You have been in the industry for some time now, how has it been?
It has not been easy. The journey has been quite challenging and tough, but I thank Allah for how far he has brought me. I have been able to carve a niche and have been making waves in the last 20 years. It could have been better though, but Allah has been faithful to me, my career, family and the entire Islamic family worldwide.
‘Kill those useless bishops’ ―Philippine President
At what point did you discover your passion for music?
I started singing at a very tender age but I started composing songs at age 17. It was a very defining moment for me and I still savour the period.
Why did you choose music, of all the opportunities that must have come your way?
I didn’t choose to be a musician, music actually found me. I grew up with a strong passion for music. I love my religion and I felt the best way to contribute my own quota to the propagation of Islam was through music. When I realised I could sing, I jumped at the opportunity. To be honest, I didn’t know I could ever be where I am now in the Islamic music industry. Though I have the passion for music, but I didn’t know that Allah can actually make a star out of me and make my jobs accepted by the people. Although, I have been around for some time, God brought me to limelight about three years ago, when I produced Ogbe Okan. The development gave me a rare recognition as the Best Female Islamic artiste by two prominent media outfits. This is so humbling for me and I will forever be grateful to Allah for my life and my career.
What project are you working on presently?
I am currently working on my new album, entitled Araba, a three-track album, which will be released in 2019 and I am working on the release of my singles. I am also planning for my yearly charity project, the Imole Foundation, which I actually initiated in 2015; the foundation is part of my efforts in giving back to the society, especially the needy. This initiative is so important to me, because it is also a way to respect of my father, as well as to remember him in a special way. This time, plans have been concluded to cater for about 500 widows and underprivileged of the society. On the new album, I have no regret dedicating the new work to the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is a man who has been very nice to the masses, my family and Lagos State entirely. He is deserved the honour, because of his great impact in the lives of many Nigerians and his great impact towards the development of the country. We cannot repay him for his numerous deeds. This is why I am committed to extol his good virtues and also to honour him. Asiwaju is a role model and a father to me, and so many other people in Lagos and Nigeria generally. He was there for me when my father went missing.
Your song is mostly centred on women, why?
My works are not peculiar to women alone. I address a lot of people, talk about religion and preach good virtues. I also talk about homes and I advise women, because I know what it takes to keep a peaceful home; it is very challenging. I have been married for over nine years and it has not been easy. We just have to leave in peace and harmony. So, that is why it seems I dwell much on women. The home is very important and women play a major role. According to Islam, it is not proper for a woman to live alone, but there are lots of cases of broken homes in the society today. This is one of the things that baffles me most and spurred me to use my talent to amplify this, as well as advise women.
What is your assessment of the Islamic music industry?
If you move closer to some Islamic clerics, they will tell you that there is nothing like music in Islam. But for me, I believe that music goes a long way in life, because music changes moods in human feelings, especially when sad. It is also a tool to enlighten people and also passing potent messages. The only thing I feel some people have against some Islamic musicians is as a result of the notion that some of them not dress properly and that doesn’t add value to the religion.
With your years of experience in music, what has been the secret of your success?
Alhamdulillah (All thanks to Allah), it has been a combination of hard work and commitment. Another important thing is the God factor and that of my father. Also, you will agree with me that the Yorubas would always appreciate any responsible and well-cultured personalities. Having a good father is wonderful, but being a good person is a bonus for me, because he contributed so much to me, and that is the secret of my success. My identity also depicts Islam and I am proud of it. Good manners cannot be bought in the market. My father will always say: ‘Ruka, you must dress properly. The way you dress is how you will be addressed,’ and this piece of advice has been working for me over the years.
Do you also support the idea of doing collaboration with secular artistes?
It is not a bad idea, rather a sense of belonging and a means to project unity in the industry and to move it forward. I have done collaborations with lots of notable Islamic and Fuji artistes such as Malaika in Alao jowujowu, Sefiu Alao in Odun Ayo. I also have duet with Taye Currency, but it is yet to be released. More so, I am trying to see if I can integrate the some hip-hop artistes, specially the religious ones in order to pass a good message across, because my dream for Islamic music is to be accepted by all and not just being exceptional in the music industry.
What are your plans in ensuring Islamic music gets wider acceptance?
I have been trying my best in my own little way since I came into the industry. I have been able to input innovation and enterprise into the genre. That is why I have been projecting the Islamic music through my own dynamism and originality to export the music to the other genres of music and to the world at large. It is on record that my collaborations with some major Fuji artistes have opened doors for more collaborations and cooperation from Islamic singers. I went the extra mile to define my sound and very explicit works that will stand the test of time. I am open for collaborations from other genres of music.
We are also making efforts to have an improved visual production. You will agree with me that as Islamic musicians, we do not earn enough to produce top notch video production unlike our hip-hop counterparts. The only saving grace for myself and other Islamic artistes is that we have been able to make things happen by sourcing for funds through other businesses to support our music career. Personally, I want to set a standard for the Islamic musicians to emulate, especially in the areas of quality production and good music.
As an Islamic singer and a role model, what are your limitations?
I restrict myself from attending indecent events especially parties and clubs. Although, I receive invitations for different events, but I often turn them down responsibly. The way I dress, speak or look, is always religious and cultured. However, bleaching of skin is another thing I will not attempt, because my fans deserve a responsible me.
What do you do outside music?
I am a housewife, a mother and an entrepreneur. I am also a businesswoman in order to make an additional income aside my music career.
2018 has been a rewarding year for you with several awards and recognitions that has been added to cap. How did you feel about this?
I am grateful to God. I see them as merited honours. I feel overwhelmed to be honoured with an award three times in a roll as the Best Islamic Singer, by a renowned celebrity journal, City People Magazine. This is evidence that people are noticing ones effort and contributions. I thank God for the grace and I pray for more. Whatever I have achieved are all by credit, hard work and resilience and divine help from Allah.
I didn’t know that God will make me this appreciable and widely-accepted in the industry so soon. I have been so dedicated to my musical career and I knew someday I will get there. Glory be to Almighty Allah. However, awards to me are like propellers to make one work harder to satisfy God and teeming fans.
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