Nigeria: I focus on Music not gender…

Funke Oloade

This Day

She is a female artiste in the male dominated rap genre. But Kelechi Ohia, native of Abia State has carved out a niche for herself and has come to stay. The last in a family of three children, the multi-talented lady is currently studying economics at the Lagos State University. Though she started music 10 years ago, her effort to take rap music beyond the shores of Nigeria is gradually paying off as her latest album “The Investment” is making waves. FUNKE OLAODE caught up with her at an event in Maryland recently and she bares her mind on family and career.

I got into music 10 years ago. Music is something I have always been passionate about. I started listening to rap at a very young age. I realized it is something I would like to do or might be interested in. I worked with a couple of people like producers, record label owners who helped and groomed the knowledge of music I already had.

I grew up in Satellite Town in Lagos where I had my primary and secondary education.

My mother is from Cross River State and my father is from Abia State. I speak Efik but I don’t speak Ibo. Growing up was fun. My mother used to work with the Canadian High Commission and my father also used to work with Unipetrol. I am the last in a family of three children.

My parents brought me up to be humble and respectful to my elders, know where I am coming from that no matter where I am coming from, it is good to be humble.

Most parents have reservation about entertainment as a career, what was your parents initial attitude?

I have enjoyed my parents support. When I told them that I wanted to go into music, they listened to a couple of my songs and encouraged me. But on a condition that I have to finish my school because education is very important. I am still in school. I am in my final year studying Economics at Lagos State University (LASU).

Music is something I have already loved and knew. I said it would make sense to study something that I didn’t have knowledge, which I believe would help me to administer the business side of the music industry. Honestly, Economics has really helped me in my day to day finance. You know budget planning and all that.

When I started rap music, I didn’t think about the gender but how to do good music to my fans. My music spoke for me. People listened to it and liked my music.

We all went to the studio and my producers, TY Mix and Success made it a success. I followed their instructions and everything worked out for good.

How has it been as a female in the entertainment industry?

It is been good and lovely. I have had a fun ride and I’m still enjoying it. I hope to enjoy it many years to come.

I’m doing a part-time course which falls on week-ends. So I have a lot of time to build my career in music and to concentrate on my studies.

I try to keep my head down, and keep to my self. When other students see me it’s like “hey! We like your music, keep it up”. I don’t allow such things to get into my head. I appreciate them but what is paramount in my mind once I enter the campus is my studies. I have been coping well.

Yes. I am positive and I worked on it. I prayed to God about it. I told Him to help me this far.

It hasn’t in any way. The only way it affects an artist who is in a relationship is time. You know we don’t have time on our side because we are always busy everyday traveling. That is the only factor. But if you can manage your time everything will be fine.

(Laughing). No comment.

It is growing and blossoming. We are no longer where we were five years ago. And even now, people are beginning to appreciate artists more. It is rewarding.