I have never thought of being nude —Cynthia Morgan

Its no longer a news that Cynthia Morgan is a dancehall musician
signed on to Jude Okoye (the older Psquare's label). In this interview
with Firstclass Newsline, she speaks about growing up with a single
mother, her journey in the Nigerian music industry and other issues.
Excerpts
Of all genres of music, why did you choose dance hall music?
When I decided to get into the Nigerian music industry, I discovered
people were passing through the easy routes like afro beat and
hip-hop, to get popular, but dance hall music is a very special genre
of music that is not common. Though, it is not very simple to sing. I
wanted to show how beautiful it is to combine dance hall with
different genres of music to make good music.
How has your experience in the industry been?
It's been very challenging but I thank God. It is what propels me to
wake up every morning to go to the studio, while I tell myself I have
what many guys don't have. It's not easy being a female in this
industry, but once one is determined to work very hard, things will
work out accordingly, it is actually a great industry because it has
given most females the awareness that they can also make it. So once
you know what you are doing, you will be more proud of yourself when
you get out there.
Did you get frowned upon in the industry when you started?
It's normal, once you set out to do something different, you will get
frowned upon. At first it wasn't easy, but as time goes on, people
will get to appreciate what you do and embrace your passion.
What propelled you to start singing?
My mum was a gospel artiste from Benin City where I'm from. I've
always loved music as it is something that runs in the blood, but I
think I was born to sing, though while growing up, a lot of obstacles
affected me, I did not let them stop me.
So how did you meet the owner of your record label, Jude Okoye?
I met him in Atlanta in 2013, but I had earlier met Psquare and their
brother in 2012 and they are always together as a family. It seems as
if I have known them longer than that.
What was growing up like for you?
It was fun and it was my growing up years that made me who I am today
because I actually grew with a single parent, I didn't grow up with my
dad and I think it was one of those things that made me determined to
follow my dreams. It was one of my most memorable experiences that I
hold on to
Where was your dad when you were growing up?
He is good where he is. I don't like to talk about this...
Where did you get the name Cynthia Morgan?
Cynthia is my real name, while Morgan is my surname
Earlier in the year you had a rift with a musician, Queen Ure who
accused you of using the title of her song, Popori, have you settled
the rift with her?
I don't know Queen Ure. Even before the release of my song, I had
never heard of her. Before you can say someone copied your work, the
person must have heard of you before. So how could I have stolen the
title of her song when I had never heard of her before? Unlike if it
was a Wizkid or a Davido. So I was shocked when I received a court
notice from her, and then she said her song was a very big song
nationally and internationally, so I had to even google her song. I
discovered that she dropped that song about four years ago and she had
nothing less than a thousand views on Youtube. So I can't say I have a
rift with her because I don't really know her.
So was your song banned after the court order or did you settle out of court?
No, my song was never banned on radio or television, but I am sure
Queen Ure was seeking attention and she got the attention she needed.
Looking at the pictures you released recently, your fans have said
you are gradually taking over from Maheeda, is this true?
First of all, I don't know who Maheeda is either. I don't know what
these people are talking about. The pictures I released are not nude
in anyway, I haven't come close to being nude at all. People have
different perspectives of being nude. And once one is in the public
glare, people will always condemn, condone or appreciate you. Some
will even want to live your life for you, but one has to be oneself in
order to forge ahead.
I actually saw the picture and it was semi-nude, do you think ladies
must go nude to make a headway in the industry?
The funniest thing about that picture is that I was not even nude in
it. It was just the way the picture was taken, I was on the set of a
video shoot. When you see the video, you will understand what I am
saying. It was just the posture, but everybody just miscontrue the
picture.
Is it true that you once said you will never have collaboration with
the younger brothers of your record label owner, Psquare?
I never said anything like that. The press just has a different way of
interpreting news and twisting headlines.
So should we expect collaboration between you and the music duo?
Yes, and that will be very soon.
Where do you see your brand in the next five years?
I see myself as the biggest female exported African dance hall artiste
both nationally and internationally, that's what we are praying for
Firstclassnewsline.net