAN second vice president in 2007, where I gave Nigerian female artistes a voice. I would launch my new album on Sunday, November 9, at Sapele, Delta State.
-UCHE OLEHI
