Would you mind been described a fast emerging music artiste?
I have been in the music scene for a while now, I’ve been through challenges and lots. I’ve worked so hard and still doing that. I would like to refer to myself as an artiste on the way to success
Tell us a little about your music and what inspires it?
My music started some years back in the city of Jos. As a teenager, I wrote songs as a hobby; over time it became my passion and something I wanted as a career. I learnt how to play the guitar too. It helped with my song writing and confidence as well. My major inspirations are my environment, things happening around me, music, my life, love, poetry, friendship, relationships and any other thing that I can use to tell a story. I call my sound Afro-soul music. It is the fusion of African language, beats and instrumentals with soul music. It is very down to earth and expresses vulnerability and a whole lot. Some say it is sophisticated and classy, but I think it is very relatable.
How has the response to the songs you have released so far been?
The response is always overwhelming and encouraging every time I put out music. I dropped, ‘Iwo Nikan’ earlier this year and most recently, ‘I don’t care’ and everyone, my fans, media have been very receptive and supportive
Do you have a specific genre of music?
I do afro-soul music
A lot of talented female artistes are out there, how do you hope to compete?
We all have that one thing that makes us unique and there’s room for everyone to be successful. I’m a live performer; I play the guitar so that always sets me apart. I also write my own songs and my voice and style of music is rather distinct.
Having dropped singles from your forthcoming album, when should fans expect the full work?
Hopefully, my debut album should be out next year, 2016. I already started working on it and I’m loving the sound and direction.
What will stand this album out from the pack that will be released by other artistes at the same time?
Aramide has never put out an album before so that’s a first difference. My debut album will be a collection of my thoughts and experiences through life; nobody can tell my story better than me. It will be a compilation of great music, with talented producers and maybe some collaborations.
Tell us about growing up, what was it like?
Growing up was so much fun for me. I grew in Jos with my parents and brothers. I’m an only girl and most times I had to play with my brothers and their friends or be alone. Jos was very peaceful growing up. Class was never an issue, middle class and high class or whatever, we played on the same basketball courts and football fields. It’s a small town so most people knew themselves. My entire education was in Jos. I would say I caught the music bug there. It’s a town that encouraged talents. Music was my companion and my parents encouraged me at all times but still made sure I took my academics seriously. I wish I could relieve some of my experiences, because they formed my character as a person and made me who I am today.
Are you living your dream, are you fulfilled with where you are today?
I am living my dream, I’m doing what I love the most and it makes me happy. That’s enough fulfillment for me for now. I hope to achieve more with hard work and consistency. And I believe.
Who inspires you as a music artiste?
I would say Waje, M.I and Asa
Sexual harassment is very common in the entertainment industry, did you encounter it?
Yeah, subtly, in the early stages of my career but I never let it be the focus or always expect someone to want something. My talent was what I had to give and I always made that clear.
Speaking personally, how did you meet your husband?
Thank you very much. That story is really long, but I’m truly happy that we met. He’s amazing
How do you manage your career as a singer and been a wife especially with the drama happening in the industry?
Music has always been part of my life and I’m with a very understanding and supportive man. I have all the support I need from my husband and team and we are all great friends, so it’s been smooth so far. I am grateful to God for that.
What is special about your man?
What is special about my man is his personality and charm. He’s my biggest fan and he’s such a hard-worker.
Is he your ideal man?
Yes, he is, in every way