In the world over, the idea of working multiple jobs is considered normal, as it seen as an avenue to earn extra income stream; however, for Afro-Fusion sensation and soul singer, Blessing Akhere Okpaifo, she considers her job as a Cabin Executive with one of Nigeria’s leading airlines as necessary to help her fund her passion for music.
Akhere has performed to the pleasure of some of the country’s leading men including Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Former Governor Lucky Igbinedion among others.
In this interview with Apples Bite Magazine’s Seunmanuel Faleye, the music star shares her foray into music, the journey so far, and her aspirations.
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How long have you been doing music?
I have been doing music all my life. I started at the tender of five or there about, but went professionally about seven years ago.
How did you discover your passion for music?
I have always been doing music all through my growing years.
Who were your earliest inspiration musically?
I grew up with so much admiration, watching the choir sing, and my elder sisters were in the choir back then. So all of these caused the initial hunger for music. And then listening to veterans like Christy Igbokwe, Onyeka Owenu, Celine dion even raskimono propelled my hunger for reggae music too.
Likewise, I also grew on the music of King Sunny Ade too, and a host of sounds from oldies.
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How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I’ll describe my sound as soulful, meaningful, romantic, yet groovy.
What is your creative process like?
For me, there are different ways I key into my creative process. I think I’ll describe my process as spontaneous, because It could be while i’m at work, cooking, walking or doing other things. Sometimes, what I see or hear could be a trigger for me to create music.
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Who would you most like to collaborate with?
There are a handful, I enjoy the sound of lots of Nigerian artistes. I would love to work with Tina savage, Davido, Banky W, Ayra star.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
I’d say Davido!
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What is one message you would give to your fans?
Thanks for believing in me and I promise to keep doing great music.
What is the most useless talent you have?
I don’t consider any talent as useless actually. At the end of day, it’s all channeled towards making me unique.
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
I do sing in the shower, my songs, and the most recent song on my lips now is buga by kizz Daniel. It stays rent-free in my head.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
It’s always been music and to keep that flame alive, you must keep fueling it. Even if it requires you getting another job. Which is what I had to do. I’m a Cabin Executive with a reputable Nigerian airline. I took to job inorder to help me fund music which is my passion.
Where have you performed?
I have had the pleasure of performing for the likes of Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Lucky Igbinedion, Former Commissioner of Industry and Commerce Dr Chris Ekiyor, 2019 Dele Momodu’s Ovation Carol among others.
What are your favorite and least favorite venues?
I wouldn’t say I have a least favorite Cause its always an honor to stand in the crowd irrespective of the setting I perform.
Do you have any upcoming shows?
Yes! I have a few shows coming up.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
The internet has really impacted so greatly on music so much so that you can be in the comfort of your home and have thousands and millions of people listening to your song. I have over 35 thousand streams on audiomack for my new single “Follow me”, and close to 10k streams on Spotify and still counting so I must say it’s a good feeling. It’s like having the world in hands.
What is your favorite song to perform?
I enjoy performing all my songs cause i put in my heart and soul into every song with the aim of ensuring its better than the last and i just released a new single titled “Follow Me” my newest baby, Produced by Cinee Covado, mixed and mastered by Suka sounds. It’s doing really well, also shot a video by C4 visuals, and directed by Mr. c4 which is being played on hip tv and other terrestrial stations. But in recent times,
“Irin Ise” (man of steel) is finding its way more to my heart. The audience I’m getting for that particular song is giving me a second thought to explore the song even more.
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Which famous musicians do you admire?
Tiwa Savage
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
I almost got into such trouble. A man who tried to take advantage of my sister and yet refused to pay her simply because she refused his sexual advances, when he hired her as a receptionist in his hotel. We were
much younger then. I and my twin, and one of my elder sister marched to his hotel and gave him the beating of his life and messed up his car with garbage from the gutters.
If we didn’t know our rights then, the police men he brought over to our house would have messed us up. Luckily we had parents who weren’t weak. He never dared us again after that incident.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
My mum once told me that it’s by taking one step at a time, and that you only achieve when you do not give up.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
I noticed most managers doesn’t want to work with female artistes, saying they are difficult to work with, due to one or two experiences they’ve had. It shouldn’t be the case. Other female artiste shouldn’t have to suffer due to that. I would be glad if such mindset is discarded.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on new songs and possibly remixes.
Watch Follow me here.
https://youtu.be/Ro5dNXzgoYo
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Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
