Onoriode Bikawei delved into music at the age of six. Armed with a degree in French language and a new album, the multi-linguist spoke with REPORTER, Ovwe Medeme in this interview about her challenges putting the album together as well as her plans for the future.

How did you get into music?

I started singing at the tender age of six and God has given me the strength and everything I need to sustain my music career. I sang in my church choir, in different groups, in secondary school as well as in my university. I attended Delta State University where I studied French language.

When did your professional music career kick off?

I started professional singing at events, weddings and shows in 1996 but I recorded my first single titled Dance in the year 2008. It basically had great airplay on radio and television.

How many albums do you have to your credit?

This is my first album and it is titled Keep Moving.

Why the title?

Basically it inspires me first. I think that when people have dreams, they have to be very passionate and they have to push for it. I believe a lot of people out there will listen to my music so I want to use it as a medium to encourage them. People shouldn't let other people define them. They should learn to live their dream. I chose the title to let people know that at that point when they want to give up in life, they are left with only one choice and that is to Keep Moving. There are several inspirational songs in the album. It is a ten-track album that features the likes of Lara George, ID Cabasa, Mike Aremu and others.

Why did it take you so long to come out with an album?

I released my first single in 2008 and in 2009, it enjoyed good airplay. That same year, I went to the studios to start work on my album and now it is out.

It doesn't seem that gospel artists make it big in show business. Why is that?

I like the way you put that it doesn't seem. It might not seem that way but I know things would always work out for those who set their heart to it and who believe in what they are doing.

Going by the album title, are we to take it that an incident almost marred your music career?

Like I earlier said, the album is basically meant to encourage the people. When you hear keep moving, it means don't stop, live your dreams, do what God has called you to do and be the best the best that you can be.

Do you have any track in French language in the album?

There is no French language track there but I am looking at doing something in the language in my next album. The fact that I can speak French fluently also means that I can sing in the language. Probably when I travel to French speaking countries for shows, I will sing to them in French also.

So you are going into music fully?

Yes I am.

So what happens to your French degree?

The French degree can be used anywhere. It comes in handy when you least expect it. There are lots of things I can do with it whether I am into music or not.

Before music, what were you into?

I was freelancing with my French degree. I did translations for corporate bodies, individuals and other such things. I help them out with the translations of their annual reports.

What were the challenges you faced bringing out your album?

There were several of them. Bringing out the album was very challenging especially considering the fact that I didn't have fund. I had to do the funding myself. Sourcing for funds for the album was my biggest challenge. Also there is the fact that there is a lot of competition out there and so to be on top of my game, I had to do something that people can relate to. That also boils down to the issue of funds. If you listen to the song Dance in the album, I started with English and at some point, I switched into pidgin then afterwards I did it with my local dialect. I had to do something that can reach out to people on a personal level. That way, I couldn't compromise on quality and that in itself is a challenge. By doing that, I tried to achieve something different. If you don't listen to the words properly, you might not know that it is a gospel song.

What has been the response to your music so far especially as regards quality?

That I would leave for people to judge. I don't want to start blowing my trumpet now. So far, the response has been very fantastic and I am confident it will be something different.

How are you inspired to write your songs?

Different things inspire me to write songs. There is a song in the album titled "I Don Tire to Dey Waka Waka." I wrote that song after having gone to different producers for the album and I was turned away. I know a lot of people are struggling in Lagos and it is not easy to survive. I hope I can make use of the song to inspire people not to give up in their struggle. Different events and situations inspire me to write my songs.

Who produced the album for you?

I worked with K Flo on the album. I also worked with I D Cabasa and others.

How come you worked with Cabasa who is known for producing secular music?

When trying to achieve something musically, you have to mix things up. In the album, I was trying to achieve a mixture of sound so I needed people who could interpret the sounds in their own unique way. All producers have their different strengths. If you know I D Cabasa, then you will know that he doesn't do bad songs. It is because he saw that there were potentials in my songs that he agreed to do them.

Is it an attempt to go into gospel music while remaining secular?

It is not an attempt. I just needed him to interpret the particular song in his own way.

We have had a lot of gospel artistes who veered off along the line and started doing what they call inspirational songs. How sure are you that you won't follow that pattern?

Gospel music is a good genre, and it is also a format for people to test themselves. It all boils down to what we want to say to the people. It is all a form of expression. People tend to want to lay own rules for artistes but to me, it is a form of expression. We might want to say the same thing, but we have different ways of doing just that. It doesn't mean we are not sending out the intended message.

Would you perform in a secular show?

I will do events that will promote my brand and promote what I stand for.

Are you presently in a relationship?

My private life is private and I would like to leave it that way.

How do you intend to handle the fame that will come with success?

One thing with being a celebrity is the fact that one becomes public property.

Who is Onos?

My full name is Onoriode Bikawei but I grew up being called Onos at school, home and everywhere that is why I decided to hold on to it as a stage name.