Being underrated doesn’t bother me — Emma Nyra

American-born Nigerian singer, Emma Nyra, has remained consistent with her load of work that has earned her recognition from within and outside the country. After breaking into the music industry some years back, she has worked with a number of top music stars in Nigeria and performed on some of the biggest stages in Africa. In this interview with SEGUN ADEBAYO, Nyra talks about her music journey so far.

How would you describe your music journey since it began to gain attention?

My musical journey has been quite the learning experience. I have been able to form different relationships within the industry that have helped me to shape my career into what it is today. Many people such as 2 face Idibia and Paul Okoye (CEO Upfront & Personal), have mentored me and given me advice and opportunities to perform and to perfect my craft on global platforms such as One Africa Music Fest.

 

From what you have observed, what do you think has worked for your career over the years?

From my observation, what seems to work for my career is consistency and work experience through performance. I have been blessed with having the opportunity to perform in different countries representing women within the Nigerian entertainment industry worldwide. My career is unique because I have been on several major tours in several countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Canada, Dubai, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This experience has helped to give my career an edge by allowing me to connect with my fans all over the world.

Many  people tend to underrate your talent but you have worked hard to remain relevant, how do you feel?

Being underrated does not bother me. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, many of us find ourselves working twice as hard to be heard, seen, and respected. With time, I’m sure that I will prove why I’ve been able to stay relevant through my success and hard work.

 

With the heights you have attained over the years, do you think you are getting the right and positive responses from your fans?

My fans have sustained me thus far in my career and I am very grateful towards them for the constant support. They are always demanding me to give them good music and have never failed to uplift me when I am unsure of my next moves. I want to give them a special thank you for their constant support and recognition of my hard work over their years. Without our fans, we have no career,  so they are very important to me.

 

Looking at the music industry and the array of talents, how do you see your chances of staying relevant?

My chances of staying relevant are quite bright as long as I continue to be consistent and I’m prepared to release quality materials. The industry changes everyday and the secret to longevity is to release music that fans can enjoy for years to come. We call this “evergreen” music. I plan on doing just that so that my career will definitely remain relevant.

 

You have been true to your career and getting some attention for yourself; how do you feel about the way things have turned out for your?

My career is a constant source of joy for me, but it’s not easy. Most artiste are working during every major holiday such as Christmas, New Year, and Thanksgiving. These are the days of the year, when we have most of our booked shows, so I have missed many opportunities to spend time with my family, which can be difficult at times.

 

At what point did you discover your penchant for music and what have you done to keep your music career afloat?

I have always known that I want to be an artiste since I was very young. I always performed with my cousins at family functions and I won many competitions when I was in school that helped shape me into the performer that I am today. Hard work and constant performance, year after year have helped me to sustain my career and to keep my music relevant.

 

You returned to Nigeria from the US to promote your brand, how well do you think that decision has paid off?

After I graduated from university in 2010, I performed in America for about two years before I moved to Nigeria in 2012. I strongly believe that this decision has helped to benefit my career by bringing me to the centre of the industry. Living in Lagos has given me direct access to some of the best producers in the world. I do believe that for my target audience, being in Nigeria is absolutely necessary.

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You emerged the Most Promising Act to watch in 2013 at the NEA, you have evolved to become a one of the most sought after names in the music industry, are you comfortable with the heights you have reached today?

In this industry it’s dangerous to become ‘comfortable’ with your accomplishments, no matter how big you get. I can never say that I’m comfortable because the industry is constantly changing and I would love to achieve much more success and make a bigger name for myself. I will also love to use my musical platform to address the youth and become an advocate through programmes geared to mentor the youth; so, it’s important that my brand continues to grow.

 

You have been on a couple of tours over the years, what do you think about the acceptance of your music in some of the places you visited?

My music has been able to crossover to different parts of the world, and I am very grateful to God for that.

 

Emma Nyra’s name is fast gaining momentum, especially now that you have joined Krizbeatz to execute new materials, how do you feel?

I’m happy that I’ve been working with Krizbeatz on a new material. We have been able to create new music and my sound has evolved which I’m excited to share with my fans.

 

Do you think Krizbeatz has the potentials to push your music to the level you desire?

Krizbeatz definitely has the potentials. I believe that he is very talented, easy to work with, and he has proven himself to be one of the best producers in Nigeria. He is credited with hits such as Pana by Tekno, and Temper by Skales, just to name a few.

 

What are you working on at the moment and when are you dropping your much-talked about album?

I’m currently working on a brand new music to share with my fans throughout the year. As of now, my debut album is currently in the works. I will premiere the album release date as soon as it’s ready.

 

If you are to work with any Nigerian artist, who would the person be?

I would love to work with Wizkid. I believe he’s done a great job with breaking barriers within the world music industry and his sound is very unique.

 

Apart from Harmonize, which other foreign collaboration should your fans be expecting?

My fans should expect me to collaborate with more women within the industry. I have new music with two French artists named Lylah and Koys. The song is called Rotate and it’s available on iTunes in Europe.

 

How would you describe your fan base in Nigeria and outside?

My fan base is ever-growing and I’m grateful to my fans and for the opportunity to make music and to grow within my career. My fans in Nigeria and worldwide have been instrumental in making me the artist that I am today.