Encomium
QUEEN Ure Okezie made headlines on account of her romance with popular R n’ B star, Emmanuel Okwosa also known as Soul E. The only daughter of former Minister of Health, late Dr. J. O. J Okezie, she has finally delved into music as a career. In an exclusive chat with ENCOMIUM Weekly, she spoke on her new found love, music and lots more.
What has been happening to you and what have you been working on lately?
I am doing great. I thank God. I spent most of last year in the United Kingdom but I am here now doing my music.
Is it true that you have delved fully into music now?
Yes, I am into music now.
How, why and when did it begin?
Music has always been a part of me. I have always been a singer for as long as I can remember, winning music competitions as a kid, having my own music group on campus, directing choirs and all. It’s just that I didn’t take it up as a career.
What genre of music are you doing?
I enjoy almost every kind of music and whichever way the inspiration comes, I will let it flow. R n’ B, hip-hop, afro hip-hop, reggae, pop, rock, highlife.
Tell us about your new single.
My new single is entitled, A Better Place. It’s an R n’ B English song with an African rhythm laced with the three major Nigerian languages (Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba). The message is for us to make our world a better place by being better people.
When will the full album be released?
It should be out mid-year.
It was alleged you have been performing at high profile gigs…
I hope to start performing in big shows by God’s grace, organizing shows, I’m campaigning now (laughs).
Why did you just take music as a career now and what is your unique selling point?
I guess there is time for everything and I felt that it was time for me to take it up as a career and focus on it. my selling points as a female artist are my voice, my unique style, creativity, originality and looks.
What has been the pains and gains so far?
Before I started, I decided to make it a joyous journey so I won’t count my pains. I will focus on the gains. The major gain is just the happiness in doing what I really enjoy.
What are your sources of inspiration?
Life itself is my source of inspiration.
You have been through a lot, what are the lessons life has taught you?
I have learnt to be me and to enjoy every bit of being me regardless of other people’s opinion and actions and that true success is determined by your level of joy.
Would you say the expression that he who laughs last laughs best is real since your career is now blossoming while your ex-lover, Soul E, has become a thing of the past?
I am sure you know I would appreciate that your questions remain along the line of my music career. Having put my past behind, I wish him well and pray that God will lift him up and grant him his heart’s desires.
In spite of your experience, you still bounced back, what’s the secret?
I don’t consider myself as someone who has been through a lot, if you know what I mean. I would rather say life has blessed me with numerous experiences that continue to propel me to greater heights. I have an understanding of life that makes me see God in everything and I think that’s the secret of my success.
What has become of the church and how will you juggle music and your calling?
I am no longer a practicing pastor. The church meetings don’t hold anymore.
Why? Is there hope of re-opening it in the future?
I’m not one of those who believe you must do a particular thing for the rest of your life though not in all cases. God can put you somewhere for a particular period, for a particular purpose. He allowed me to be a blessing to people in that capacity for about three years (just like Jesus who ministered for three years). Now, I am into music which I intend to keep doing for life.
You are pretty, blessed but why are you not that lucky with love? What are the qualities you look out for in your ideal man?
Thank you for these compliments. You just said I am blessed and favoured which means that the blessing of a good and permanent relationship is still within reach. It will find me. Though right now, I feel I’m better without one. My ideal man would be first, a straight forward man (honest and does not lie). Second, a playful guy who takes life easy and doesn’t make issues out of little things. Third, a romantic man who knows how to treat a lady right. Fourth, one who is passionate about life, satisfied with where he is, hardly complains while being eager for more. Fifth, a good looking guy that reads wide and speaks well. Six, a generous guy that shares whatever he has. Seven, a guy who will give me the ultimate sexual experience. Eight, a guy who will be my husband and father of my kids. Nine, a confident guy who never feels inferior but apologises when wrong. Ten, a prayerful man (laughs). I want all those but I could go for 70 per cent.
FEMI OYEWALE
This story was first published in Encomium Weekly on Tuesday, April 24, 2012
