Eva
Alordiah is not your average artiste. The Delta-State born performer is
known for her witty, dynamic lyrical ability, an impeccable on-stage
flow, provocative fashion sense and a face to her music that commands
respect. Eva talks to ESSENTIALS about how she combines her many
God-given talents. to continue
You are a make-up artist, writer, dancer, model, actress and musician, how do you harness these talents to become the ace rapper we know?
I think I literally let myself get drowned in the work I am faced with in the moment. So, when I’m a make-up artist, you find no traces of Eva the Rapper. I automatically switch to being an artist holding brushes and painting faces.
When I am Eva the musician, it’s all about the music and creating that fine piece everyone wants to listen to. I feel really blessed to be able to do the many things I do. At the end of the day, it’s all about creating that great piece of art that people can identify with, whether its music, make-up, writing, acting, dancing.. I basically let go, just so I can serve.
At what point in your life did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career in the arts?
When I was about seven years old, I think. Here’s how my life went. First, I thought Sade Adu was too pretty then I wanted her hair. I remember hating the fact that she had such long black hair and I didn’t. Then I noticed her music and how she commanded the screen with her eyes; I thought, sincerely, that that was a powerful thing to do as a woman and I could do that too. Next thing you know like every other kid, I was in the choir.
Then, as an eight-year-old, I was entertaining my school mates by acting, dancing, participating in the cultural groups, debating clubs and all what-not. I [pretty much] was always on stage. I took writing seriously when I was 12, but it wasn’t until I was 14 that I began to feel like I could write music. All this time, I was a fine pencil artist, I could literally create an almost-carbon copy of anything I looked at on paper.
But when I turned 16, all that energy for drawing began to yearn towards make-up artistry, as I fell in love with fashion at the time. So, I guess everything happened harmoniously for me.
Some fans think you have an uncanny resemblance to American Rn’B artiste Ciara. What do you think about this?
Generally (laughing so hard now), I think the fans like an artist so much they begin to liken him/her to the more successful international acts; subconsciously at first, then openly. It is probably their way of saying ‘Oh you give me the same fire I feel when I listen to or watch such and such artiste’. Overtime, I have been likened to Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Ciara and even M.I! It’s a subconscious thing and they slowly begin to believe it. I am me – Eva. A time would come when people would say ‘Oh, such and such looks like Eva, she sounds like Eva’.
Your latest single Lights Out and its accompanying video are currently sitting comfortably on charts around the country and this is the first time we have seen your dancing talent. What inspired this hit single and video?
Lights Out was created out of a burning need to be flexible with my music. I hate being caught doing the same thing over and over. I think, over time, my sound and approach to music generally has evolved. I have decided, literally, not to hold anything back. I used to be such a great dancer back in secondary school. I was on stage dancing a lot and its always being a part of Eva. Just recently, I decided to start rehearsing again and expressing that part of me in my music. When you come to think of it, what’s music without movement?
I think the fans understand who I am, and how spontaneous I can be with my music. They are ready for surprises, albeit very big ones. We worked with Patrick Elis on the video, and very closely too. I have such a really dynamic visual perception of art, so I tend to be the creator and director of my videos. Also, having a great guy like Patrick Elis to work with was such a blessing. He is as patient and spontaneous as I am and is such an avid listener. Working with him was a sure breeze. Plus, we had the best editors to help out and ensure the video came out exactly as we envisioned it would. I think the only part of the video which I was not responsible for was the choreography. I’m just glad everyone likes it and its getting the support that it is presently getting.
As a stylish woman with a bold dress sense; how do you make your fashion choices?
I just never question it. Once I like a piece I’m immediately thinking of how to wear it in ways others wouldn’t. So, instead of asking “What will people say?” I’m asking “How do I make them wish they did that?” That is a lot of trouble I know, but it’s what sets me apart.
Your music and you social media rants are quite passionate, bold and provocative; is this your true personality?
Oh, not at all. That’s my way of letting my alter ego shine through. On the flip side, I am an introvert, an annoying one at that. So, my music and social media give me a sense of authority and a space to be expressive in ways my boring, real, self would not dare.
How do you think the Nigerian government could assist the growth of the music industry?
Well, I guess, they can start by listening.
A working government is one that cares and the government that cares would listen. At the end of the day, it really comes down to the simple things.
You have collaborated with amazing artistes, including the legendary Femi Kuti. How have you enjoyed these collaborations and who amongst them made a lasting impression?
I never collaborate with an artiste if I don’t think that artist would make an impression. All the songs I have been blessed to work on with other talented artistes have been superb. It is really humbling, you know, for a small girl like me to request the genius of Darey Art Alade, Femi Kuti or Jesse Jagz and just get it. Not everyone does, so I hold it all so dear to my heart. Internationally, I’d love to work with Damian Marley. I love him beyond words. He is so intelligent, so much that it is inspiring to just imagine him. There are a lot of people I imagine I want to work with really. If God lets it, I’d work with them all.
What has been the defining moment of your career?
It is rather difficult to think of a moment and give it such a title you know. There have been a great many moments in my career and each one defining in its own right; bits and pieces forging on to bring me thus far. Even moments of failure and total despair have been defining in some way. Winning awards for Best Female Rap Act in several award seasons and shows, finally getting a chance to work with Femi Kuti, appearing on BET’s Hip-hop Awards Cypher…the list is endless.
How have you developed as an artiste and what lessons have you learnt in this musical journey?
My writing, the stories I capture, my sound, my delivery, are all some of these lessons. It’s been a long-short three years finding myself as an artiste and I’m still learning a great many things. The biggest lesson, I think, is this: “We all have something to give to the world and whatever we find ourselves to do we must do excellently and give to the world our very best.” A doctor isn’t done until the patient is well again. As an artiste, why put out any piece if it is not the best work of art? If you have decided to do it, you must also decide to give it your all.
Burger and fries or bread and beans; which would you prefer?
Haba! To be truthful, bread and beans cuts it for me. I’m not a huge fan of fast foods. I do love to cook a lot, so any home-cooked meal comes first. If the bread is fresh and yummy and the beans is prepared just perfectly [with] lots of pepper too, it will be bread and beans over burger and fries.
Who is that 1 human being that you would do absolutely anything for…?
That would be my youngest brother Jesse. I love him to death.
What 3 songs are on constant rotation in your car?
Most recently, that would be Sex and Scotch by Jesse Jagz, Street Credibility by 9ice and Redemption by Jesse Jagz.
What are your travel essentials?
I’m a very simple girl, so my travel essentials are so few; several towels, my loaded make-up kit, my iPod, an extra head-set, a book (any book) and everything else.
What is your secret career wish; if you could be anything besides the multi-talented Eva?
That would most probably be an animator/cartoonist. I love to draw and I love cartoons. I studied Computer Science at the university [and I was] hoping to get into a master’s animation course after that. But then music kicked in and here I am
Who is Eva?
Eva is your friend next door you are just getting to know. Away from all the ‘serenre’ I’m really just a simple, chilled, shy girl who just wants to have a little fun. Just a little.
You are a make-up artist, writer, dancer, model, actress and musician, how do you harness these talents to become the ace rapper we know?
I think I literally let myself get drowned in the work I am faced with in the moment. So, when I’m a make-up artist, you find no traces of Eva the Rapper. I automatically switch to being an artist holding brushes and painting faces.
When I am Eva the musician, it’s all about the music and creating that fine piece everyone wants to listen to. I feel really blessed to be able to do the many things I do. At the end of the day, it’s all about creating that great piece of art that people can identify with, whether its music, make-up, writing, acting, dancing.. I basically let go, just so I can serve.
At what point in your life did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career in the arts?
When I was about seven years old, I think. Here’s how my life went. First, I thought Sade Adu was too pretty then I wanted her hair. I remember hating the fact that she had such long black hair and I didn’t. Then I noticed her music and how she commanded the screen with her eyes; I thought, sincerely, that that was a powerful thing to do as a woman and I could do that too. Next thing you know like every other kid, I was in the choir.
Then, as an eight-year-old, I was entertaining my school mates by acting, dancing, participating in the cultural groups, debating clubs and all what-not. I [pretty much] was always on stage. I took writing seriously when I was 12, but it wasn’t until I was 14 that I began to feel like I could write music. All this time, I was a fine pencil artist, I could literally create an almost-carbon copy of anything I looked at on paper.
But when I turned 16, all that energy for drawing began to yearn towards make-up artistry, as I fell in love with fashion at the time. So, I guess everything happened harmoniously for me.
Some fans think you have an uncanny resemblance to American Rn’B artiste Ciara. What do you think about this?
Generally (laughing so hard now), I think the fans like an artist so much they begin to liken him/her to the more successful international acts; subconsciously at first, then openly. It is probably their way of saying ‘Oh you give me the same fire I feel when I listen to or watch such and such artiste’. Overtime, I have been likened to Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Ciara and even M.I! It’s a subconscious thing and they slowly begin to believe it. I am me – Eva. A time would come when people would say ‘Oh, such and such looks like Eva, she sounds like Eva’.
Your latest single Lights Out and its accompanying video are currently sitting comfortably on charts around the country and this is the first time we have seen your dancing talent. What inspired this hit single and video?
Lights Out was created out of a burning need to be flexible with my music. I hate being caught doing the same thing over and over. I think, over time, my sound and approach to music generally has evolved. I have decided, literally, not to hold anything back. I used to be such a great dancer back in secondary school. I was on stage dancing a lot and its always being a part of Eva. Just recently, I decided to start rehearsing again and expressing that part of me in my music. When you come to think of it, what’s music without movement?
I think the fans understand who I am, and how spontaneous I can be with my music. They are ready for surprises, albeit very big ones. We worked with Patrick Elis on the video, and very closely too. I have such a really dynamic visual perception of art, so I tend to be the creator and director of my videos. Also, having a great guy like Patrick Elis to work with was such a blessing. He is as patient and spontaneous as I am and is such an avid listener. Working with him was a sure breeze. Plus, we had the best editors to help out and ensure the video came out exactly as we envisioned it would. I think the only part of the video which I was not responsible for was the choreography. I’m just glad everyone likes it and its getting the support that it is presently getting.
As a stylish woman with a bold dress sense; how do you make your fashion choices?
I just never question it. Once I like a piece I’m immediately thinking of how to wear it in ways others wouldn’t. So, instead of asking “What will people say?” I’m asking “How do I make them wish they did that?” That is a lot of trouble I know, but it’s what sets me apart.
Your music and you social media rants are quite passionate, bold and provocative; is this your true personality?
Oh, not at all. That’s my way of letting my alter ego shine through. On the flip side, I am an introvert, an annoying one at that. So, my music and social media give me a sense of authority and a space to be expressive in ways my boring, real, self would not dare.
How do you think the Nigerian government could assist the growth of the music industry?
Well, I guess, they can start by listening.
A working government is one that cares and the government that cares would listen. At the end of the day, it really comes down to the simple things.
You have collaborated with amazing artistes, including the legendary Femi Kuti. How have you enjoyed these collaborations and who amongst them made a lasting impression?
I never collaborate with an artiste if I don’t think that artist would make an impression. All the songs I have been blessed to work on with other talented artistes have been superb. It is really humbling, you know, for a small girl like me to request the genius of Darey Art Alade, Femi Kuti or Jesse Jagz and just get it. Not everyone does, so I hold it all so dear to my heart. Internationally, I’d love to work with Damian Marley. I love him beyond words. He is so intelligent, so much that it is inspiring to just imagine him. There are a lot of people I imagine I want to work with really. If God lets it, I’d work with them all.
What has been the defining moment of your career?
It is rather difficult to think of a moment and give it such a title you know. There have been a great many moments in my career and each one defining in its own right; bits and pieces forging on to bring me thus far. Even moments of failure and total despair have been defining in some way. Winning awards for Best Female Rap Act in several award seasons and shows, finally getting a chance to work with Femi Kuti, appearing on BET’s Hip-hop Awards Cypher…the list is endless.
How have you developed as an artiste and what lessons have you learnt in this musical journey?
My writing, the stories I capture, my sound, my delivery, are all some of these lessons. It’s been a long-short three years finding myself as an artiste and I’m still learning a great many things. The biggest lesson, I think, is this: “We all have something to give to the world and whatever we find ourselves to do we must do excellently and give to the world our very best.” A doctor isn’t done until the patient is well again. As an artiste, why put out any piece if it is not the best work of art? If you have decided to do it, you must also decide to give it your all.
Burger and fries or bread and beans; which would you prefer?
Haba! To be truthful, bread and beans cuts it for me. I’m not a huge fan of fast foods. I do love to cook a lot, so any home-cooked meal comes first. If the bread is fresh and yummy and the beans is prepared just perfectly [with] lots of pepper too, it will be bread and beans over burger and fries.
Who is that 1 human being that you would do absolutely anything for…?
That would be my youngest brother Jesse. I love him to death.
What 3 songs are on constant rotation in your car?
Most recently, that would be Sex and Scotch by Jesse Jagz, Street Credibility by 9ice and Redemption by Jesse Jagz.
What are your travel essentials?
I’m a very simple girl, so my travel essentials are so few; several towels, my loaded make-up kit, my iPod, an extra head-set, a book (any book) and everything else.
What is your secret career wish; if you could be anything besides the multi-talented Eva?
That would most probably be an animator/cartoonist. I love to draw and I love cartoons. I studied Computer Science at the university [and I was] hoping to get into a master’s animation course after that. But then music kicked in and here I am
Who is Eva?
Eva is your friend next door you are just getting to know. Away from all the ‘serenre’ I’m really just a simple, chilled, shy girl who just wants to have a little fun. Just a little.
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