Singer Ebisan Reware tells the 'Punch' why she is interested in music as well as acting!!

How did you discover your singing prowess?

It’s something I have always known I had. I was told that I hummed to tunes even before I could talk. Everyone around me told me I was a good singer. I wrote my first song when I was in elementary school and my first paid singing job was in my early teens while I was in secondary school in the United Kingdom.

You moved around a lot while growing up…

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My parents moved to Saudi Arabia when I was five years old and then at the age of 13, I decided to join my siblings in the UK.

How did living in different continents influence your craft?

Being exposed to completely different cultures opened my eyes to all sorts of possibilities. Each continent had different styles of music which I loved. I started thinking outside the box very early in life and I believe that is why my music does not belong to just one genre.

You released your debut single in the UK in 2006. As a black person, what was your experience doing music in the UK?

I never thought about the fact that I was a black person in the industry. Opportunities were open to all races. It was just down to talent and determination.

What are some of the challenges you face as an up and coming artiste?

The challenge is balancing my personal life with my music career. Everything else is a lesson and an opportunity to do better.

What is your genre of music and what do you find particularly fascinating about it?

I write songs that cut across most genres. The three singles I have released in Nigeria all sound totally different. I am eclectic, so I keep myself guessing.

You have put out a couple of singles already; do you find competition stiff as regards to how well these singles have done?

In the first week of my master’s degree programme, a lecturer stated that competition is good for the growth of an industry. There definitely is competition but I see that as a great thing. My singles were well received but I am constantly looking to do better.

You wrote two songs for the movie Tango with me. How did you clinch the deal and what influenced the lyrics?

I co-wrote the songs Suru and Dance with me with Emem Ema who helped me get that job. We were given a brief summary of the movie and used it as a guide when writing the songs.

What themes do you like to explore with your music?

Love is the main theme of my songs. I am never tired of love and all the emotions that come with it. It’s a very complex but beautiful theme.

Which artistes inspire you and why?

I love theatrical and bold artistes like Shirley Bassey, Barbara Streisand, Fela, Miriam Makeba, Elton John and much more. They have that fearless aura which I love so much and they have fun on stage. Even though I am inspired by them, I have forged my own unique path.

Coming pursue a career in music in Nigeria is demanding, how do you intend to brace up?

Demanding isn’t necessarily the word I would use. Exciting is how I would describe it. I am enjoying every minute of it!

Why did you decide to work with Chee on your new single?

I love the way her voice sounds.

Having done the theme song for Walk the Talk and Before 30, is it safe to say you have a thing for sound tracks?

I didn’t set out to do soundtracks initially; it just happened that whenever I released a song, I would get calls from movie or TV show producers requesting to use it. I have also been approached by some to create original songs like I did with Tango With Me. I welcome such projects and will be doing more in the future.

Is acting another passion of yours and how well have you explored this side of you?

I enjoy acting, it’s a chance to be someone else for a period and I find that fascinating. I have only just scratched the surface of that talent and there’s surely more to come.

Tell us a bit about your growing-up years?

I am the last of four children and so it’s safe to say I am the princess of my family! There was a lot of music, dancing and drama going on, never a dull moment really. My parents are both medical doctors and owned clinics so I grew up around a lot of doctors, nurses and even patients. I would sometimes entertain the patients; I felt my voice could heal them!

What is your signature style?

Timeless music with meaningful lyrics

How do you relax?

I make a cup of hot chocolate and read a good book. Hang out with loved ones on a lazy Sunday afternoon or travel somewhere quiet and peaceful.

What are your other interests?

I play tennis and badminton. I studied Art and so I paint from time to time. I love to travel. Lastly, I love good food.

Tell us about you educational background.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance and a Master’s degree in International Business Management.

What label are you signed on to and why did you settle for that particular music?

I am not signed to a label. I have a company called The Music Market, which focuses on making music for artists, movies and TV shows.

What qualities must Mr. Right possess?

I have a Mr. Right and he possesses a kind heart, is always attentive to my needs, is patient with me and always knows how to make me laugh! He is a blessing.