Hembadoon Ande Peter-Thomas is a Nigerian-born Afro Fusion singer-songwriter based in Luxembourg whose work bridges music, media, and cultural storytelling across continents. She first gained recognition in Nigeria with her single “Odo Aye,” which reached No. 1 on North Central Nigerian radio charts and was later featured in the BBC drama Wetin Dey. After years working behind the scenes in the entertainment industry as a media strategist and radio personality, she returned to music in 2020 with her single “LADY” and debut album TIME Na NOW. Now leading her 7-piece ensemble, The Lady Force Band, Hembadoon performs across European festivals while championing African creativity and diaspora voices. She shares her story in this interview.
The Defining Moment That Shaped the Woman I Am Today
I struggled with accepting a path that was chosen for me academically and spent my first year in university unfocused and carefree. At the end of the session, people showed up with horrible results, carry-overs, and all sorts. I didn’t fail any papers nor did I have any carry-overs, and that was when it hit me that I am actually intelligent, having scaled through even after not paying much attention. I realized that if I overcame whatever pain that situation had caused me and paid more attention, stayed focused and determined, I could make the most of my time, and that’s exactly what I did. I stayed on the path of distinction right up to graduation. It was also then I realized that messing my studies up would impact me and no one else. Anyone external may just be upset, but the damage would be done to my life. This realization has shaped the way I approach all my affairs: with consideration for myself, never underestimating my abilities, and keeping an open mind as I go through life.
The Values That Guide My Music and Leadership
Hard work and consistency go hand in hand. They are also complemented by patience and excellence. It is so important to start, do a good job, and go steadily rather than rush through anything you do. I have a song on my new album TIME Na NOW called “Kule Kule Hemba Ayem.” It’s a song in my Tiv language which loosely translates to “slow and steady wins.” It is a special song that truly embodies some of my life philosophies.
Steadiness is where consistency lies. A day at a time for a stretch of time is sure to get you to a place of completion. Many times when people rush things, they are spent halfway, drained, burnt out, and more likely to quit. The results that are visible in my music now come from many years of learning and laying a foundation. I want to do this actively for another 30–40 years, and I truly just started five years ago. I am very pleased with all the outcomes so far.
Three Women Who Inspire Me Deeply
Angelique Kidjo literally embodies consistency and hard work to me. From when we were first introduced to her, from when I heard FIFA until today, she has followed through in equal measure and stands as a living legend. She is very focused and very driven, and she has used the platforms she had to scale up and out. I am also inspired by Tracy Chapman’s creativity and her ability to take you on a journey through her music. I study her. I feel this way about Jill Scott as well. She is such a storyteller, and I love that.
Building a Career as an Immigrant in Luxembourg
I don’t know that there have been barriers per se. Naturally, when you’re in a place that is not necessarily home, everything is strange. I have shown up with my talent and used it to enhance the spaces I have been allowed to step into. This has helped me settle in easily. It was also easy for me to identify certain gaps and fill them. When that happens, you don’t need to deal with barriers, you are simply being a part of good progression, and all you get in return is enablement. This has been my story, and I am very fortunate to experience life like this.
How Relocating to Luxembourg Shaped My Artistic Identity
I am literally where I am meant to be. My sound is enhanced, and I am more confident in who I am and the stories I am telling. In Nigeria, there is a saturation of talent, and it’s more of a dog-eat-dog situation. Everyone is scrambling for a top spot, and the fun is taken out of the art—only the “top” crew are enjoying what they do. Out here, there is more collaboration and a desire for mutual support. I have opened myself to that and settled into it. There are also systems here that support your goals, as long as you are clear and transparent about them. In a short time, I found leverage and finished an album that had taken me years to complete back in Nigeria. I also found people who helped me take care of things after I was literally abandoned halfway by people who were upset that I didn’t understand certain things. The irony is that I went to them for help.
In Luxembourg, I am not second-guessing my pursuits. I can freely express myself, have fun, receive support, and finally build on all the dreams that once seemed so tall because there was no system to support them.
What Resilience Looks Like Behind the Scenes
Showing up to what you have committed to, continuing what you start, and following it through in a way that does not take from you physically.
What the International Women’s Month theme “Give to Gain” Means to Me
It is my way of life, so it resonates with me deeply. In everything I do, I think about the possibility of inspiring one person or helping someone believe. There is a level of fulfillment that comes from that exchange. I know that my gift has been given to me for the people it should reach. This applies to my music and even to the service of my hands and intellect. Life is about reciprocity. A philosophy I live by is that you will reap what you sow— even if not where you sow it, you will definitely gain where you give. So I give freely of myself and my talent. There is also the rewarder of hidden works; He is sure to step in and never leave me hanging.
How I Give Through Music and Community
I support quite a number of causes here in Luxembourg and back home in Nigeria. I have also built a network of people who consistently look to me for answers that concern music. Out here, I am building a platform through my work at the community radio station that allows me to shed light on the exploits of Africans and people of color in Luxembourg. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the station, helping to champion causes through my contributions. I host a show called Nubian Lounge, which runs every Thursday mid-morning from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and another show at 1:00 p.m. on Sundays called AFRIKULTURE MIX. These shows celebrate BIPOC and African cultures in Luxembourg, spotlighting the work people are doing to make a difference and break stereotypes associated with our communities. These experiences have shown me what true representation looks like and why it matters. Stepping into these roles has made me realize how much value we can bring to others simply by being part of a network where everyone can speak with the same voice.
The Legacy I Am Building in Europe’s Music Industry
An identity that is true and reflects my values. I am speaking with a familiar voice and showing that we don’t have to fit into any other form but the one that reflects our nature. Owning who I am, my culture, and my language; embracing change; and using my talents to create space for myself, and by extension people like me to belong. That is my core.
I am also showing that you can start anywhere and at any time. Better now than waiting too long because TIME Na NOW.
What Makes Hembadoon a True Woman of Rubies
I am bold, I am confident in my skin, I admire great qualities in others, and I compliment freely. I love to celebrate winners, especially those in my community. I don’t compare myself to anyone; I consider that a waste of time. Imagine if we all did not own our uniqueness. That would be such a bland, uneventful, and boring world. I am accepting of myself, flaws, strengths, good and bad, and I am very self-aware. Most of all, God is my source, yesterday, today, and forever.
