Am back again!!!!!! Hope I wasn’t
missed soo much. :D anywaiz, am grateful to God for giving me the opportunity
to do this again and this time its with one very hyperactive gospel artiste.
(Repping the gospel all the way!) I actually knew about her a while ago when I
was watching One Gospel and her song was the song representing West Africa. A
very soul-lifting tune which can make you fall in love with God and whoever you
want to. So I came across the song again when my dearest DJ Mordu started
jamming another dancey track on
Praise Jam. Then I was listening to
the radio with my mum and I heard her being interviewed and how she spoke
passionately about her songs and I decided to see the possibility of bringing
her on Praise Jam. So I tried reaching out and thankfully, I get a really cool
response almost close to the day of the interview. Aunty even came ‘very early’
for the interview and we weren’t able to cover much but the time was utilized
very well. I had already done my research before her arrival and was amazed at
how passionate a human being can be. She has done soo much and just seems to be
‘everywhere’; she s very eclectic – In her words, really intelligent, lover of
God and a humanitarian. Ok, lemme break the silence as you are already
wondering who this Super star is. Her name Is Mrs. Nikki Laoye-Uturu
(Physically petite but Spiritually Mighty) I hope I don’t get beaten after
this. :D Anywaiz, was able to secure a Twinterview with her so let’s get to
hear it all from the 123 crooner, Enjoy!!!
123 WAS CREATED BY
ACCIDENT – NIKKI LAOYE
·
Jaibikay:
Please tell us about you, date of birth.
·
Nikki: My full name is Oyenike Olufunmilayo
Samantha Helen Laoye A mouthful abi..LOL! DOB: 19th of December,1980.
·
Jaibikay:
Okies, oya tell us about your educational histories.
·
Nikki: Primary School was Grace Children School,
Gbagada Lagos; Secondary School: FGGC Sagamu ;
University Of Ibadan.
·
JAibikay:
so what did you study in school and when did you graduate?
·
Nikki: I studied Computer science, majored in
Graphics & Design; Graduated in 2004. Chai! Finished Uni 10yrs ago
·
Jaibikay:
woow! Graphics and design. Super cool. So tell us, how did music enter your
bloodstream??
·
Nikki: ! I come from the lineage of Laoye-Ajeniju
royal family in Osun State Ede. A musical family; Oba Adetoyese Laoye played
4the Queen of England when she came to Nigeria so u see we serenade
Royalty.
·
Jaibikay:
so basically you have been singing since you were a child?
·
Nikki: I started singing since I was 3. My Dad
was a lead singer of his own band. He could pitch higher than me sef. Once I
turned 5, my parents saw my singing abilities & put me up with the adult
choir at church; with music in my genes, Dad singing & his huge music collection
of records at home, music was the norm for us.
·
Jaibikay:
coolies. So why was gospel music your preferred choice
·
Nikki:
I actually do more than just your average Gospel music. My music type is
"Urban Contemporary Christian. With Urban contemporary music, I do a
fusion of Gospel, R&B, Hip-Hop, Soul. In my first album, "Angel
4Life", released in 2008, you'll find a mix of song types &
expressions. I basically sing about my faith, my God, Life, Love &Relationships..my
album is always a mix of these; with my music, I express Nikki the worshipper;
Nikki the lover; Nikki the woman-different parts of me. From day one, people
have tagged my music as either Gospel, Inspirational, even Secular Gospel
sef.lol. all that is important to me is to teach people to love God better, Love
people better, love Life better
·
Jaibikay:
Tell us about your breakout single: Never Felt This Way Before.
·
Nikki: Never Felt This Way B4 came at a time i
was dealing with relationship issues, who to love, how to love. It was the last
song i recorded for my debut album Angel4Life & became the first single.
Can U imagine? I was confused about this "thing called Love" and God
just told me "Write about the way I love you, And then you would
understand how to Love the man I bring to you and everyone around you; So i
call "Never Felt This Way Before" the three way dimensional song .
God loves You, You Love Him & He loves You. Never Felt" has turned out
to be the love song/bridal dance tune for many couples over the years;
"God Loves U; U Love Him; Him Loves U"- Him/Her that is Depending on
if you're man or woman ooo Lol!!
·
Jaibikay:
soo its love tins that made you write the song, essorai, so how many albums do
you have?
·
Nikki:
LOOOL! Jibike oo!! I have only one album till date, "ANGEL 4 LIFE",
released in 2008; Released under Wahala Media Ent. with singles like "Never
Felt", "Taka Sufe", "Someone to Love; The album featured
artistes such as Rooftop Mcs, Jeremiah Gyang, Karl Nova (UK) , Blaise, Soul
Sistas.
·
Jaibikay:
okies, so please tell us how your hit track 123 came into existence?
·
Nikki:
"123" was created by accident. My brother/producer X Blaze made the beat
& once I heard it. I knew i had to write something to that beat on the
spot. I always wanted to create a fun, dance track. So "like play, like
play" I started chanting "123". My brother & I screamed
"that's the chorus!;
"123"
for me is a song of strength because the Word says "The Joy of the Lord is
Your strength" That was one of the simplest songs I have ever written
& am so happy that it's become widely known.
·
Jaibikay:
What challenges have you faced in this gospel industry?
·
Nikki:
The challenge of getting constant airplay on mainstream platforms &
financial support/structure; I do pray for more financial support for the
Gospel Industry; too many fantastic artistes exists daily; Am blessed 2have a
wonderful management Wahala Entertainment who carries my wahala for me but we
need More support.
·
Jaibikay:
What do you consider as the highpoint of your career?
·
Nikki:
hmm!I have many high points o! Winning the headies; Creating the anthem video
with EbonyLife TV, Double trending on twitter at the release of Only You; Being made Voice Of
NCFRMISW
·
Jaibikay: May God elevate you more. So what else do you
do apart from music?
·
Nikki:
amen dear! I run my own design company,
Scribbles by Nikki Laoye- handle designs, prints for companies; I also
run Angel for Life Foundation
and work on the development of blind & physically challenged youths; We are
presently handling the #Help
Kelechi Walk fundraising campaign for Kelechi's spinal surgery;
I also host my own radio show Girls Rock With
Nikki Laoye every Thursday
5-7pm on Praise world
radio; I recently assumed my ambassadorial duties as a SW for NCFRMISW, speaking for
refugees
·
Jaibikay:
Semi-final question, who do you plan on working with in the nearest future?
·
Nikki:
they are plenty o. Lol! But I like the element of surprise. So u will have
2wait.
·
Jaibikay:
And finally what kind words would you leave us with this great Wednesday
evening?
·
Nikki: Stay Focused on your goals/dreams, many
waters will rock your boat but you Got Jesus so U got all u need; Look out for
someone u can help daily-Either with a smile, a tweet, a hug, money or clothes.
·
Jaibikay:
Thank you soo much for your time. It’s really appreciated. God bless, we are
waiting for ur collabo with Michelle Williams. :D
·
Nikki:
Thanks for hosting me dear. It’s been 2 hours of fun & gist. Lol! Amen 2
collabo with Michelle
Williams, I love her.
Her teaming fans also had the
opportunity to ask some questions:
·
When will we see a Nikki Laoye ft. Bouqui,
Sammie Okposo or Buchi?
·
Nikki: Lol! Great people to work with ooo!
·
Olamide Grillo: You said you studied computer
science, pls can u tell me ur experience and what it entails?
·
Nikki: I got my degree in UI and it had its
challenges especially the math courses. But I studied Hard.
·
Capital Paul: Are you married?
·
Nikki: Yes, been married for 2 years now.
Soo many other questions but
couldn’t capture all.
I hope you had a great time
reading this; and may God give us all the grace to remain steadfast in Him and
love Him unconditionally.
Running off now to prepare the
next Twinterview. Do have yourself a blessed week ahead!!!!!!
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