Fragrance is a young Nigerian singer who relocated to Lagos from Warri in anticipation of fame and fortune in exchange for her musical talents. Her experience so far has not matched her expectations as she still lives off her siblings back in Warri.
Four years and counting, the fair skinned beauty has risen past a disappointing recording contract and is fast learning the ropes of independent survival in the rough music terrain. In this chat with Lolade SOWOOLU, she shares some of her challenges as a female artiste and talks about her coming sophomore scheduled for a first quarter release.
Is Fragrance your real name ?
No it’s a stage name. My real name is Bridget Oritsematosan Kayoh. I’m an Itsekiri from Delta state.
When did you realise you could sing?
I’ve been singing since I was ten years old in churches back in Warri. I joined the adult choir when I was ten. Professionally, I started in 2006 when I relocated from Warri to Lagos .
So how did you join the adult choir at ten?
The church I attended then had a programme and I rendered a special number. From there the pastor called me up, prayed for me and asked me to join the adult choir. I started taking solos and that was how I was discovered.
I used to be signed to a record label but I left because they did not fulfill their promises. While on the label I released an album that wasn’t well promoted but I’ve left all that behind now. I’m moving on
When was the album released ?
Fragrance
In 2007. It was titled ‘So lovely’. I released two videos too – Lover and Friend and Shake Shake.
How do you describe your kind of music?
I call it R N B. But in my sophomore, there’s a lot of ‘ Feel good ‘music because I discovered I could do a lot more of them. I tried a little Rap, Ragga and Fuji too.
How many track does it have in all and are there any collaborations?
There are seventeen tracks in all. I featured a number of artistes including 2face, Rymzo, LKT and Adol . I also worked with a bunch of producers – Puffy T, Rymzo, BJ and a lot more, just so I can get different feels in the album.
What’s the album titled?
Now and forever.
Why ‘Now and Forever’?
I have a track so titled in the album. And I believe the songs will last now and forever.
Tell us a few track titles?
The one featuring 2face is titled,’Boy friend’. There’s ‘We be one’ featuring LKT. I have ‘So in love, To ba fe jo’ and a gospel song titled ‘Don’t leave’
What was your former label called and how long was your agreement suppose to last ?
It’s called D and I. Our agreement was to last seven years, but there was a clause saying if certain things weren’t done, the artiste’s free to leave after two years. And that’s what I did.
Where did they default?
They promised me things like collaboration with international artistes, a private car and apartment, trips to London and a lot I can’t name now. But they didn’t do any.
Coming to Lagos, what were your expectations?
I just kept singing in churches. I’ve always wanted to act and I was hoping I could do so along side singing here in Lagos. But my manager explained that I should concentrate on singing first and then take up acting later.
Did you ever try to get auditioned for a role?
Not yet. He (Manager Efa) said I should concentrate on the music.
Has moving to Lagos paid off yet?
I moved in in 2006 and it’s yet to pay off. My siblings have been the ones supporting me. I have five sisters and three brothers. Music only pays a little of my bills.
Was it tough convincing them to release you to come to Lagos?
Not at all. My mum supported me before her death and that’s why my siblings still support me .
Did you lose your mum before relocating?
No. She died in April 2008.
Where is academics in this whole story? Don’t you have plans to get higher education?
My preferred course of study is Theater Arts or Mass communication because I’ve always wanted to be entertainment inclined. I was once offered ‘Library Science’ to study at the Delta State University, Abraka but I didn’t take it up.
Who were your role models when growing up?
Celine Dion and Mariah Carey. Now, it’s Beyonce. I’ve always dreamt of standing on the stage of Celine Dion and meeting Mariah Carey.
Do you still see your self going that far with all the realities before you?
Of course I still do. It’s a dream I believe will come to pass if God wants it. There’s still a lot of time
Any plans of going back to school?
I will. But I’m not thinking in that direction right now. Even if I get real busy with my music career, there’s the on-line study option, so I’ll still get higher education.
Apart from the label set back, what other forms of challenge have you had to deal with on your
way to where you’re going?
I don’t call them challenges. I call them stepping stones. The bulk of them all has been with finances.
In your little experience with professional singing, has there been a time you felt gender discriminated?
Sure. I feel the ladies are not being given fair chances because they – investors who are mostly male, feel we’ll soon be married off. And so because of that mind set most men have, it’s like with everything you do as a woman, you’re trying to prove a point or make a statement to the men that ‘we are capable too’.
Speaking of marriage, is it in the view yet?
Not at all. That would come much later. There’s a long time before that. I don’t want any distraction.
So no promises can lure you into marriage now?
I’ve heard so many of that (promises ). I usually laugh when men come with those promises. All the same I’m not God so who knows what God has in store.
What attracts you to a man for marriage?
There must be love. Love is every thing to me. I must feel welcomed around him. I expect that he’ll be good looking and with a large heart.
Do you have other interests apart from acting and singing?
I’d like to own a beauty salon where all beauty treatments can be done for male and female
Do you like a big family?
Four kids will do. Maybe two boys and two girls. And it would be nice to settle down in Lagos or Abuja.
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