At the 2013 edition of the reality show, Project Fame, it took only Olawale Ojo to stop Immaculate Patience Edache from winning the grand prize. She had also featured on two reality shows and came close to winning one. Presently signed under a new record label, she tells ORUKPE NELSON that she has left the disappointments behind her.

What were the key things you learnt from Project Fame?

I learnt how to utilize the stage, people and to use musical terms even when I am recording. I learnt all these from Kaffy, Mummy J and Uncle Ben. It has been a whole lot of lessons I learnt and I have been using them.

You’ve featured on Nigerian Idol and Peak Talent Show; could you tell us the experience?

My first was Nigerian Idol in 2010, but I didn’t get to the top 10. The exercise was technical and strenuous. They would give you a song today and you must perform the next morning.

If you sailed through you will get another song. I see that as the foundation because it taught me how to learn fast and the competitive spirit started from there. It was a great deal for meto be selected among thousands and came back as one of the best singers. In 2011, I went for Peak Talent Show, though I said after Idol I will never participate in any other show.

Why did you then change your mind?

I was doing my laundry when my neigbour, a student, came to call me that they were having audition in my school in Makurdi. She said, “Biggie what are you doing here?” They called me Biggie in school those days. When I used to sing in school, people in the next seven buildings could hear me and everybody knew I sing in school too. She insisted I must go. I had not done my hair and my cloth was even rumpled. My sisters had to follow me there because they knew I could change my mind on the way. When I got there people said they were hoping I won’t come for the audition. I was just having fun and I got a golden ticket. I came second in the PeakTalent Show.

You’ve experienced three reality shows; how would you rate them?

Project Fame is the best for me. I feel it is more technical, direct and professional. I also feel it is free and fair; whatever judgment you get from Project Fame I believe you got yourself there. They teach you, feed you and you compete in a very good environment, so why do you want to fail?

Are you saying others have no standards?

This is obvious. When it comes to picture quality, don’t you see? The advert is awesome, as they give you stories and you will love to watch. It is dramatic and the experience is something different from the rest. We should remember that Project Fame is West Africa, not just Nigeria and people in London and other countries watch too. The projection is just not Nigeria.

I don’t care what people say, Project Fame has the biggest reward too. I picked Project Fame first and Peak second.

But why did you put in for Project Fame since you’ve participated in two reality shows?

I went to Dr. Frabz’s studio and I heard one lovely voice when he was playing songs. I asked who she was and he told me about her and the fact that she had refused to appear on Project Fame. It was a week later they wanted to do Lagos audition, so I asked for her number. She was so excited when I introduced myself. Some people knew me on Idol and Peak Talent Show. I told her she must go for the Project Fame audition. On the audition day, I left Apapa to Oshodi and called her to meet me there, which she did. People immediately queried what I came to do at the audition ground and I quickly told them I brought my artiste. I didn’t know two other friends had plans for me. They went to hint Uncle Ben that I could sing well, but I didn’t want to participate. Uncle Ben came to me and said I must fill out the form. I didn’t even know my friends had already done that. That was how it started.

How were you able to combine school and music?

I studied Mass Communication, so I would say entertainment is actually in line with it. I also had lecturers who understood what I do and encouraged me.

Whatever they did in school while I was away they gave me the grace to repeat them. I was the sparkling girl in school, so I felt everybody loved me. I was doing my final year project while I was on the Peak Talent Show. So, I really appreciated my lecturers, especially my supervisor.

When did you start taking music seriously?

I cannot really say; I just know that while I was little I used to be called by adults to sing. I would sing and rap for them. I was also in the church choir at some point.

You recently signed a record deal with Vivace Records; what should we expect from you?

It is work all the way for me. I would try to give out good music and I have dropped two singles already. It is exclusive to MTN Music Plus for now, so you can get to listen to me there. I released Shiver and I Like You Boy. Both are love songs; one is cool, while the other is highlife and danceable. The songs will be everywhere by the end of the month.

All the songs you’ve done are about love; does that mirror who you are?

I am a lover of love; I like love. Go Go Baby is a love song, but in different perspective. In love stories, you get sorrow, joy, struggles, etc. What the song talks about is that love is not all rosy, but you should still find a way to love and share.

Have you ever experienced heartbreak?

That is my privacy, but no man can dump me. I won’t say I had actually experienced heartbreak, but in that particular relationship there would probably be a point one has to leave. It is not that anybody would walk to me and tell me it is over. Are you God? It is only God that can tell me it is over.

So, something has to happen for two people to part ways. For me, I would not call it heartbreak; I just feel the circumstances warranted it. But love is beautiful, so no matter what happens you still need to continue with your life. You don’t need to kill yourself because a man or woman leaves you; we are in the 21^st century.

What is the craziest thing you’ve done for love?

I lied to them at home that I was going to Church, but I went to visit my baby because he was sick. There must be something very meaningful for me to take such step or lie.

Who do you look up to in the industry?

Omawumi is my favourite. She is a powerful singer and I like her attitude.

Most Nigerian musicians don’t stick to their styles; what do you call your style?

I love highlife. But the truth is that we are always trying to satisfy the people. Even against your will?

We are your servants. It is what you people want to listen and dance to we give, but that shouldn’t affect your own person being on the song. Normally, I like slow, highlife, RnB, Jazz, etc but in whatever I do you must still see me in it. That is the most important thing and it doesn’t change what I do.