Naija D.E.E.V.A.S had the chance to interview this embodiment of talents and true NAIJA DEEVA, we had a LONG chat with her and the afro fusion artiste and mother of two was patient to answer our questions. Read interview below:



Most people will remember you as Nnena, that soothing voice that featured on Modenine's single "CRY", can you tell us more about who Nnena Omali is?


Nnena Omali is a woman, a musician, a writer of songs and stories, a connoisseur of poetry. A lover of nature, positivity and culture. A person who believes in God, love, truth and justice. She came into this world for a purpose. And God is helping her fulfill it.



 How was growing up for you?

It was pretty much easy at first. Then my Dad passed away when I was ten and things got rather tough for my mom, who had to work really hard to carry the family. But my childhood was filled with love. Yes, there were financial glitches at a certain time but there was unconditional love between and that helped us all pull through. My mother was amazing. Still is. She juggled a nursing career with 5 vibrant kids and her hard work paid off eventually. I was the baby of the house. The mummy's little girl. My brothers were very protective of me and my sister. Yeah, growing up was interesting. I still miss all the dancing in the rain with my friends, the games, the fewer responsibilities of being a child. But then one day, you grow up, become an adult then life starts getting really serious.



So, on your music, how long before the feature on "Cry" have you being into music?


Before the song CRY with Modenine, I'd already been in the music business professionally for over 3 yrs. I even had a music video and a couple of singles on air. But I still wasn't that popular or a known face. Then I did the song with Mode, and for the first time everybody noticed me as artiste because of the huge success the song became.




So, can you say your music will find expression when good value is mentioned in Music?

My music will definitely by God's grace find expression in that regard. For in as much as I always endeavor to distinguish my sound and style from others, I have a growing fan base of earnest loving people who believe in me and view my work as something of good value.




 Talking about your style, it is distinct, and looking at the Nigeria Music Market today, it is more of commercial music now, how much do you think Afro Fusion can stand in the industry?


My Afro fusion tries to blend creativity with commercialism. It takes from what we have in our culture and adds it to the contemporary. And culture is commercial. We love our own and we buy what we understand. Asides from that it isn't just about a certain tempo. Both fast, slow or mid tempo rhythms can be generated via every genre. So my style isn't relegated to a particular tempo. Afro fusion can be fast, slow. It can be anything. But the sound and style will still be me. And that makes it versatile and attractive to a market hungry for such.



In other words you think Nigeria has this HUNGRY Market?

{Nnena Laughs}


Yes, our market is ever hungry yet so insatiable. Nigeria loves music especially when it follows a certain tempo or lyrical direction. But it even loves it more when it is well hyped. Hence, the bandwagon effect of "loving it because it is everywhere" syndrome

Also a market filled with hungry upcoming artists who will sing anything to make it big, this same market is putting food on a lot of tables while rendering some bankrupt. True, it is indeed HUNGRY. And only direction and order can bring the ultimate satisfaction to most parties involved.



You think there are any measures that can be taken against this? As at now, new artistes pop up everyday


Yeah. First of all, music isn't for everyone. Don't do it if you have neither the talent nor the drive for it. Constant hopping in the bandwagon by excited desperadoes is one of the reasons the market is getting so congested. Furthermore, don't ever make the mistake of believing you can succeed in the music business just because you have a trailer load of cash to spend. Trust me on this; you just might end up frustrated. Opening a record label overnight when you really don't understand the intricacies of how the system works may well leave you bankrupt. The music business is a serious gamble, but it's not a game. You need to study the market properly, source well grounded hands and you need to always think properly before making decisions like shooting videos and releasing singles. As investing on a wrong track or packaging an artiste inappropriately can have drastic consequences on your bank account. Also, talented upcoming artists should be encouraged. And the attitude of rewarding mediocrity because of financial kick backs whilst discouraging legendary efforts must be dropped or else in the next few years there would be a dearth in musicianship in this country. If these measures or more aren't considered by artistes and stakeholders of the business, the consequences may be dire.


Your single- "Oluchi" dropped closely after "cry" and you also have a few singles out, what have you being up to lately?

Oh well, I've been working. I released KULIE DIDE ft 9ice recently and the song has been getting massive reviews, pleasant ones. The love has been awesome. I have collaborated with some artistes. Currently planning to drop a new song and shoot a video as well.

You seem to be the "Low Key" kind of person, you are rarely seen on the carpets, at events and all, is this like a strategy, your kind of person or you are often busy?

Mmmmmh... I'm a bit of an introvert. I don't go out much. I only attend functions where I am specifically invited. {Smiles} All that red carpet glitz can get a bit cloying sometimes.





Have you had any embarrassing moments so far in your career?

Well, don't we all,? I once performed on a stage and it was so drastic, I got hisses from the crowd instead of applause. I once danced so vigorously on a stage that my turban shaped hair do tumbled down in a tangled mess. And I once had to perform acappella because the soundtrack couldn't play. My sandals cut on stage once, and then I kicked them off and continued the performance barefooted. One thing I've learned from embarrassments; is to avoid them next time and do it better second time around. But some of these embarrassments didn't affect the performances because I acted as though they were all part of my act when deep down I wanted to just sink into ground and sob. Until, you show the crowd that you're embarrassed, truth is they may never know. So some of these moments are either secret embarrassments or public embarrassments.

 In course of your career, what are the remarkable achievements so far?

I've made some milestones over the years. The most important being the ability to win the love of my fans and they growing on daily basis. But I still have a long way to go. And I know that with God on my side I will get far in a shorter time. I believe He (Jehovah) can change in 5 minutes what we could never have achieved in 5 years.


Are you still with Question Mark records?

No. My deal with them has long since expired. We parted ways since 2008.

So you run your own label now?

Not really. But I'm working with a management on a temporary basis for now.

 How often do you perform at shows?

As often as I am required to, by recommendation and invitation.

 You are married now and have kids,,, (congratulations),,,,, how do you balance the music career and parenting?

It's not that difficult when you have a caring husband who supports your effort. I thank my God everyday for my husband's love and the fact that he has never let me stand alone. Parenting is a joint thing really. As a family we support each other not only in our careers but in raising our kids as well.  My relatives have been helpful too. It's been a wonderful journey.

Who is this loving and lucky man?

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