Follow Us on Google
With her upcoming single, Rose May Alaba aims to make her mark on the Nigerian music scene and showcase the best of Afro-beats to the world. Her love for Nigeria and its music culture is evident in every aspect of the song, from the upbeat tempo to the heartfelt lyrics. The talented singer grew up in Austria, surrounded by different genres of music, but it was her Nigerian roots that eventually caught her attention. She fell in love with the Afro-beats sound that her friends played and listened to, and since then, she knew she had to find a way to connect with her roots through music. We sit down with the Vienna-born Nigerian musician to talk about her plan to take the Nigerian music industry by storm with her unique sound and passion for music.
How do you describe your sound?
I would say that it’s a mix of my roots. My dad is from Nigeria and my mom is from the Philippines. Both used to do music so I got my soulful voice from my mom and the afro rhythm from my dad. I would describe my sound as an Afro beat fusion with Pop & RNB. I have released music in both of the languages I grew up with being German and English. Although, I’d say that what truly makes me unique is my voice.
Which musicians would you say are your biggest influences?
I’d say Lauryn Hill and Whitney Houston.
You started music in Europe, what inspired you to move your art back home?
Growing up in Vienna/Austria, I noticed that the music my friends and I listened to was Afro beats which wasn’t popular here. Apart from my Nigerian dad – it was the music and my friends who brought back the longing for connection to my roots. So in 2017 when I came back to Nigeria I truly fell in love with this country. I was so inspired by how blessed the people are with their god given gifts and how they use it to their full potential. In any kind of way, be it in Art, Fashion or Music. It fills up my energy and every time I leave Nigeria, I feel like I’m on top of the world again.
What has your experience in the Nigerian music industry been like?
Working with different producers and songwriters like Young Jonn, Chopstix and many more has been an amazing plus inspiring experience. This, I definitely appreciate.
You have been away from the Nigerian music industry for a while, any reasons why?
As an independent artist, I feel like it takes time until you find the right fit. I’ve experimented a lot and I still am. In this industry you have a lot of people who always know better than you and it is easy to get lost in the sauce and lose yourself. Amidst all of these, you are in the process of growing and finding yourself as a woman and as a human being. Sometimes, the right thing to do is to take a step back and allow yourself embrace that process.
What’s the next project you have for your Nigerian fans?
I was excited working with a great producer, Blaise Beats. We are now in the process of getting the songs done and finding the right fits for features.
Having lived the major part of your life outside Africa, what inspires your creative process for songs especially Nigerian ones?
It doesn’t matter where you live, music and be made anywhere. We have some great producers in Europe I like to work with and they understand Afro beats well. I like to take my time in the studio and vibe around with the producer. I start off with vocal toplines before I start writing the lyrics. And just vibes, vibes, vibes.
Should we be expecting videos for any tracks? When?
My next single is coming out on the 28th April with a lyric video.
Tell me some of the most notable shows you’ve performed in?
I‘ve performed in a stadium for the Special Olympics and at the Lolla Palooza Festival in Berlin.
This year, what should people expect from your brand?
For now I’m just focused on my music and art of fashion. I’m recording music in the studio a lot lately. Mainly Afro beats but it will come with a lot of the fusions I grew up with. I’m also really into fashion and I have a couple fashion projects, even one with the biggest European online shop ZALANDO.
You have quite a mixed audience from both Africa and Europe, with the Afro beats boom globally, are you looking to do more Afro beats or stick to both genres?
I feel like music is so diverse nowadays I try to make it relatable to all of my audience and find a good balance.
With how well Afro beats is moving, would you say you’re proud to be Nigerian and want to join in promoting our sound globally?
I am so proud. Although I wasn’t born and raised in Nigeria it still runs in my blood and my heart is with my people.
In your own experience, what do you think Nigerian musicians should do more to keep the Afro beats flag flying high?
They’re doing just fine. I love that they tour around the world and also come to Europe to perform which is important for us the diaspora, because we have lots of love to give.
Have you had another career that wasn’t in the music industry?
I studied acting for 3 years and I’m sure I’ll eventually get back to it because I enjoyed it. But music is my first love.
Any advice for the young ladies trying to navigate the rough course of the music industry globally?
Don’t get lost in the sauce and always trust your core instinct. Know your worth so nobody can take it from you. We all know this industry can be tough, but you have to remind yourself every day that God put you in this situation and you’re strong enough to handle it.
