I took a long break from music to attend to my son’s health – Stella Monye

By Christy Anyanwu

Stella Monye is the legendary Nigerian musician known as the Samba Queen. She rose to fame with her hit album “Mr. Right” in 1983, which included the popular single “Oko Mi Ye.” With over 40 years in the music industry, she has released six albums and has worked with various artistes.

Monye’s life hasn’t been without challenges. Her son, Ibrahim’s accident and subsequent health issues forced her to take a break from music. Despite this, she’s expressed no regrets about prioritizing her son’s health over her career. Today, she’s back making music, releasing new songs like “He Prepared Me,” and collaborating with younger artistes.

She spoke with Sunday Sun recently about herself, her career, and her son, among other issues.

What’s been keeping you busy lately? And what’s new?

I went on a long break due to my son’s near-tragic accident. It took me away for a while. It also took a toll on me but, thank God, I am gradually coming back. The whole incident was really traumatic. I was away to the Presidency, Abuja, for the presentation of the theme song of the Coca-Cola FIFA under-17 World Cup. We were many, led by the late Christy Essien Igbokwe. It was all of the best artistes of that season. I got a message that he tripped but it was not an ordinary fall. The incident later took us almost round the world for medical intervention. I went, I saw and we conquered.

On the scene last year, I came up with an inspirational song titled “He Prepared Me.” It’s on YouTube on Far Cry Song Label.

Congratulations on your recent award by the Lagos State Government. How did you feel being among the awardees? 

It was such a privilege being chosen to be among those elders and achievers, such as Ebenezer Obey, Salawa Abeni and others. I was almost the youngest of the recipients. It was indeed a great honour. The award was a pleasant surprise, coming when we least expected it.

That fateful day, we mingled, we were happy while exchanging pleasantries with our elders, reminiscing, by listening to those olden days music. That music was loved by my father because we lived all our life in the West.

Did the award also come with some cash? If so, how much? 

It was just an award until we were told that Pastor Daniel Olukoya of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries made some provision for the awardees. We are so grateful to the man of God. The man of God really put sunshine on the whole thing. Pupils came from his school to entertain. It was glorious, very pleasant. They were Gen-zees, cultured and graceful.

For some time now you have been quiet on the entertainment scene. What’s responsible for this? And when are you coming back to reclaim your spot as a musician and actor? 

I’ve been doing some beats underground but not so loud yet because my son is still going through systematic medical procedure at the Nyu Langone Health New York City, in America, so I am still a little burdened.

What’s the health situation of your son, and what exactly is he doing now? 

He’s still a little fragile and doesn’t have a clean bill of health yet from the hospital. He’s still bogged down a little bit but we are almost there. His treatment is highly technical.

I pray he comes out of it and gets his life back. He’s an IT specialist. Computers, that is his first calling. But he’s great in other endeavours too. His father died when he was nine years old, so I am carrying the cross nicely.

In the US, legendary female musicians like Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle and Stephanie Mills in their 70s and 80s are still performing and touring. Why is it that our veteran musicians, including you, find it difficult to do the same thing? 

Yes, absolutely. Here, it is a more complex society in terms of gender struggles. It’s a bit tough out here but we are still pushing. Maybe, before we clock 70, we will stand up. That’s the title of my next single. I am working and carrying my cross at the same time, having been on it for several years. It has become a part of me, even though I am diabetic, plus BP (high blood pressure issues). I hope, someday, we African female artistes will be properly liberated. Hmmm, it’s a long thing,  according to D’banj!