I’m Privileged Sharing My God-Given Talent With The World —Jemiriye

Journalist-turned musician, Jemiriye Adeniji is gradually becoming a household name in the United States of America with her rare brand of music – known variously as Afro-Pop/Afro Soul Or Neo Soul. In this rare interview with CAMI EZENWA, she sheds light on this blossoming music career and others. Excerpts 

Tell us, how has it been since you arrived the United States

I would say it’s been a mixture of everything, just as you’ll expect when you move to a new country where you do not have any family or even friends; you are like an alien trying to find your way, trying to survive and determined to become something. So, there has been ups and downs, but I’ll say it’s been all worth it and I thank God for the grace and opportunity.

Settling down wasn’t really a bread and butter affair at first, but it got better over time.

There may have been one two persons who helped to make the settling down possible; who were these? 

I met two wonderful people – Elie Kihonia and Rufus Idris who came from Pittsburgh, USA to Nigeria for a trade mission in 2013, precisely Osun State, during the Osun festival, where I happened to perform. So when I got to the USA the same year, after my performance at the Museum Of Natural History in Detroit, Michigan, I called to tell them I was in the States, and they were more than ready to help me through my first rough phase in a strange land. Then I made more friends and the rest is history.

To what or who would you ascribe the impressive impact you have been able to make in the United States in relatively short period of time?

To tell you the truth, I can’t explain, I can only say God has been good. Also, the determination to pursue my dream no matter where I find myself in life has always been my number one motivation. I refuse to be comfortable, I always listen to my inner voice to remind myself of who I am and what I’m called to do.

I had so many discouraging words from some people when I got here; some even take pleasure in scaring you, while others were encouraging. I just never stopped against all odds. And like a movie, things started falling into place; one show led to another; the calls kept coming in and I started traveling to different states and cities. All I can say is I’m grateful for the privilege to share my God-given talent with the world.

Are there particular performances that stand out amongst the ones that you have already done?

I approach every of my performances very passionately, but, one I’ll not forget in a rush was when I was invited to sing the Baseball anthem at the Citizens Bank park stadium in Philadelphia. This was during the biggest game of the season, dedicated to the memory of the first Black baseball player, Jackie Robinson.

I was more than elated when I became the first African to sing the Baseball anthem. I sang to a crowd of about 40,000 people at the stadium and millions watching on TV at home in America. I was pinching myself if it was real, when I got the email, I screamed, lol. I was overjoyed. 

Have you had any course to regret an incident or encounter since you got to the states? 

I have not had any problems in any area here in the United States. I believe music is a universal language and USA is a land of great opportunities. People love you when you are real, and original. Just being myself and not trying to fit in has helped me a great deal here.

WE see how popular you are currently are there; was it a case of instant success upon your arrival? 

I wouldn’t say it was an instant success, but if you say so, I’ll say a big thank you. It has taken a lot of hard work and relentless pursuit of my goal. I hardly sleep, I work day and night trying to get better. I’m not where i want to be yet, but I’m grateful for where I am. I learnt to trust my own instincts. People will feed you with a lot of reasons why some things are impossible, but if you trust your instinct, you’ll just go for it.

I always tell myself the worst answer I will get if I asked is “NO”, but how would I know if it’s a “YES” or “NO” if I don’t ask. I just go for it and I pray about it.

The Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) your alma mater would be holding her convocation shortly, what memories do you have of the school? 

Oh my NIJ. I’m so privileged to be an alumni of such a great institution. I learnt a lot from my lecturers, my class mates, the then Head Of Department (HOD), now the Deputy Provost, Dr Jide Johnson;  Mr Aduroja, was more than a lecturer, he was like a father to me, always ready to advice; may his soul continue to rest with God.

Dr Dele Omojuyigbe, Mr Cami Ezenwa, the list is endless. NIJ gave me the boldness and courage to reach for the stars. NIJ feels like an extended family home, where everyone knew each other; small in size, yet, mighty in results.

When I look back at the people we sat in the same class room together, and I see where majority of the alumnus are now, I marvel at how one school can produce so many great and successful people doing exploits in their different chosen fields.

I’m very proud of NIJ; it has impacted my musical career positively.

Some people actually expected to see you grace the convocation ceremonies?

I’m sorry I was unable to attend the convocation ceremonies due to some already scheduled festivals I had to perform at. Even though I wasn’t there in person, I was following the event on social media, and it looked really glamorous. May be I could have planned earlier if I knew about it in time because, coincidentally, I was in Africa at time of the convocation.  I was in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. I missed that. Awww.

Did at any time envisage the level of impact you are currently making?

That’s a very big question, I didn’t plan where I am right now, and I know I’ve not even started yet. I believe there’s more grounds to break, more history to be made, more work to be done, more love to share, more money to make, and so on. I’m just warming up. I’m always hungry for more. Lol. Wink!!!

Many of those who may be interested in your story would want to know where you are from? Give us some insight into your upbringing? 

I was born in Ipetumodu in Osun State, to Barrister and Mrs Abayomi Adeniji. I’m the third born in a family of four. My dad is an Attorney (Lawyer) and my mum is a business woman. As a child, I lived with my grandma in Ibadan, before returning to Lagos at age 5. I lived most of my life in Lagos State, I love Lagos. I attended Model Primary School, Oshodi, and Ikeja Grammar School, Lagos State. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon, but we were and we’re still a happy family.

I played and sang a lot as a kid. I started singing with the children’s choir in church at the age of 5 or 6 I think. Growing up, I always wanted to sing, and I started singing very early. It was just an hobby, then i started to write my own songs while I was in high school.

In year 1999, I was taken to the studio by my school to record my school anthem for an upcoming inter-house sports competition. Before then, I had started my own music group in school then called Echoes of Praise, which later became an all girls group called, Justsistars.

What do you love most about where you currently are?

I love USA. I love everything here except for the bitter cold during winter. Lol. It’s truly the land of opportunity if you’re really focused. The food, the people, the openness, the freedom, the beauty of seeing different people from different parts of the world in one place, living life and creating their own communities and excelling is priceless. Although, there’s no place like Africa.

Certainly, there are things you do not like about the United States; what are those?

Like I said earlier, I don’t like Bitter cold, I hate driving on black ice and driving in the snow. Despite all these, I love the United States.

With your experience and years you have spent in the states, what can you say about Nigeria?

Nigeria has come a long way, it can only get better. If our leaders can learn to put her Citizens first regardless of ethnicity, religion, or class, then Nigeria would be a better place. I dream of a Nigeria where everyone would have equal access to the basic social amenities, such as good roads, good health care facilities, stable electricity, and affordable qualitative educational system.

Certainly, there are people out there, especially young people like you who also aspire to a life of impact; what advice would you give to such people?

I want to encourage young people like me to please believe in their dreams. As a young person, do not stop chasing that dream till it becomes a reality. There will surely be challenges here and there, just keep your eye on the goal and the sky will be your only limit. #peace