After returning to Nigeria about two years ago, Afro Pop singer and song writer, Iyo understands the pressure and challenges she would face to rise to the top of her game but, she said she is imbued with so much positivity and prayer to pull through. With only three singles in her kitty, Iyo said she would take her time as she continues to push her way to the top with her songs. She speaks with SEGUN ADEBAYO about her return to Nigeria, among other issues.
What was that thing that propelled you into music?
I literally started off just backing other people’s songs and writing songs for some African artistes in Australia. At the time, I never thought I would ever become an artiste. Though I had it inside of me, I just didn’t think it was something I was ever going to pursue professionally. I think the moment it struck me was when I randomly jumped on a beat in the studio and at the end it was a song. It was really the response I got after recording that song that propelled me and after that, I soon discovered that I really enjoyed doing it.
For somebody who only returned to Nigeria less than two years ago, what gave you the conviction that Nigerians are ready for your kind of songs?
I don’t approach anything with the intention to fail. I’m not disputing the fact that there will be challenges and rough moments like every success story out there. But to approach anything with a negative mindset is to fail even before attempting. That being said, I’m not God and all I can really do is pray, keep doing what I’m doing and pray again
What was life like when you were out of the country?
It was good and very simple. I didn’t have much to worry about because I was pretty much living a routine life. I already knew what I had to do the next day and the day after and so on. I was either going to school or to work. It was a well-tailored life.
What shaped your music career abroad?
My music career wasn’t a ‘career’ until I stepped into Lagos (laugh). Except for the fact that I discovered my love for music when I was in Australia, everything about my career pretty much started when I arrived Nigeria at the end of 2015.
I left Nigeria to study and to also be with my dad and siblings who were already residing there. I should also tell you that it wasn’t easy making the decision to come back. I did not only have to convince myself; I also had my dad to convince and trust me, that wasn’t easy. But I’m glad that I was able to make that decision quickly and I’m more than excited to be home. Whether anybody likes it or not, home is home, you’re always going to be accepted because that’s where you truly belong. This is where I truly belong.
What do you think about the dimension your music is going at the moment?
I think it’s great. To come from having zero presence in the industry to this level, is amazing. At least, I don’t have to introduce myself like I used to. People recognise me now, I hear my songs on the streets and on the radio and for me, that’s amazing, and this is also because I know that it is only the beginning. I know there’s a lot more in store for me. So, yes, I’m grateful for all the support that I’ve been getting but, I’m capable of more.
The music industry is peopled by a lot of talented individuals, you need to have something out of the ordinary to beat off competitions. How prepared are you?
That’s so true. A lot of talented artistes are coming out everyday but, I believe in my sound and I believe in being true to myself. There might be a lot of artistes out there but, there can only be one IYO. I’m really not competing with anybody because I’m just doing my thing and I believe that’s the right way to go. It’s your turn to shine now; when it’s my turn, I’ll shine to fullest. It all depends on how we use the shine to impact lives. So, I’m very prepared.
Where does your strength lie as a musician- writing songs or singing?
I would say both, but if I really have to choose, I’d go with singing.
How many singles have you dropped so far and what are you working on at the moment?
I’ve dropped three official singles and everyday, I keep working on something new. I’m currently working on a new single, which I intent to drop pretty soon.
What genre of music do you do, and do you think you can pull it through with the way things are?
I do Afro pop. Sometimes, I like to play around other genres but more than anything else, I do Afro pop. Yes, I do believe I can pull it off because Afro pop is African sound; it is true in itself. That’s who we are; so, all I’m doing is pretty much representing which I believe is how it should be. I don’t want to fly anyone else’s flag. I just want to fly mine and the only way I can fly that flag is through the songs I sing.
How big do you think your career can go?
My career can never get too big. So, it’s difficult to say how big my career can go, because I do not intend to put a limit to my achievements. The day you begin to feel like you’ve arrived, that’s the day you start to fall. So even when you think you’re big, aspire to be even bigger, and that’s me.
and then