Encomium
With a potent combination of undeniable talent, hip swag and unique persona – Eva Alordiah (that’s her biological name) has consistently risen and now sits confidently in the Big Girls league.
The Delta born entertainer juggles being a writer, a performing artiste, a makeup artist, A video director, an actress, a blogger, a dog lover, an entrepreneur, a brand ambassador (and still counting…), but still squeezed out time to talk to ENCOMIUM Weekly in an exclusive chat. Here’s what she said…
Do accept our congratulations on your deal with Guinness. How does it feel to be considered by such a brand?
You are so sweet. Thank you. Oh, it is absolutely refreshing working with Guinness on a project as inspiring as the #MadeOfBlack campaign. I couldn’t possibly have wanted it any other way and to have Guinness single me out like that is such a blessing I couldn’t part with if I had to. Any company that has the interest of the young, vibrant, budding Nigerians at heart has got my total support. #MadeOfBlack is my project as much as it is everybody else’s.
What does the deal entail? Give us some details.
The #MadeOfBlack project aims to instil power and re-ignite passion and creativity, however redundant it may have become in the minds of the youth across Africa. And it seems just in time because we find that people are becoming more aware of their individual passions in the arts and creative fields more than ever before.
With time, we hope more people would take the plunge and give their 100 percent effort to the greatness that is buried within them, no matter how hard their living realities may appear. Myself, Olamide and Phyno are a true representation of that and we are basically trying to let every young Nigerian realize this greatness within themselves too.
And not just the young people, but also people who have reached a dead end in their careers and are adventurous enough to want to try again. When you identify with #MadeOfBlack you are clear in staking your claim to your individuality, your unique capabilities and telling the world, point blank that you can achieve anything on your own terms.
How much is the deal worth?
It is worth just as much as we would like to quantify greatness, which is the quality that is ever so striking about Guinness. Now how would you like to quantify that?
With an ambassadorial role comes more responsibility. How would you ensure this doesn’t affect your music?
My job as an ambassador for Guinness or any other brand is directly tied to my everyday work as an artiste. I am happy to serve and be of value to the people. That is important to me.
You just dropped War coming and it has got people talking. What’s the idea behind the song?
The song, War Coming features Sir Dauda and was produced by my good friend and very talented producer, Tintin. The sound is an unorthodox fusion of hip hop and reggae and we also had D’Guitar help with some of the production.
War Coming is a song about the constant battles we fight within ourselves as we strive for heights beyond our wildest imaginations. It’s the fight to self discovery, like an unquestionable yet relentless tug of war to keep doing what makes you happy.
The response so far has been really amazing and I am super blessed to have that.
Does the song reflect you at any point in your life?
Like I said, it is an ongoing situation each of us face individually. So, yes it does reflect several points of my life.
What else do you have in your hands now, music-wise?
I am about now finishing my debut album. The video for the song, S.H.U.G.A was released mid October and the fans have been gushing about it.
We wanted to create a music video that played out as a short film and Mex Ossai, the director, was so brilliant with it. I already cannot wait to work with him again.
So far the fans and the media have been super supportive, and I am only too grateful to be able to do what I do as an artiste and share this wonderful exciting works we create with you guys.
You are a nominee for The Headies this year. How does it feel and what are your expectations?
Being nominated is one thing, being nominated in the Best Rap Single category with other very talented rappers is yet another. I sincerely cannot put into words how that feels but I can tell you I have certainly come a long way from my Next Rated nomination in 2012. Na Baba God do am oh! I am super blessed.
What do you think it says about your career, thus far?
I think this is a quick check for me. Like a pat on the back. So, in no way am I satisfied yet. So, I keep going. I want a handshake, a hug, a kiss and maybe flowers. Now, translate that into awards. Ha!
Would you say you are where you set out to be in your career?
No not yet. Ha! My work has just started. The struggle days may be over but the hustle has just begun. I aspire to be the very best version of myself as I move along every curve and every bump on the road. I am excited for what lies ahead, but more than anything I am happy to do what I always wanted to do with my life.
I wish everyone could be given that chance. I wish everyone could take that chance for themselves.
Prior to your new-found success, was there ever a time you thought about quitting?
Everyday, yes. But then I get up, wipe the tears, wear my one black shoe and keep on moving.
So, how did you contain these thoughts?
God is your only refuge at the end of the day as a human being. When you live life knowing that God, or something much higher than you, is in control, you would find no need to worry. I have been blessed with the most amazing parents, family, friends, dogs and fans that there is always someone sweet to remind me what a beautiful life this is. Sometimes, that is just about enough.
You are one of those artistes who have stuck with their unique styles despite it not paying from the outset. What kept you going those times when it seemed music wasn’t paying off?
Family. And my dogs. I have come to understand the values inherent in persistence and patience from watching my parents raise us. When you have more than your mouth to feed, when you have responsibilities that go beyond just what to wear tomorrow, when you have created a vision for yourself and your faith keeps locking you on to it, you would find yourself no other option than to keep on moving.
I have learned that the best things are usually the hardest to obtain. The work is to push through the resistance to get to the place of least effort. Then everything becomes like magic, it will all start to fall together and you suddenly forget you ever even struggled. Faith is key.
What inspires your unique persona and swag?
The appreciation of youth. I stay young in my mind and younger in my expression through fashion and style.
What’s your assessment of the Nigerian music industry this year?
I can only assess my own work as an artiste. And that, I would say, I am getting better every day and it has been a good year so far.
What do you think is yet to be done for the industry to reach its full potential?
I worry not about the ‘industry’ as a big unit and worry instead about my contributions as a tiny little variable in this equation. The work to be done first is my work as an artiste, I am staying focused on that. The industry, like everything, will grow.
Fans are eagerly anticipating your album. How much longer do they have to wait?
The fans have been really supportive through the years and it is a joy to know that people are waiting excitedly to hear your work as an artiste. That means you are guaranteed sales even before you put it out. That, for me, is a rare gift from God and I am grateful for that. I hope the album drops any moment from now. I am excited about it just as much as they are.
Considering the amount of meticulous work and time you are investing into your album, it is sure to be one of the best. Tell us more about the album.
Ha, I pray oh! (laughs). It is my debut album and I have worked really hard on it. Music can become so stressful sometimes, especially if you have to do it on your own but I am glad to have the most amazing team working with me, whether it is creating the music or managing my affairs.
The album is a collection of my most sincere music creations. It is such a rare fusion of genres as I have experienced with hip hop and stretched it just enough to create something fresh for the fans to enjoy. There are only two producers on this album, Tintin and Gray Jon’z, both of whom I have worked with on the GIGO (Garbage In Garbage Out) EP which was released in 2011. I am itching to drop this album and I really cannot wait to see the reaction it gets. I have collaborations with the legendary Femi Kuti, Darey Art Alade, to name a few. The rest is a surprise.
Is there a title yet?
Yep! But we are still deciding on that.
How many tracks would be on it?
14.
A little away from music. How’s your makeup outfit – MakeUpByOrsela – doing?
Oh ‘Orsela is great, thanks for asking. I have been a bit too busy with music recently and I am taking strides with it for now. The makeup school was in session earlier in the year but we might not have any training sessions till next year which is good for me as I would need all the time for my album release.
How do you run it, along with professionals or you run it alone?
Yes, with professional makeup artists that I have trained. I usually randomly pick the students from my classes who have done well and they intern with us for a while till we reshuffle and hire new students. That way, the learning keeps going even when they are done with their training courses at the makeup school.
It takes a lot of discipline and good time management to excel in more than one career, and you do that very well. Can you share some tips?
Start now. Not tomorrow, but now. The major problem a lot of us have is putting off ideas or plans till we hope to be ready. If an idea comes to mind, I do not joke with it. For me, that is like God showing you the way to go and ignoring it is only stretching yourself out on a struggle longer than is necessary.
We have 24 hours in each day allocated to everyone. Understanding that eight hours to sleep and 16 hours to work is a fair bargain, is enough to keep you wanting to do more than just one thing with your life. I grew up with my mom and dad shuffling at least three careers individually, and that is including raising a family.
My mom, for instance, at one time was a nurse, fashion designer, retail store owner and mother, all at once. I thought to myself one day and said “Yo! She doesn’t have 2 heads oh!” My mentor, that woman.
Makeup and music. Which is your first love?
Music.
Which brings in more money?
They both have a good way of balancing themselves out. For me, it has never been about the money but about doing something that can genuinely satisfy the soul. All the chasing and toiling in the sun is for nothing if you are not happy. The money comes, and God is generous, but only after I have done my part.
What gives you more fulfilment and that sense of worth?
Looking at something I have created and knowing that I gave it my best. The knowing part is bliss.
Finally, what are your yet-to-be-fulfilled dreams?
Haha! There are a lot of them. But I am working steadily. So far I am a writer, a performing artiste, a makeup artist, a video director, an actress, a blogger, a dog lover, a family girl and the list might go on. Right now, I am enjoying what I have to do till I yearn for much more. Which obviously happens every day (laughs).
-MICHAEL NWOKIKE
