Interview

What I Hate In Men – V.E.R.A

VeraRaised in Canada and United Kingdom, Adebola Adeyoye, popularly known as V.E.R.A believes she has what it takes to be the next big thing in Africa. The former backup singer of Roger Samuels, Steve Wonder, Wayne Malcolm Kelis, Nicole Scherzinger and Dorseleen Burrell spoke with ORUKPE NELSON.

How do we describe you?

My name is V.E.R.A. I am a graduate of Business and Sociology from Kingston University, London. I’m a singer, song writer and professional visual effects artist.

What does V.E.R.A. imply?

It means Voice Every Race Accepts.

How did you come about music?

Music to me has always been a way of life. Right from a very tender age, I’ve always loved entertainment. As a little girl when guests came to visit I would be the one to entertain them with songs and my dance moves. Though I was doing it innocently, most guests didn’t leave without giving me a small token. It was a way of appreciating me.

When did you venture into music?

This may sound like a cliché, but I’ve been singing right from a very young age. I joined the choir at my local church when I was nine years old. In school, I was also part of a choir and a singing group called African Divas. But professionally, I have been singing since five years ago.

How has it been as a singer?

Singing is a passion for me; it’s a gift and a blessing. It’s one thing to be a singer and another to be an anointed singer. Being a singer comes with its own blessings and challenges. However, it’s fun and exciting to be able to entertain and serenade with your voice.

What kind of music do you do?

I’m versatile; I can do any music that’s thrown at me once the inspiration is there. I’m into all sorts of genre and style; I don’t belong to a certain genre. However, if I had to choose I’d say R‘N’B and Reggae as well as Pop. R‘N’B is my favourite because I love how the style tells stories. The first sets of CDs I got were Brandy’s “I Wanna Be Down” and Celine Dion’s “Because You Love Me.”

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Was music all you dreamt about?

That’s a good question. As a kid, I’ve always loved entertainment and performing. It has always been a dream, but it wasn’t easy being an African and growing up with Nigerian parents. Education is always paramount and music then wasn’t held in high regard. I grew up listening to different musicians including Obesere, King Sunny Ade, Onyeka Onwenu, Sade Adu, Brownstone, Salawa Abeni, Wasiu Ayinde, Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, etc. I used to see myself as Whitney Houston and Anita Baker as a kid.

What roles did your parents play in your music career?

My parents initially were not in support of my music because to them there’s no future in it. Though they loved and spoke highly of musicians such as Ebenezer Obey, Sunny Ade and Haruna Ishola, no child of theirs should ever think of becoming a musician. But you know when God calls you for an assignment and He has plans for you, nobody can stop your destiny or stop you from operating in your element. My mother has finally given in to my music ambition and career. I am educated and still doing music.

What makes you a different artiste?

All artistes are not the same; we are all unique in our own different ways. My voice makes me different from other artistes and my style is also different because I make and design my own outfits. I’m different and my experience is different. My sound comes from my experience as a singer.

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How was growing up as a girl?

Though I was born in Nigeria, I spent most of my childhood in Paris, Canada, and London. I travelled a lot with my parents and my siblings and it was fun. I am the only daughter of my mother, so I was pampered as well as disciplined. I remember Christmas in Nigeria; I would visit Santa clause at NTA Channel 7 and visit so many family members.

What are you working on?

Currently, I’m working on the video release for my debut single “Oh Nah Nah” and some other major surprises with known artistes in the industry.

How do you handle advances from men?

I do that with a smile and a ‘no thank you.’ You just have to find a way to manage them.

Could you remember your first kiss and the feeling?

This question is intimidating. I’m a very shy person. It was a long time ago; I can’t remember.

How do you plan to be a leading artiste in Nigeria?

Through hard work, focusing on my style of singing and unleashing my creativity.

How would you compare showbiz in the UK and Nigeria?

The UK music industry is so different from Nigeria’s. But the Nigerian music industry is now so advanced and diverse. The afrobeat/afro pop culture is now accepted worldwide. If you go to a place like Dubai, Nigeria’s music is very recognised there and the UK is now open to afro pop. This is a relief because it means Nigerians are leaving a stamp of greatness all over the world.

In what ways do you think the industry could help up-and-coming musicians?

Nigerians are so talented. I’ve been to events where I heard some up-and-coming artistes showcase their talent and I was left in awe. The sky is so wide that birds do not have hindrances when flying. I believe that once you have what it takes, help would surely come at the right time. The industry can, and should have sponsors that can help to elevate artistes to a level that they can help and support themselves.

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What do you do aside music?

I’m a professional makeup and special effects artist; I design and make wedding dresses as well as custom T-shirts. I have my own make-up company called B’dvine Beauty.

Who are your role models?

Kim Burrell, Whitney Houston, my mum, Jessie J, and I love Tiwa Savage.

How did you combine academics with music?

I’m very good at multi-tasking. There is always time for music. Once you have your head up and determined, you can always balance music and academics. You can mix work and play.

What are your specific plans for the future?

I want to be one of the best female vocalists all over the world. I want to keep creating good music and continue to be that Voice Every Race Accepts.

What turns you off about men?

I don’t like lies, dishonesty, and domineering people in general. So if you are a male and you possess all these qualities, then I’m sorry.

What qualities must your ideal man possess?

He must be God-fearing. Once you are God-fearing, every other thing follows. Though I don’t believe there is such thing as an ideal man; a woman grooms a man to be her ideal kind of person.