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“I never give up”
Stella Monye, female musician
You just released an album into the market after a very long while. Why has it taken you this long?
Stella Monye
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Well, there were so many factors that worked against my free flow, musically. I started on a good footing because I was on one of the biggest labels in Nigeria, then Emi, now Ivory Music. I later moved on to Tabansi Records. But you know that the relationship between recording companies and artistes never last, mainly because of accountability – I am not saying everyone is guilty of the same offence – but this thwarted the growth of my career. The female factor also affected me, because women are never given a chance in Nigeria. I have had a few experiences in the indusry. I went to Premier Music once and the then Artistes repertoire officer wanted to sleep with me. I didn’t think I should sell my body because I wanted to give them a product that both of us would benefit from. I was never opportuned to work with them because of this. I also swam in troubled waters for sometime financially. I tried a few albums after that which didn’t go very far.
How many?
After I left Tanbasi records, I did two on my own, but really I have never been idle all this while. I have been playing live shows, doing national engagements, private parties et cetera. Along the line, my son’s accident didn’t help matters. This delayed me but I have been able to pick up the pieces again.
On what record label are you now?
I started a private label called Grove Label. It’s a label that would give rights to other labels to promote its artistes. Like abroad, a record company in America could license a job to another in Asia, just for them to make good sales. It’s all about networking. In Nigeria, it’s not done. But this is what I am doing now. I want o work with others as a team.
What is the title of your new album?
Outburst!
Why that title, are you trying to pass some kind of message?
Well, I must confess I ran into this guy am working with right now. He took my album home and kept listening to it severally for weeks. When he was done, he told me that what he could make out from the album is an outburst! So we laughed. He said the content is saying one thing or the other, like asking someone to love me or fighting for the right of someone, or asking God to come and fight for me. He said it is like an outburst, that I am screaming out. The name just got stuck to the album.
Your contemporaries have all gone on permanent retirement from music, facing other businesses. Why did you choose to remain in music?
It is funny really. But I believe that everything we do in life is designed by God Almighty. It might take time, something might happen along the way but you will always get to where God has destined you to reach.
What do you think has kept you going all this while?
Well, it is true that at the time we all came out, there was a lot of competition. We women were many on the scene. But really, I think some of my contemporaries had to branch into other businesses like politics and business. I have always had a deep love for music and I believe that I am a show person to the core. You may say I am the only one still standing in my generation, but then all of us were very young when we started. I don’t know how to give up in anything I do. There are other factors (which) I feel contributed to why less and less women are into music today. I can liken it to laziness. In some cases, they are used and dumped; some just get married and feel they are well secured without a job. Women also are not given the chance to express themselves. I don’t think women should always allow themselves to be intimidated. I think they should show some strength that they are serious-minded people.
Would you describe yourself as a feminist?
Yes, to some extent but most people misunderstand feminism in this part of the world. They think being a feminist means abusing your husband and telling him I can’t cook for you. Being a feminist means knowing and loving yourself; being able to affect others positively and being able to stand for what you believe in. People need to be educated about this. It is a total understanding of one's self and using it to influence people around you. |
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