Marriage is not slowing me down —Aramide

Nigerian Afro-Soul singer, Aramide, is a graduate of Political Science from the University of Jos, who relocated to Lagos to pursue a career in music. Since she emerged on the big stage with a number of popular tracks, Aramide has not looked back. The guitarist, who released her new album, Suitcase, weeks back, in this interview with SEGUN ADEBAYO, speaks about her rise to stardom.

Your music career appears to have been gaining some momentum in the last two years and you seem to have come to stay.  How would you describe the experience so far?

The experience has been awesome. This is what every artiste wants. To be relevant and respected for what you do and for someone like me whose genre of music is not much of the usual that we see in the industry, it gets me even more excited. It makes you appreciate all the efforts that you have put into your career and not take anything for granted. You get to respect every other artiste even more because you have gone through their situations as well. The most important part too is that the talent that you have is appreciated. It is definitely a good experience.

Coming into the industry must have given you some memories that you may never forget,   which one would you say has been so close to your heart?

That would be when I was still trying to find people to believe in the kind of music that I do. My journey into the industry came at a time when many music lovers focused more on hip-hop and R&B. It was a bit challenging for me but I kept on holding on to my belief while hoping that one day, things would go my way. It could have been easy for me to say I want to do a particular genre of music just because everyone is doing it but that is not who I am. So, I had to do what I was comfortable with. These memories about the challenges I faced when I started are some of those things that encourage me to do even more.

How would you explain the journey so far?

It has been a very long journey, all the way from my growing up days in Jos to Lagos. Those moments you get to wonder whether doing music is the right thing for you, when you feel like you are alone on a journey that does not have a destination until you finally realise after all that it was a good plan. In all, it’s been wonderful, emotional, fun filled, lively and these are the stories that I am telling on the album.

ALSO READ: It Is Wrong To Say Marriage Slowed Me Down —Bimbo Adebayo

You didn’t just wake up and find yourself playing the guitar and writing songs. What shaped your music thinking or you didn’t have any formal music training?

While I was growing up, my dad played a lot of Ray Charles , Kool and the Gang and other stuffs, so I started getting interest from there until I felt I could do something like this. I developed interest in playing the guitar because during that period, music was played with instruments. It’s one of those things that made you a complete musician so, I started playing the guitar and I must say too that I had a lot of people who advised me and said that I should play an instrument because it’s not what many others do. Apart from having a good voice, being able to play an instrument enhances your stage performance.

During those days when you didn’t know how the big break would come, did you at ever feel music was not meant for you?

Yes, I did. In fact, it was one of those memories that inspired ‘Devil at my doorstep’ which is one of the songs on my suitcase album. Those moments when you really wanted to be sure if music was the right thing for you. However, if you stick to what you believe and do it right, you will surely go a long way.

So how did you handle those low moments of your life when you didn’t seem to be making headway with music?

It depends on where I am at the time and the people around me. Sometimes, I just tried to confide in people that I trust and I know I want good things for me no matter what. For instance, I got words of encouragement from people around me, especially my mother. She has been a strong pillar of support for me, so I listen to her advice and act. I believe if you are very sure about the power of your talent, you will always find a way to make your voice heard. It’s all about persistence.

You may have been welcomed into the music industry but your kind of songs always takes time to settle into people’s minds. What do you think about this?

I think the two years that I have been releasing songs prior to the release of my album have been that moment when people used in getting closer to my kind of music. Also, there are some few artistes now doing different kinds of music, so Nigerian music enthusiasts are beginning to adapt to a lot of genres of music such that presently, you can always find a space for yourself in the industry as long as you are able to do good music.

Your new album Suitcase is trending. What was it like recording the songs?

It was both interesting and stressful. I was able to work with some of the best guys in the industry. It made my job easier because we knew exactly what we wanted and went for it. The album is about the many stories about love, emotions and what my life has been about. Recording the album was exciting because I felt I was revealing a part of me, so I was able to bring out so much energy on it.

As things stand now, would you conveniently say that you have started living your dreams?

This is only my first album, so I would not want to judge at this time. I believe I still have a long way to go. Living the dream life is not yet here for me, I want my music to be heard all over the world such that when they talk about Afro soul, my name will be referred to as someone who has made a strong impression. The journey has just started.

Some people believe you have patterned your career after Asa’s, does it appear same to you?

I won’t really take that as true. I think I have my own sound. However, Asa is one of the artistes that inspired me and I would love to have a collaboration with her. We are two different people who make good music but we both have our own unique voices. It will be so much joy for me to work with her.

How much influence do you draw from her?

I draw a lot of influence from her. Firstly, because she is a female and has been able to break grounds in a somewhat male-dominated industry and she is respected. This has inspired many of us that we can as well do even more.

You are aware that Nigerian music industry keeps evolving and for you to stay afloat,  you may have to come out of your cocoon to push your brand through all platforms necessary, how prepared are you for this journey?

I am well prepared for this journey. I left Jos all the way to Lagos because of music and I am giving it my very best and it is paying off already. It’s a step by step thing and I believe I am taking the right route. With time, more about Aramide will be revealed.

Where do you place yourself among other female music acts in the industry?

For me, it’s not all about competition. There should be a balance between doing good music to make people happy and how much money you want to make. In between that, it’s a good thing that the females in the industry are closer to one another. We try to support one another.

Why did you title the album suitcase?

I titled my album Suitcase because it signifies me going on a journey. When you are going on a journey, you take along those things that you need for that journey. So, my album is about my life experiences and I am sharing it with people. I try to personify the songs on the album such that when listening to the songs, you can relate it to some of the situations in each individual’s life.

As a guitarist and vocalist, what inspires your style of songs?

My songs are inspired by happenings around me and own experiences too. I try to personify the things I go through making others relate to them. Many songs on the album deal with love as well because love is always around us at any time, those things that love can make you do also inspire my songs. The society and what is going on in the environment too

Is music the only thing you have always wanted to do?

While I was growing up, I wanted to become so many things especially when your parents are the type that want you to be what they have set out for you, but I will say that all the while, music was calling me because I felt like I had a companion with music

As a married woman, how much do you think your marriage is slowing you down?

I really do not think marriage is slowing me down. Marriage is a good thing, it is something many people look forward to and for me, it’s been one of the greatest experiences I am having. It is even made easier for me because I have an understanding husband, who supports me and my career. I do believe that my marriage has contributed a good deal to my career.

Does your man allow you to reveal parts of your body if a music video or stage performance demands for it?

As a married woman, I know I have to be responsible. That way, it does not have to do with whether my husband allows it or not. My songs are mostly about love and life and they are songs that are decent, so my dressing has to be decent as well

What’s the sweetest thing about your marriage?

Hmnn, the sweetest about marriage should be the fact that you have someone that you want to share the experiences of the rest of your life with. In between that, there are so many issues that come up and should be handled carefully. The way you go about these things and how it makes you closer to the one you love is a beautiful thing

Would you like to share with us your first kiss experience with him?

It was nice. I will say it came at the right time and it was beautiful.