I was a waitress before Nigerian Idol’

I was a waitress before Nigerian Idol’

23-year-old Zibili Evelyn Ibhade, winner of this year’s edition of Nigerian Idol talent hunt show, in this interview, speaks with firstclassnewsline

about her career and victory which came as a surprise to many, especially as she had fewer votes from the public, a week to the grand finale.

How did you learn about the competition?

I heard about the show at the place where I was working as cleaner, kitchen assistant and waitress. I got a call from a friend, who told me about the competition. Before then, I had featured in Project Fame, X Factor and others, but I never got past the first stage. God being so wonderful, I just went for Nigerian Idol for the first time and I got picked.

What’s the secret behind your victory, because it was glaring that barely a week to the grand finale, you were getting low votes?

Sincerely, I didn’t think I was going to win the competition because of the low responses from the public. It was nothing but God’s grace. When I got into the competition, I met many people with wonderful voices, but God put me through it all.

Of course there were challenges before victory....

While in the competition, it was hard for me to be consistent, but it later became an upper hand through God’s grace and hard work. When I discovered that I was inconsistent, I tried to work hard on it knowing that everybody could sing well.

Can you tell me about your family background?

I am from a family of eight; the first from behind. I am from a musical family; I grew up listening to my father singing in a traditional band. So, music has always been a part of me.

You didn’t mention anything about your education....

I dropped out of school when I was in JSS 3 not because I wanted to do music, but because of financial constraints. I tried to do a lot of studio works to make up for my school fees, but it didn’t work out. So, I had to pause. Nobody believes me when I tell them that I dropped out of school and had to depend on friends for personal development. Then, I used to tell my friends that if I speak English erroneously, please correct me.

Any plans to go back to school?

(Laughs) Of course. I have started enrolling into a school in New York to study Sound Engineering.

How soon?

In another one year, because I want to make sure that everything is happening here for me in Nigeria. Although it is just a year course but I will be shuttling between Nigeria and America when the time comes.

So, how did you start your own music career?

I started singing at age four in church. At the age of 15, I decided to work in a restaurant and somehow I later joined a band where I started a music career. I started doing karaoke, rappouteur and jazz in some executive hotels in Lagos.

What aspect of life furnishes your inspiration?

I get inspired most times by my life experience because I have been through a lot. Trust me, I have been through good and bad times in life.

Who are your favorites in the music circles?

I love Beyonce a lot; I love her stage performance, vocal strengths and I learn a lot from her musically. In Nigeria, I like Tiwa Salvage, because I am trying to get to where she is right now. More so, I love Omawunmi, Waje, Patoranking, 2 face (I really want to do a song with 2face). Sincerely, there are a lot of Nigerian artistes who are really doing good.

What is your greatest day in life?

The day I won the Nigerian Idol competition.

Tell us about the man in your life?

A lot of people want to know that. I broke up from my relationship a month before Nigerian Idol.

Why?

It is personal. So, I am single but not searching

Is that your final answer or you want to call a friend?

Yes! Or do you want to enroll?

Do you also buy the idea of language code-mixing like other artistes do?

Yes I do. Sometimes, when you’re trying to express yourself, one language is never enough.

What are the challenges you are facing as an upcoming artiste?

Getting my crowd going, having a particular genre of music I do because I do any kind of song. Finally, getting acceptance from the music industry is another challenge for me.

What has been a celebrity taken away from you?

My freedom. I can’t even go to the next street to buy akara, I can’t go out on my own; it’s been really amazing.

Are you not afraid of competing with the likes of Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, among others in the industry?

No. I came to run my own race, so I don’t have to be intimidated by anybody. Though I respect them because I met them there and they are older than I am in the industry.

How do you prove that to your fans?

My fans should expect two singles in less than a month.

Who is producing the songs?

I can’t disclose that right now

How do you plan to spend your N7.5 million?

First of all, I will take care of my parents, especially my mum, who was in an auto-crash because of me while coming for the grand finale. The accident was so bad that she had to undergo surgery by fixing iron rods in her legs. Also, I will make more music because I believe that for me, music is more of joy, happiness and love.