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Eva Alordiah - Mavins Records Cannot Sign Me [Read Interview]
''I'm Not Signed To Any Label''
Read the interview below:
My EP is self-titled ‘Eva’ and it’s related to the album which is called 1960. I did the EP because I want my fans to have a piece of me before the album drops, although I didn’t think that I needed more than three or four songs on it. That’s why the EP is short, but fans have been talking positively about it so I am overwhelmed.
It was produced by Tintin, my good friend and producer, and I’m so happy my fans love it.
Why the EP before your debut album?
It is because I wanted a fresh start; the album was supposed to drop early 2014, but I was held back by a lot of stuff. We were working so hard on motions for my video, ‘Sugar’ and we were creating videos for the album as well. I’ve also been running around campaigning for Guinness’ Made of Black initiative so I’ve been quite busy.
Don’t you think the EP might affect your album’s reception in 2015?
I really can’t tell because we can’t predict all these things. We can only hope that when the fans listen to the music they can tap into it and feel the energy and vibe we have created in it.
But, I can tell you that the album is very different from the EP because I dedicated all to it with the help of my entire team on the project, and I feel the fans will receive it no matter where they are.
Why has it taken you this long to release your debut album?
I was growing and back then I was also assimilating the processes of music; you don’t just jump into the industry, or else you plan to jump around and jump out of it. I just had to get to understand the way music works in Nigeria, and now I can say that I’m fairly knowledgeable.
Why is the album titled ‘1960’?
1960 is like synonymous to independence for me because Nigeria’s independence was obtained in 1960. The year 1960 was also my mom’s birth year and my mom is a very fundamental part of my life, not just as an artiste but also as a female. Basically, it’s the statement of independence, individuality as a human being, and I am putting it out there in my album to let all the fans know that this is the way life should be.
I don’t think we should be enslaved to anything or anybody, and the earlier we start thinking for ourselves, the earlier we would start doing things for ourselves and would also be able to decide where we’re going in our individual lives. This would also help us to live better and start creating a better world, place, country, and ultimately a better us.
It’s all about independence and individuality.
Are you signed to any label or are you an independent act?
I’m not signed to any label. I am working with radioactive project, but if a good record label comes I will consider it.
So, if Chocolate City or Mavin Records offer you a record deal would you accept it?
Well I think, so far, Chocolate City has done well and is very big; I highly doubt if they will have my time. Chocolate City have some of the most amazing artistes in Nigeria, from M.I and Ice Prince to Victoria Kimaniwho’s even not Nigerian, to Pryse who is another famous rapper, and, oh, Femi Kuti is also on Chocolate City. So you see, Chocolate City couldn’t possibly have my time.
And, should I mention the people on Mavin Records for you? From Tiwa Savage, Dr Sid, Dprince, to the fine Di’Jaand Korede Bello, it’s just a simply amazing family. They’re way too busy and would never have my time so they cannot sign me.
On the contrary, I have time for myself, my fans have time and God has time for me, so I can achieve anything without anybody’s help.
Why do think most people regard you as a proud and difficult person to handle?
You don’t know if these people are lying, as people will always say whatever they want to say.
Who are the artistes featured on your debut album?
Femi Kuti, who is a Chocolate City artiste, Dare Art Alade, Sarkodie, Olamide, Yemi Alade and Sir Dauda. These are very distinctive artistes; great people I adore and love because the songs I did with them couldn’t have been done without them.
So, why is Ice Prince not on the album based on your long-term friendship with him?
Why Ice Prince? Why didn’t you say Phyno? Why is Ice Prince so Important? Music is not all about friends. I’m close to Jesse Jagz, and I’m dying to work with him, but the fact that he’s not on my album doesn’t mean my album is incomplete.
Jesse is someone I would love to work with over and over again but we haven’t gotten the time to work yet, but I’m patient because I know it will happen and when it does happen I will be ready for it.
I would love to work with Ice, of course, because he’s definitely got smooth flows, and he’s got that for a very long time now. It will be a pleasure to work with Ice Prince.
How do you balance your commitments to your music and make up company?
The company funds itself because when we work in the school or we work on jobs for make-up services the company makes money and so it funds itself. Though when I initially started I had to fund it myself. Back then, sometimes the make-up company funded my music, and sometimes the music funded the make-up company, but now there is a total separation. ‘Makeup by Orsela’ funds itself and Eva the artiste funds herself.
How much capital did you invest in setting up the make-up company?
I’m not going to tell you that, but it was a small start-up capital at first and then it became huge when we did make up classes, as people got to find about it because of the make-up school. But so far, it has been great.
How did you become part of the Guinness Made of Black Campaign?
Instagram pic of Olamide, Eva Alordiah and Phyno. Photo
Guinness called me and they talked about the Made of Black campaign, and as soon I heard the little details I knew it was something I had wanted to do because it tallies with what I am about, as regards creativity and individuality. It is just everything that I’m about and it’s like you cannot see Made of Black and wouldn’t see Eva. That is how the campaign came to me, which is why I took it.
So far, how has music impacted your life?
I think music has given me life.
Are you dating an artiste?
No, I’m not dating an artiste, I couldn’t handle that if I tried it. But I am dating and I’m very much in love with my partner. He is a Nigerian.
How would you rate the Nigerian entertainment industry?
The industry is still developing, and as much as I’m a part of it, I’m just doing my little bit to contribute to its growth.
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