Yeka Onka, winner of the maiden edition of Nigerian Idols, has
continued to remain in the limelight. Though she is yet to release an
album, her new single, Me and You, has been ruling the airwaves since
she dropped it. In this interview with SEGUN ADEBAYO, the beautiful
songstress speaks about her forays into music and fashion preferences.
Fashion preferences
I like to be simple but classy. I don't like going out too much but I
always love to appear classy but simple at any event I choose to
attend.
Definition of style
Style is about influencing the people around you positively. It does
not have to be something you wear alone. It is more about who you are
and your heart. A good name is better than gold and silver or so I was
told. l prefer to influence the people around me in a good way rather
than use my name or position to put them in trouble. My style is
elegant and trendy. I love being trendy so much, so anything that
makes me comfortable will surely make me feel trendy and elegant.
Description of self
I am a very reserved person. In fact, when I get comfortable with you
as a friend, I maybe a little crazy or naughty. I am a private and
calm person. That is why I am not so happy that I have lost my privacy
as a result of my job, but even at that, I still love the fact that I
am in the limelight being a celebrity makes me happy.
Beauty regimen
Seriously, I don't have basic rules that I follow. I just do the
normal body moisturising.
Favourite pastimes
I love to go to Rhapsody at Ikeja shopping mall. It is a cool place.
This is a place that I love to visit with my friends to relax and
discuss. That is the only place you will find me if I want to play
out.
Favourite designers
I have a friend of mine, Gilbert, who designs my native wears. Though
he's still upcoming, he does some nice designs that will marvel you if
you see them. I also work with Oge.
Accessories I can't do without
That should be my wrist watch. It is not very expensive but I love it
so much that I can't go out without it. I also love my rings. I
cherish rings so much.
Most expensive item in my wardrobe
I have an emerald earring. I won't tell you how much I bought it, but
it is quite expensive.
Favourite colour
I love white.
My take on negative publicity
I have not experienced it before and I don't pray for it. But if it
happens to me, I will deal with it normally. I won't panic over it or
start running up and down over it.
Greatest physical asset
I love my eyes. I think that is my selling point. Many people have
told me that I have good eyes. I know I have beautiful eyes and I am
always happy about them.
Opinion on toning
Toning is good if you need to treat your skin but I don't support
bleaching. I detest it so much. I love my skin as it is, so why should
I bleach it? It does not speak well of someone.
On provocative dresses
I don't like revealing sensitive parts of my body but I love to wear
bum shorts. It does not mean that I have to reveal what I should be
covering.
Life after Nigerian Idols
Sincerely, life has been amazing since Nigerian Idol. The fact is
that challenges pop up every now and then but that is what makes life
interesting; because every time you face a challenge and pull through,
you move to a higher level.
On my career
I have been making progress. Yes, it hasn't been as fast as everyone
expected owing to some hitches that I would rather not talk about now,
but I've recorded plenty of songs with amazing producers and I
released a single a couple of days back . I have an all-girls band
that backs me up for every gig and jam, every Wednesday, at the
Rhapsody, Ikeja City Mall. So, I'm making progress and also getting
better by the day. I hate to put the blame on people or anything and
wallow in self pity; success comes from God in due time. So whatever
happens, whatever people do to weigh you down, when it's your time,
believe me, nothing can stop you.
Comparing myself to other past winners of the show
I don't like comparing my progress to anyone else's , but in this
context, I don't think I'm doing badly.
On what goes on behind the scenes
What I can tell you is that it is an entertainment show and, of
course, there are lots of things that they would rather leave behind
the scene.
What I did with the cash prize
I paid my tithe and invested in properties.
My album
Work is already in progress. We have moved from one stage to another.
I will drop a couple of audio visuals first, let the products grow on
people and then, depending on the demand, I will drop an album. I'm
actually looking at next year, which could still change, but let's
keep our fingers crossed. I look forward to working with 2face, Wande
Coal, Flavour . These artistes are amazing.
Coping with advances from male admirers
It is simple. I politely let them know that I'm unavailable for
anything more than platonic. That settles the discussion.
Finding my feet in the industry
Aside the fact that I have a very strong/wide vocal range, I have an
all-girls band that I perform with for every show.
My voice
Aside my normal everyday vocal training, I rehearse every week with
my all-girls band (Gfactor).
How I came about the name Yeka
My name is Onyekachi Elizabeth Gilbert. Yeka was cropped from my real
names when I was still in high school.
Reactions on my new single
My new single 'me and you' is a mid-tempo love/wedding song that
anyone can grove through. Love is a beautiful thing so, you can't
afford not to just be in love with it.
My music label
My record label is like my family, our relationship isn't based on or
guided by contract. These people believe in me and would go the extra
mile to promote the Yeka brand. I'm glad I'm signed to limelite.
What I like most about being a celeb.
There is nothing special about being a celebrity, but I can tell you
it makes me feel comfortable and good. Life as a celeb is full of fun.
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