I REJECTED JOB OFFER FROM OIL COMPANY BECAUSE OF MY LOVE FOR MUSIC - LAURA ETEMAH, EX-STAR QUEST WINNER
Laura Etemah
Those who followed national reality TV show, Star Quest, organised by Nigerian Breweries Plc, some years ago, certainly saw Laura Etemah. This pretty damsel brought her band, D'accord, to the spotlight of the competition. And they emerged winners.
Today, she's a vocal coach, recording artiste and instrumentalist, with her versatility in the use of this talented pretty damsel is fortunately one of the few female multi-instrumentalists in Africa who keyboards, lead/box guitar, bass guitar, and harmonica, among others.
In a chat with Saturday Sun, Laura talked about her journey into the music, her future plans and more.
How did you venture into music?
I wouldn't be wrong if I say music runs in the blood of every member of my family. My mum sings; my father, although late, was a flutiest before. I was the only one who took music as a serious business; professionally.
You once organised voice training for students in Lagos when you did your youth service. Could you tell us about your experiences?
During my NYSC days, I played a vital role in my department. After the service, I got an award from Lagos State governor; Babatunde Fashola, for my outstanding performance and my musical contributions. I had two albums for NYSC; all the radio programmes and jingles aired for NYSC went with my songs. Those songs contain words and advice for corps members, reminding them where they came from and what they should focus; that's taking our great country, Nigeria to a greater height.
I did a three-day voice training workshop for different secondary schools in Surulere. The programme was for all the students. I feel fulfilled seeing the secondary school students I taught taking a bold step in their own musical show/concert involving their schools and other schools. The training I gave them brought out lots of hidden talents in them. Some of them didn't even know they have such wonderful talents, but gradually they discovered their flair and worked hard to keep it flowing.
Unfortunately, some of them that knew that they have something to offer musically didn't get the support of their parents. Some parents still see music as a vocation for school drop-outs and never-do-wells and, therefore, wouldn't allow their children to go into it. I proved them wrong, using myself as an example.
Could tell us about your musical performances?
After emerging as the winner of Star Quest 2006, we (D'accord) went on a 10-city tour of UK. We met and performed with both international and local acts like Tuface Idibia, Tony Tetuila, P-square, Rihanna, Akon, and other notable musicians. I was able to develop my talents more after such performance; it really helped me a lot in becoming what I am today.
What has life been after Star Quest?
We were given N250, 000 each as prize money then. There was a N10 million recording contract with Question Mark label. I had to drop the recording contract because I had to go back to school to complete my tertiary education. Because of the competition, I had to sacrifice one year out of school to give in my best. I was in my second year then. And after everything, I realised that it was worth the stress after all. After the 10-city tour, I quickly went back to school to finish my degree course as a geologist, but I never let go the urge to have a musical album, which I believe I have achieved to an extent.
What are your dreams?
I want to be a big contributor to the growth of Nigerian music industry. I want to also get more involved in discovering young talents interested in music. I let them know that music develops the brains and makes one active and smart.
Could you tell us about your growing up days?
During my growing up, I discovered that I was much more gifted and smarter than my mates. I learnt to play various musical instruments while still young. That's why I am taking it upon myself to coach other young scholars who love music. I am a voice trainer and also I teach them how to play different instruments.
What inspires you?
I get inspired to do my music by my immediate and extended environments. Also, I am inspired by people around me and the events happening around me. I have always had the passion for music since my childhood days. Even in my secondary school days, in Navy Town Secondary School, Satellite Town, Lagos, I was well known as a music person. I usually took my keyboard to the class; so eventually everybody got to know about my passion for music. I got commendations from people who watched and heard me display my talent; they urged me to take it to a higher level.
When I finished my youth service with Mrs Oil, I had every opportunity to be retained as a staffer, but I knew that's not a calling. I have a life in music and the best way to achieve that was to go into it fully. I can't pretend to do what I don't want to do, just for compromise; it doesn't work for me anymore; so I want to be straightforward and grab my musical career with both hands. These days, many people jump into music because of the fame and fortune that go with it. It's not meant to be so. The love and flair for music and musical instruments should come first while other material things follow.
Tell us about you love life.
My boyfriend understands me and supports me in every way he can. Even in my Star Quest days when I had to stay with other contestants in a house throughout the duration of the competition, my boyfriend encouraged me. He patiently waited for me till my group came out as the winner of Star Quest 2006. Besides, I didn't have to make him feel intimated after the little fame they followed our victory because I am a very down-to-earth person. I carry everybody around me along. I like keeping low profile.
For us, walking down the aisle is around the corner. When the time comes, I will keep you posted. It's basically every woman's dream to settle down at a particular time of her life and I am no exemption. When the time comes, it will be part of my avalanche of achievements.
What are you regrets?
My only regret right now is compromising my first love, which is music, for something else. I would have stood my ground against all odds and gone fully into music rather than studying something totally different from what I am passionate about. Music has always been my calling, but I have compromised it and went ahead to study Geology. Now I have to stick to it.
Who are your role models?
Well, I admire and aspire to be like many notable and successful musicians internationally and locally, male and female alike. They include Anita Becker, Michael Bolton, Tuface, Shasha and Asa, among others.
Do you have new projects?
I will be formally launching my voice-training outfit at Ojuelegba, Lagos, soon. The project is in conjunction with Praise Music. The place is basically where I will be giving students and people voice training and how to play musical instruments.