U.S. based music act, Monica, returns with a bang

United States-based Nigerian act, Monica Omorodion Swaida, otherwise known as Monicasation, has returned to the Nigeria music scene with her new single, titled, ‘Under Your Influence.’

The Nollywood actress cum singer, while speaking during the week, classified herself as one of the best Nigerian entertainers several years back, but had go back to school, a development that has been the pillar behind her success in life.

According to her: “I am not new in both Nigerian entertainment genre, so with this my latest effort, I believe it will go places.”

Monica’s foray into big stage is not by accident, as her love for music started in the family, where her father always sang.

Her father, who was a trained police officer in Scotland Yard in London, always supported her love for music by giving her his music books he brought back from London.

His job as a forensic officer didn’t allow him to pursue music himself, but he has helped his daughter to pursue her dreams.

Monica’s love for background stage is one with long history. She did background singing for big stars, like Majek Fashek, Sunny Okosun and Evi Edna, among others.

She also did lots of jingles and voice over and toured extensively with Majek’s band all over Nigeria and Africa and stayed in most of the best hotels in Nigeria. Her fondest experience was when they played at the Oba’s Palace in Benin.

Monica decided to travel out of Nigeria to further her education and graduated to become an insurance broker, in addition to doing a lot of network marketing.

While at the University of Massachusetts, she led her group in African cultural dances and singing. She recently returned to the university to do more drama marking Charles Dickens 200 year’s celebrations.

Monica has starred in several films both in Nigeria and abroad and is thinking of returning to Nigeria.

“You cannot forget your roots. Africa is like mother and child; you can’t separate them,” she enthused.