EXCLUSIVE: EME’s first lady’ speaks – Niyola

Born Eniola Akinbo, she’s better known as sultry singer Niyola. The only lady in the EME squad, she’s had a career that has spanned over 10 years, and in this interview, says she’s ready to stage a comeback, challenges notwithstanding.

What has your journey to and through the music industry been like?

I started doing music quite early. I was part of Starlet music competition in 2000. It used to be part of the events for the AMEN Awards. I was the first runner-up for that year, and it was where I met people like Plantashun Boiz, Psquare, Paul Play and Slam, who I used to see on TV and hear about. From there, I started singing back up for Sound Sultan and Baba Dee, and I did a duet with Faze on a track for his first album. I was also on Trybe Records for a short period. After I left them, I recorded my first two singles with Make Some Noise Productions. The songs were accepted and from there I decided to continue, after which I got signed to Westside Records label.

Has your journey been what you expected it to be, considering the fact that you’ve been in the game for over a decade?

Because I am doing this for the passion I have for it, I will say all the time and effort I’ve put into this business has been worth it for me, and I won’t say I have regrets, because I know this is the beginning of a new dispensation for me. When I left Westside, I took some time off to retreat. I felt I needed some time to put certain things in place, especially because I thought I was going to be starting on my own. I knew I needed to set a lot of things right and be sure I was ready for the journey I was about to take, and as God will have it, I came back with EME.

Your video ‘Don’t go there‘ was just released. How did you find the experience?

It was amazing. We rehearsed for about four weeks before the video was shot. The choreography, the dancers and the dances made it all fun.

The video is your most recent solo work after a long time away. Does it mean you’re ready for a come-back?

Definitely, it is. I am back and I am ready.

Nigeria’s music industry doesn’t seem to be too friendly with the ladies. Only a few of them are making waves. How are you making sure you’re among the top ranked female singers?

There is no strategy per se, but I can assure you I will do what I know how to do best and be the best at whatever I do. If that is what you call a strategy, then that is my strategy.

How do you intend to deal with other female artistes who may see you as a competitor?

Honestly, I am not setting out to compete with anybody, I am just going to strive to be the best at what I do and I think if I’m the best at what I do, my work will speak for itself.

When are you likely to release your album?

It’s definitely going to be next year, although I can’t say what quarter it will be. I will be dropping more singles and more videos as well.