Since winning the maiden edition of Nigerian Idols, Yeka Onka has remained in the limelight. Her new single, Me and You, has been enjoying constant rotation from the day she dropped it. Recently, Yeka fielded questions from some journalists in which she talked about her music and lifestyle among other interesting issues. Excerpts:
What does your name, Yeka mean?
My name is Onyekachi Elizabeth Gilbert. Yeka was cropped from my real names when I was still in high school.
Are you comfortable with the dimension your career is assuming at the moment?
I have been making progress. Yes, it hasn’t been as fast as everyone expected owing to some hitches that I would rather not talk about now, but I’ve recorded plenty of songs with amazing producers, and I released a single a couple of days back. I have an all-girls band that backs me up for every gig, every Wednesday, at the Rhapsody, Ikeja City Mall.
Do you think you are making any progress as regards your career?
That’s very right. I have never stopped since I decided to do music. And this has helped my career a great deal over the years. So, I’m making progress and also getting better by the day. I hate to put the blame on people or anything and wallow in self-pity; success comes from God in due time. So, whatever happens, whatever people do to weigh you down, when it’s your time, believe me, nothing can stop you.
How has life been after winning the maiden edition of Nigerian Idol?
Generally, life has been amazing since after winning Nigerian idol. I have been enjoying my stay in the industry and things have been working quite well for me. It is not a hidden fact that challenges pop up every now and then but that is what makes life interesting, because every time you face a challenge and pull through, you move to a higher level. So, right now, I am working on a new project with a fabulous team. I can say I am comfortable that things will work out fine.
One would have expected you raised your game beyond this level, what’s the problem?
As I said, I have been making progress but not as loud as you might have expected. I can tell you that I recently teamed up with a new management, Limelite Records, and I really love how they are taking my career seriously. I just released a new single under the new label and it is already going places I never expected, so that is a sign of good things to come.
Take a look at past winners of reality TV shows, would you say you have fared well?
I hate to put blames on people or anything and wallow in self-pity, success comes from God at the due time, so whatever happens, whatever people do to weigh you down, when it’s your time, nothing can stop you. I don’t like comparing my progress with anyone’s but in this context I don’t think I’m doing badly.
Why is your album taking you so long to come out?
I don’t want to release an album for the fun of it. I have to give my fans something they can always be proud of. It is not about dropping album alone, it is more about the quality of what you are releasing to the people. So, It’s already work in progress, we are moving from one stage to another. I’d drop a couple of audio-visuals first; let the products grow on people and then depending on the demand, I would drop an album very soon.
As a beautiful young woman who is gradually getting famous, how do you handle male admirers who want more than a platonic relationship?
I appreciate the aspect of beauty that you mentioned, but I don’t allow that to get into my head for a day. I politely tell those guys who fall into that category that I’m unavailable for anything more than platonic.
What do you think you have got that will work for you as you continue to find your feet in the industry?
Aside the fact that I have a very strong/wide vocal range, which has been working for me since my first day in the industry, I also have an all-girls band that I perform with for every show. Aside my normal vocal training every day, I rehearse every week with my all-girls band called, G-Factor. I have been doing this for some time and the rewards for hard work is success. Going by my experience in the industry, I have seen a lot that will help me to become a better person in what I do. In less than no time, you will get to see what I am talking about. My talent is a big factor. It will spur me to greater heights
What has fame denied you?
It denies anyone the opportunity to live a private life. I am not happy that I have lost my privacy but the fact is that I am enjoying fame. I won’t trade it for anything. There is nothing special about being a celebrity, but I can tell you it makes me feel comfortable and good. Life as a celebrity is full of fun.
What is it about your new single that is generating reactions from every quarter?
My new single, Me and You, is a mid-tempo love/wedding song that anyone can grove through. Love is a beautiful thing, so you can’t afford not to just be in love with it. I am happy about the reactions we have been getting. That’s why we are not stopping. My management and record label are doing everything to push the brand to enviable heights. All I can tell you is to keep all fingers crossed and watch what Yeka is up to.
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