Funky, energetic Lola

PRETTY UK-based Nigerian singer Lola Rae is back in the country. The singer, who made her debut in the music scene in 2012 with Watch My Ting Go and High, has just signed a new management deal with one of the biggest artistes management company in the continent, Twenty 20 media, led by Kamal Ajiboye. Apart from this, the lady singer recently dropped her very first single on Thursday, January 15, titled, You Know What My Name Is produced by talented UK-based producer, P2J. In this interview with IJEOMA OPARA, Lola talks about her music and new music deal. 

What have you been doing after your single in 2014?

   Really, I have been doing more of performances at gigs. I have changed my team; I am now with Twenty 20 media. I needed a new management team and luckily Kamal Ajiboye (Davido’s manager) came to the rescue and we have been re-branding, recording new songs, working on new materials and creating a new sound for the industry.

Now that you are back, what has changed?

   A lot has changed. My new songs are quite different from what people are used to. It’s more current, it’s more hard hitting and I’m having fun with it now, as against when I took it too serious back then. Now, I just do my own sound and it’s not easy to put it in a specific genre. I’m working with more producers and I am really excited.  I will be in the studios soon with Shizzi and possibly legendary Beats. This year, I intend to be more consistent because that’s what I lacked in the past. There will be more collabos and more videos, so you will see more me this year.

Why the deal with Twenty 20 media?

   I never wanted to be under a record label because I just don’t want to be prohibited from doing things or not really having a say in my own projects, because most times these record label guys have no idea about music or music business; they just sit down and give orders because they have the money. But, I wanted a situation where I will be with someone that really understands music, understands the industry and the business angle of it, and that’s what Twenty 20 media brings. I’ve seen Kamal at work before and I see how he handles Davido’s projects. He’s a fantastic manager and very professional, especially in crazy circumstances.

Is there any plan for an album this year?

   I think I’ll want to release an album next year and not this year. There are lots of plans already for this year; and I pray everything goes as planned.

Do you feel threatened by other female acts, especially now that you’ve returned to the country?

  I don’t think anyone needs to feel threatened because the industry is already hard enough for females. So, we should be united and support each other and not feel threatened. The guys don’t feel threatened, so why should we feel threatened?

Which of the female acts would you like to work with?

   I would like to work with all of them. Already, I have worked with Tiwa Savage on the African Rising project; I think Seyi Shay is also amazing too.

How would you describe your personality?

   I’m extremely shy. I’m a very quiet and shy person. Though when I’m on stage I get very crazy and energetic, but then, I’m not like that in real life. Most times, people who know me come to me and say: ‘Wow, I didn’t know you could do that.’ I’m very family oriented and I love music so much.

If music had not worked out for you, what else would you have done?

   Somehow, I would have worked in the music industry either as a manager, show promoter or something close to that. I have always wanted to do music. I studied fashion designing in the university, but deep down, I feel fashion is not what I really want to do, as music is what I love. Though fashion and music go hand-in-hand, I prefer music to fashion and I’m so happy I am in it.

Have you ever thought of quitting music?

   Yes, especially as a female artiste. There are so many trials and tribulations. There are certain things that you can’t say or do to people even when they step on your toes because you have to be polite and maintain a certain level of decorum. 

Are you married?

  No, I’m still young. I’ll be 24 next week. I should be getting married in my 30-32 or thereabouts.

Are you in a relationship?

  The only relationship I have right now is with Twenty 20 media.

How would you describe your ideal man?

  I’m not really based on looks; rather I’ll go for someone that can make me laugh. I can laugh at anything, and if you can just make me laugh, I swear I’ll be your best friend.

Many Nigerian artistes dropped an album last year, which is your favourite?

   I think Olamide, Timaya, P Square, Tuface and Wizkid’s albums stood out.

Looking at your career, would you say you are fulfilled?

   Not at all. I still have so much more to do. I want to be a trailblazer in the industry. 

Favourite Nigerian designer

  It’s Re Bahia; I love their work.

 One item you can’t leave your house without?

  My make-up bag. I would literally turn around and go back home no matter how far I’ve gone.