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Vanessa Opeyemi Jones: Songwriter, singer, dancer, comedienne

Vanessa Opeyemi Jones is an eight-year-old songwriter, singer, dancer and comedienne. She attends Kingston International Nursery School, Ikeja, Lagos.

Vanessa Opeyemi Jones

Vanessa Opeyemi Jones is an eight-year-old songwriter, singer, dancer and comedienne. She attends Kingston International Nursery School, Ikeja, Lagos.

Her journey into the entertainment world started when she was three, under the tutelage of her father.At the age of four, she started performing at birthday parties for kids in Sagamu and environs.

When she was seven, she performed for Ogun State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abeokuta, with the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District then, Senator Buruji Kashamu and other dignitaries in attendance. Little Vanessa thrilled the audience at the event and was handsomely rewarded by the lawmaker and other party chieftains.She also performed for Afro Juju maestro, Sir Shina Peters on his birthday in 2018.

What is the motivation behind her activities?
Vanessa said: “I have seen kids of my age performed on America Got Talents on the Internet. And seeing those kids displaying great musical talents motivates me a lot. Those kids display the stuff they are made of to the world. Their parents must be proud of them.

“So, I got motivated watching kids like me perform on stage. On one occasion, I told my dad I would make him proud one day. That show was a booster for me. I have not looked back since then, and by God’s special grace, Vanessa Jones is a known brand in Nigeria.

“But above all, God is my biggest motivator, as He bestowed the talent on me. I want to thank my father, Dr. Jones for always being there for me. He has been more than a father, as he is my friend and my small god. I would also like to thank my manager, Hon. Olasunkanmi Oyejide, aka Suco for his support. He is my big daddy and my pillar of support.”

On challenges faced so far, Vanessa said: “It has not been easy. I have faced many challenges in my short career in the entertainment industry. You need to work hard and put in your best, if you want to continue to be relevant in the industry.

“If you want to continue winning fans’ hearts, you have to continue dishing out hit songs. As a kid, I can’t just push out any song. Eighty-five percent of my fans are kids between the ages of three and 17. This means the content of my music must be educative. That alone is a challenge.

“Another challenge is lack of fund. It is difficult to succeed in the entertainment industry in this country without money. Presently, my pillar of support is my father. He has been investing in me.

Does she have role models?
“Yes, I have many people as my role models,” she said. “My caring father, Dr. Jones is my number one role model. My manager, Hon. Olasunkanmi Oyejide is another fantastic personality that I look up to. In the entertainment industry, I look up to Tiwa Salvage. I had the opportunity of dancing with her on stage during the last edition of D Jay K Wise Joor Concert in Lagos.

“Tiwa is a talented musician, as she is electrifying on stage. I hope to be like her one day, and with hard work, it is achievable. My profound gratitude to the following artistes and music producers for their support: P-Square, D Banj (Kokomaster), Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Niniola, Majek Fashek, Samklef, DJ Kaywise,Masterkraft, Dresan and DJ Rea.

Vanessa said her vision is to be up there with the best R&B musicians in the land. She also wants to inspire talented kids like her to take to music. “We have a lot of them around. I want to help them reach their potential,” she said.

What is her advice to other kids?
“I want to tell them never to give up. It might be difficult in the beginning, but they should not give up on their dreams. They should remain focused and be prayerful to God. They should also try to do something new. Nigerians like originality. They should be real and leave the rest to God.
Facebook and page: Vanessa Jones
Instagram @vanessajones official
You tube-Vanessa Jones
Phone number +2348067600094

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