Good music is a universal language that connects people from various backgrounds. It has grown to become a way that people express themselves and bond with different people all around the world through their lyrics, rhythm and sound.
Qing Madi, who is a rising star currently out of Nigeria is a major example of this. After releasing her most popular song, “See Finish” which has generated a lot of streams on multiple music platforms, the 16-year-old is slowly making a name for herself in the Afrobeat’s industry as she is set to be the next “big thing” out of Nigeria.
She talks with The Guardian Life about her life, going viral in Nigeria at a young age, music inspirations and her plans for the future.
Tell us about yourself and the creative inspiration behind your name?
My name is Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma popularly known as Qing Madi. I am a 16 year old Nigerian singer, songwriter and dancer born July 1st, 2006. I am a prodigy, born and raised in Benin city and I came from a family of 4.
The inspiration behind my name was coming from a point of feminity and independence; a Qing is a female who does not need anyone to dictate her place. A female with superiority.
Tracing your steps into music, where would you say the passion came from?
My biggest influence growing up was Kendrick Lamar; he is a lyrical prophet and he made me fall in love with poetry.
But my mom gave me the best passion I needed. Her belief in me made me understand who I was at a tender age.
What did your parents feel when you indicated an interest in music and how are they supporting you now?
My mother who groomed and trained me is completely happy that all our prayers and hard work are being rewarded plus she is super proud too.
What was the inspiration behind “See Finish” and how did it feel going viral in Nigeria?
The creative process for “See Finish” was coming from a genuine point where an actual incident led me to express myself through music. It was an honest song that came naturally, I heard the beat and immediately felt like I needed to communicate with it.
It felt surreal hearing people sing my lyrics right back to me knowing that people genuinely related to it. And most times when I got DMs of how my music had helped people be more comfortable on their own and learn the beauty in being alone, it made me feel fulfilled.
How are you balancing music with school as well as being a teenager?
I’m not in university yet but I’m balancing being a teenager and music very well.
I’ve never been the type to hang out with people a lot so it doesn’t feel much different except now everyone wants to be in my circle which frightens me because I can’t tell what energy is genuine.
You performed at arguably the biggest concert in Lagos, Homecoming. What was that experience like for you at such an early stage of your career?
It was amazing to not only get to understand who I was again but also meeting the crowd and singing my heart out, I’m blessed to have performed there.
With all the fame and attention at a young age, what activities do you engage in that makes you feel like a kid again?
Most times talking to my best friend makes me feel regular again so it’s a therapeutic feeling for me.
Are you working on anything now and what should your fans be expecting from you moving forward?
I’m working on a body of work; my first as a signed artist with possible collaborations and newly explored sounds. So, I’m super excited and I hope my fans are too.
