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By Christian Agadibe
For Ifechukwu Mercy Michael popularly known as Ife, music runs in the family. Her parents were musicians and they influenced her interest in music.
In this interview, the fast rising singer opened up on her career, challenges, goals and new single with Rudeboy. Here are excerpts:
Tell us briefly about yourself
I am Ifechukwu Mercy Michael. But I am musically known as Ife. I am a singer, songwriter, performer and a girl child advocate under the African Union Center for Girls and Women Education in Africa (AU/CIEFA). I have my first degree in Music and Performing Arts from Nnamdi Azikiwe University. I also studied Music Business at Music Business for Africa Academy, Lagos. I have performed at music festivals and concerts in Ghana, Cote D’ivore, Togo, Burkina Faso and Cameroon, among others.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently promoting my artistry.
When did you start music professionally?
I came from a family where music was like the air we breathe. My dad and mom were both singers; they released three studio albums. So, growing up, I found myself doing the same thing, singing in church etc. All my life has been about music, but professionally, I have been doing music for five years now.
What are the challenges you face as an up and coming artiste?
Funds have always been the challenge of every start-up. I see music as a startup with lack of access to funds for marketing and promotion, but that has never stopped me anyway. I have a team headed by my manager, Kenechukwu Ibedu. I have a dream, which I believe would definitely come to accomplishment, funds or no funds.
What steps are you taking to reach your goal as an artiste?
I am taking every step morally and professionally to move forward. And it’s been a continuous experience. Though, not without challenges, it is what it is, a process.
Which artiste would you say influenced your career?
Miriam Makeba and Angelique Kidjo.
Can you describe your type of music?
My music is a fusion of sounds. It’s African music fused with R&B, soul, Afrobeats and pop. When you listen to my music, you’d have a comprehensive understanding of the level of work I put into making the fusion a success. This is believed to be a futuristic exploration of music.
What impact do you intend to make with your new single?
My music impacts life positively. I hear people talk about how my music has helped them come out of depression; change from their bad behaviour etc. I’m very intentional about what I sing, because what doesn’t add to people takes from them. So, I endeavour to give people music that would add value to them always.
How has art helped you emotionally?
Things happen everyday. Art is a part of human existence and an integral one at that. So, each day I see the sun, I see everything around me as artistic, and a source of inspiration. A boy hawking on the street could inspire me. A man in his carpentry workshop could inspire me to sing about men being providers, even in the hardest condition. So, my emotions are evoked with everything I see and read.
Was there a time you desired to be recognized?
No, my life goal is to make an impact in the world and put people who listen to me on the right path. The recognition that would come with it would be seen as bonus and not the original intent of mine. God, positive impact and morals are my core and focus. Recognition is welcomed if it comes eventually.
Have you mapped out your goals for the next five years?
Yes I have. I intend to release some albums, do world tours and reach more people through music, advocacy and artistry.
How do you cope with friends and family members who never believed in you becoming a music star?
In my mother’s tongue, we often say, Mgbe onye ji teeta ụla bụ ụtụtụ ya, which in English means ‘anytime someone wakes up is his morning’. Anyone who never believed and now believes is welcomed. It was me who was given the assignment and talent to do the assignment not them. So, believing or not wouldn’t have changed anything because it’s my life after all, and I need no validation but genuine love and zeal, that’s all.
What’s your type of man?
It’s a man who knows the place of God in all things.
How do you handle your male admirers?
My fans are called #IfeTribe. I love and treat them with respect and care. We are in this journey together. So, I give them everything I think I should give people who genuinely love and share my music.
What is your unique selling point as an artiste?
I have a golden voice.
Who is your celebrity crush in the entertainment industry?
I do not have any one.
Aside showbiz, what other things do you do?
I write, I educate, I read and I would do more as time permits.
What is the positive context or message in your music?
Work hard, keep your hands clean, be a good student of History, and remember family. Also, mind who you bring into your circle; remember man is not God so, don’t misuse people. Always guide and guard your thoughts.
Who are the top artistes you desire to feature in your music and why?
I featured Umu Obiligbo in my song, Ozo. I also have songs with artistes like Rudeboy of P-Square fame that are yet to be released. I have a song, I love Africa with Smarty, a very big artiste in Burkina Faso. So, I’d let the features happen as they come because I’m very selective about it. I have declined many features as well because they didn’t represent what I stand for as a musician and as an individual.
