Nothing Else Felt Like Home Than Music – Jikume

For Jikume Bethlehem, music is soul lifting, and making people near and far happy through it is her passion. The Rivers State-born artiste made this known during a chat with newsmen on Saturday in Port Harcourt.

Jikume

Jikume started out as a teenage singer with his old music crew, The J12 Crew back in 2005 when they officially released their album. She went solo with her first single titled “Firewood” released in 2009, and since then she has continued to make hits after hits.

Speaking about her style of music, Jikume said, “I see myself as a versatile artist; I infuse a lot of sounds into my music so as to deliver positive vibes to life. I think Jikume is an afro-fusion artiste who often delves into Afropop and neo-soul music.”

Asked who her artistic influences are, the singer stated, “my biggest influences from childhood till date include the legendary Brenda Frasie and Beyonce Knowles. Their messages through music, vocal strength, carriage and energy on stage is everything to me. I love that in a singer and I try to exude that in my records.”

On what she wants to be remembered for, the acclaimed Oshikiri of Africa said, “I want to be remembered as a star who touched and changed lives globally through my music. For me, that is why God gave me this gift, to spread positivity.”

Commenting on her project, ‘Oshikiri Festival’, Jikume says, “Oshikiri festival is my brainchild and I am grateful for all we have achieved through the years. I feel on top of the world knowing how well we have done with the festival. Though it has been a long and draining journey, especially in a city where I happen to be the first female to host the ticketed annual event. I feel like I am impacting my generation and there is more to come.”

Speaking of this year’s edition of the festival, she said plans are already on motion, stressing that the vision is bringing Nigerians to Port Harcourt this December to celebrate in a special way.

“It is going to be our fourth edition and we want to bring in some good and celebrated names in the entertainment industry to Port Harcourt for the event to spice up the content of the event.”

Commenting on the Port Harcourt entertainment industry, Jikume expressed optimism, saying “Port Harcourt has and is still birthing more top talents from the Duncan Mighty, Burna Boy, Omalay, myself and more.

“The city is full of talents and it is really booming now much more than before. I believe people are ready to invest and do business more than before. With adequate investment, I see Port Harcourt giving Lagos a run for their money,” she enthused

Asked how she is handling male fans, the well-endowed artiste said, “I am a hugger; I don’t mind gifting them hugs with a warm smile. You never can tell, some people just need that warmth to fight certain economic and mental demons. Country hard jare. Basically, I just smile and play with everyone, and of course, try to make them who push it far understand that’s just that.”

On dating fellow male artiste, Jikume states, “I have never done that, maybe I have had eyes for few but, they are now tied down by one relationship or marriage. Abeg free me. Too much breakfast in town.

Pressed further on her take on friends-with-benefits? The soft-spoken Port Harcourt musical first lady enthuse “It is prevalent nowadays but I don’t think I am cut out for that. One party always ends up catching feelings and it hardly ends well; even relationships are becoming more uncertain as people find it hard to work out differences with their partners. I am a sucker for love but, owo ni koko(money is the main thing), lets chase it and give our families good lives while enjoying plates of head of fish.”