Up-and-coming music artiste, Efeoghenechia
Akpotu, also known as Afay, talks about her foray
into music
You read Public Administration, how did you get
into music?
Music chose me. I didn’t automatically know that
music was what I wanted to do for the rest of my
life; I have always been involved in music projects
at different stages in my life, as a pastime. But like
a constant din in my brain, it wouldn’t let me be. I
guess some people would describe that as a
‘calling’. People, who know me, knew that I would
rather curl up and read a book than go clubbing but
where music is concerned, it’s totally different.
When did you start?
My journey into music is diverse. I started singing
at about seven years old in children’s church. I
remember auditioning for the adult choir when I
was about 15 years old and the choir director was
about to send me back to the youth choir instead,
but my sister convinced him to hear me sing first.
When he did, he was speechless for about five
minutes. Then he said, ‘please have a seat.’ That
was the first time I realised I had something
different. I became the youngest person ever to be
allowed into the adult choir and became the lead
soloist. It was a big choir and we toured the South
– South quite a bit. Afterwards, I was part of a
couple of groups in the university, one of which I
founded. My first attempt at going into it
professionally was with a couple of my friends
from school, Theodora and Omawumi. We wrote
some songs, performed at few events, backed up
for Onyeka Onwenu once, made a demo and
passed it around as much as we could but it was
time consuming and we didn’t think it was wise to
forfeit school so we shelved the project. Omawumi
and I eventually recorded one of those songs,
‘Now it’s over’ on her ‘Lasso of Truth’ album.
What inspires your kind of music?
Life inspires my music. Art imitates life. Everybody,
no matter who we are or where we come from,
face unique challenges that come from the mere
fact that that we live on this planet. We cry, we
have our hearts broken, we face betrayal, we feel
love and laughter, we feel pain. I believe all art
forms; including music, is born out of all these. Life
is for the living, life is for loving and we are all just
passing through, that’s my message.
How was growing up?
I was born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State but I am
Urhobo from Delta State. I studied Public
Administration at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
I am in the middle of a family of six children. While
growing up, I was released from the ‘burden’ of
being the eldest or the youngest; I found myself
having a lot of time on my hands. I spent most of
this time delving into my father’s music collection,
which was extensive. I escaped much of the drama
of growing up with many siblings by constantly day
dreaming about being the next Anita Baker.
So far, what challenges have you encountered?
I guess the biggest challenge for any artiste is
getting people to believe in your work and support
you. My family is my biggest support group, but I
must confess they were biased. That can be a
huge disappointment if you are expecting everyone
to jump on board right away. The key is to have a
ridiculous amount of confidence in your work and
don’t stop believing in yourself. It may take a while
but eventually, people will see what you do and it
will take off from there.
What alternative career do you engage in?
Music is my life; everything I have ever done that
has led me to this point has involved music in one
way or the other. I don’t see that changing anytime
soon.
How do you intend to handle the competition in the
industry?
Competition is a good thing because it propels you.
It’s important to be true to who you are and what
you are about. Nobody ever wins a race by looking
at what the next guy is doing; it’s distracting and
you end up falling. There are seven billion people
on the planet, with Africa being the second most
populated continent. I think there are more than
enough people to go round. But do we have enough
music to go round? We have got so many people to
feed musically. To me, that’s the big picture.
What high point have you had in your career?
If just one person walks up to me and says, ‘I love
your music,’ it makes me feel so fulfilled. At that
point, I think my work is done.
What is style to you?
It’s confidence. I love designer jeans, lip gloss,
sunglasses.
What fashion accessory do you love most?
My favourite fashion accessories are my shoes.
What beauty regime do you engage in?
I like Shea butter, sugar and honey. They are the
best home-made facial scrub ever.
What are your likes?
I like when people are real versions of themselves
and don’t pretend to be something else just to fit in.
I don’t like small talk and petty people.
How do you like to unwind?
I like to think I am very cerebral, a voracious
reader and a prankster. I laugh a lot; some people
say it’s too much but that’s debatable.
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