Afro-pop act, Emike Ekwe aka Harmony, has been singing professionally since 2011. Recently, she got signed to HF Music, rebranded and afterwards dropped a retouched version of her single, Chocolate, together with the video, in September 2014. Harmony, who a few weeks after released a follow up single, Obim, has now concluded plans to drop her seven-track debut album.
In this interview, the Edo State indigene and daughter of veteran actor, Ignis Ekwe, talks about her career, tattoos and her dream man among others. Excerpts:
How long have you been singing?
I started singing professionally four years ago. But I have been singing since my primary school days. I sang in the church choir and also school choir. I used to be the lead singer while in school and we used to perform at events outside our school at that time, but on invitation. Sep by step, I dropped my first single featuring Don Coleon in 2011, under DCCR Records. But somehow, we didn’t promote the song. And after I got signed, we decided to rebrand. The video of my single, Chocolate, was released in September alongside the audio. The song was produced by Popito while the video was directed by Paul Gambit.
You went underground for a while, and now you are back, what happened?
It happens in life. But I’m now back, with a bang!
Why are you into Afro-pop and not hip hop or other raving genres?
But Afro-pop is also a raving genre? The thing is that I could do virtually all genres but I’m concentrating on Afro-pop for now. You know that ‘pop’ simply means popular music while ‘Afro’ is a reflection of African cultural infusion. I used to do a lot of cultural stuff while in school. So, Afro-pop and culture are related. I’m basically into a kind of style that infuses African cultural elements into the usual pop genre. My passion is to promote African culture through music. And when you blend passion with business, you get the best output.
Artists usually sing about love and romance or about societal reflections. What is the central message of your style?
My first single, Chocolate, is about the beauty of the African woman. A beautiful African woman always looks ravishing and irresistibly elegant. A line in the song says, ‘Why you dey do like you never see Chocolate o…’ You know that men usually lose hold of themselves on sighting delectable African women. Then my second single which features Zeez, formerly DJ Zeez is entitled, Obim. It’s a love song. But other singles address much more serious issues. I’ll be dropping them as they come. My mission is to always do songs that appeal to the young, old and all other divides.
How did you get the inspiration to write Chocolate?
I get my inspiration from God and things around me. For me, inspirations come anytime and anywhere. I could even do a song from this interview session.
What is unique about Harmony as a brand?
Harmony is a brand with beautiful heart, an amazing soul, rebranded to make a difference on the African music scene. I believe that my voice stands me out.
What have been your challenges as an artiste?
I have not really had challenges. I’ve been enjoying optimum cooperation from friends and colleagues including music stars, producers, directors and other associates. It’s really been a fantastic outing so far. And I’m grateful to God for that.
What course did you study in the university?
I studied Public Administration at Lagos State University.
How supportive is your family to your chosen career?
My dad actually didn’t want me to take up a musical career. But as an adult, I felt that I knew what was good for me. I believe that with time, my dad would change his disposition towards my career. Music is my preferred career. My dad is also into entertainment. He is an actor but now a lecturer.
What is his name?
His name is Ignis Ekwe.
Given that your dad is a veteran actor, do you nurse any ambition to act someday?
I did a bit of acting while in school. But at the moment, I have no plans to go into acting.
Do you wear tattoo?
Yes. Don’t you know that tattoo is African? It is part of African culture.
How many do you have?
I have only two tattoos; one on my hand and the other on my leg.
Do you have any at sensitive parts of your body?
I don’t know about that. I have told you where I have them.
