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‘Nigerian afro-pop has inspired me’, says Bodega, Israeli-American singer

Nigerian music has continued to attract listeners home and abroad, indicating that it is no more a wish for other nationals to embrace it but has become a reality...

Ms. Bodega

Nigerian music has continued to attract listeners home and abroad, indicating that it is no more a wish for other nationals to embrace it but has become a reality, as Israeli-American born musician Ms. Bodega has shown interest in crossing over to the industry.

The singer, who wishes to be known simply as Ms. Bodega both on and off stage, opened up on her mission to break barriers with her songs said since her arrival in Nigeria, she has worked with artistes on a number of projects, as music lovers have lauded her talent and work rate.

She stated that her plan to come to Nigeria was borne out of her determination to put her songs on the lips of Africans, especially Nigerians, whose Afro-pop music has been a source of inspiration for her.

“Nigerian musicians are the best I have seen and worked with. And in today’s popular music of Afrobeat/Afro-pop, they have somehow been able to take their traditional sounds and fit them perfectly into a popular and catchy genre with the perfect blend of sweet melodies, hot rhythms and an energetic dance style. It is no wonder Nigeria is the hub of this genre, which reaches all over Africa and now receiving worldwide attention. I am glad to be part of that dream.”

According to the light-skinned music entrepreneur, over the years, she has pushed to penetrate the African market with her Afro-pop music, a genre not popular where she is coming from.

Not new to breaking new barriers and taking bold steps, Bodega explained this had been the motivating factor for her music voyage to different European countries, where she has establish herself as not just a musician but also a music producer, writer and performer.

She said, “I am a true believer in the maxim… ‘when in Rome do as a Roman’. This helps me a lot when I travel around the world. When I travel to a country, I like to get to know the culture from the inside as much as possible; eat the foods, learn some of the language and customs so as to really connect and not only come with the eyes and attitude of a tourist.

“As a woman, it is often harder to cut through some of the business that is often run by men. I do my best to stay strong and at the same time respect the local culture and traditions,” she added.

On sojourn to the music world, Bodega said she had her first contact with music at a tender age and since then the passion to keep learning the art from different cultures has grown without borders. She noted the excitement and energy of constantly creating and performing keeps her going, sharing her music experience with newsmen at a press briefing recently.

Speaking further on her contact with music, the soft-spoken songwriter and record label owner said music and dance were her first love, adding that there is no one without the other.

“Music and dance are my first love as they are intertwined to me; there is not one without the other. As a child, I grew up in a music household; my mother was a pianist and composer. I played violin extensively and sang in choirs while growing up.

“I loved dancing to all the latest music and took dance classes. I became a professional Hip-hop and Jazz dancer, among other styles. I always loved blending different sounds and styles and choreographies such as Latin, African, middle Eastern.”

Bodega also explain her new music video and campaign titled, ‘Live Your Life’, is designed to inspire people to live their lives to the fullest. The radio presenter said it the new project featured six international music artistes including Jamaican superstar, Gyptian, Mc Galaxy, Young D, Neza, Neil Bajayo and herself.

“We are very excited about this project as it is meant to inspire people around the world to ‘live their life’ to the fullest and not be afraid to take chances. Also part of the proceeds will be going to charities and foundations that support sustainable education in Africa and help at-risk youth in growth and development.”

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