Nigerian music industry is a goldmine —Lumina

Adaora Mbelu-Dania, popularly known as Lumina, is a female rapper and successful industrialist, who believes in spreading positivity through her art and resources. Through the years, she has spearheaded a number of laudable innovations and established impactful platforms such as Socially Africa, which houses various social initiatives, including the CSR project ‘Art for A Cause’. In this interview with SEGUN ADEBAYO, Lumina speaks about the message encompassed in her music, her early influences, state of the Nigerian music industry and her future plans for the music.

You released a new single recently and many people have been talking about it. Could you tell us what informed the song and how you feel about it?

Light of the World is my first single off an EP that I’m working on. It features guitarist and singer, Phrance.  It’s an affirmation in the form of rap music, reminding people that they are light.

What was the motivation behind the song?

The motivation behind the work was really the fact that there’s so much negativity in the world today, and I think it’s important for people in the entertainment industry to use their platform as source of  positivity and light to their community and fan bases. I truly believe  that if more people shared their light, the world would be a better  place. The song urges people to find their light, and then share their light.

You relocated to Nigeria in 2008 from the United States, what brought you back?

I actually grew up in Lagos for the most part of my life and it was really fun. But, I later relocated to the United States, only for me to come back in 2008 to start life afresh and pursue my dreams in music. I attended Queens College, and then the Northern Kentucky University in the United States for tertiary education. I graduated  with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Entrepreneurship.

You said it was fun growing up in Nigeria before you went to the US. What exactly was the experience like?

Growing up was interesting for me. I’m the product of an interracial marriage, and I grew up exposed to two different cultures via my parents. I’m also the last child, and only girl in my family, hence, I built confidence and strength really early in life.

How did your growing up help you to discover your musical niche?

I grew up listening to a lot of conscious Hip Hop music from the likes  of from MosDef, TalibKwali, Common, Krs One, and I usually focused on  the message. I understand Hip Hop to be a powerful medium to speak positivity into people’s lives. I only recently started actively  rapping about eight months ago, and released my first single this  month.

Was that enough conviction to pursue a career in music?

Last year, I spent a lot of time reading about David in the Bible. We often talk about David the Shepherd Boy, and David the King, but skip  the part of David the musician. He was a Psalmist, and music was his  way of praising God. Music is my way of writing love songs to God, but  also inspiring and impacting lives positively. I want people to listen  to the message in the music.

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What are your thoughts regarding the current state of the Nigerian music industry?

In my opinion, the Nigerian music industry is a goldmine that is still untapped. While our music is doing well on a global stage, it is important that we structure internally to be able to truly harness the  success of our talents. It’s an exciting time for the industry, as  people are starting to build partnerships and collaborations to  champion the structuring of the industry. The industry is growing, and  it can only get better from here onwards.

Who are those you would describe as your early influences?

My early influences music-wise, were my brothers. I also listened to a  lot of ‘Old school’ Hip Hop.

Who are your favourite Nigerian musical artistes?

I actually don’t have favourite Nigerian artistes. I like a lot of Nigerian musicians, and I think there are a lot of super talented  people, many of who aren’t necessarily popular. I’m continuously discovering new talent.

Who are those (producers and artistes) you would love to work with?

In Nigeria, I would love to work with MI, Bez, Cobhams, Eva, Muna,  Sasha P, and Tiwa Savage. I’m also open to doing a song with Davido, or  Wizkid, because they’re two brilliant artistes with a winning formula,  and I would totally love to pass a strong message via a collaboration.  I would love to work with many artistes, because we have a job to do, and it requires mass collaboration.

Any planned collaborations fans should expect?

I am part of a group called “ER Collective”, which has Jimmy Odukoya  (PJ), and AkinlabiAkinbulumo (Phishaman) as members. We’re working on some music together. I also hope to work with some female Nigerian rappers, if they’re open to the collaboration.

What should fans expect from you in the not-too-distant future?

I would like my community to expect truth, honesty and continuous purpose in my music. I’m very sure that we will fill up the O2, and perform at Coachella in the future soon. I don’t see any barriers, all  I see is infinite possibilities. I’m working on the video for Light of The World, and hope to drop that sometime.

They call you Lumina, what does that mean?

Lumina means bright light. I’m a purpose-driven person, who expresses purpose and impacts lives through entrepreneurship, art, music, public  speaking, writing, and sharing knowledge.