Orie Basi has said that her new single, ‘Uchenna’, was inspired by true love.
“Uchenna (Ije Love) was inspired by true love,” the tall, light-skinned singer and songwriter who hails from Abia State told TheNiche upon the release of the song.
A thin smile playing on her lips, she added: “Uchenna means my father’s mind or wish in Igbo language. And as a girl, my dad always wished for a good man for me. I wasn’t really talking about a particular man in the song though, I was talking about all the African good men who love and respect their women.”
The songstress exudes confidence when she speaks, and listening to her, there is no mistaking that she does not make any pretences about her resolve to take her place in the Nigerian music scene. The same bold statement is to be found in ‘Uchenna’.
Born Praise Chinyere Okoh Obasi, the singer started music at a very early age. She took her singing talent to another level when she joined her high school music group. She also became a member of the Assemblies of God Church choir, Lome, Togo.
Orie Basi has worked with producers like Omar B, Phat E, Ekelly, Papa K, Doc Def, among many others and what makes her tick, she revealed, is her ability to sing in all the four languages. “I speak and I always incorporate African culture into my music. Nigerians should be on the look-out, it’s going to be a surprise, and I can’t wait.”
The singer, who grew up in Togo, explained that she speaks and can sing in English, French, Ewe (Togo language) and Igbo, with passable Spanish.
Just like most young artistes doing music in Nigeria, her major challenge is finance: “My challenge in this industry is finance. As a young artiste, I have to work really hard to save up for my studio sessions, and, believe me, it’s not easy; but by God’s grace, I am getting by.”
However, ‘Uchenna’, which has all the trappings of a hit, is not the only rabbit in Orie Basi’s hat.
“I have so many recorded songs. Others are still cooking in the studio and some are yet to be recorded. I am an artiste who loves to write every single day as long as I am inspired. Often, you will see me with my notebook or my phone writing lyrics; that’s me. I was born this way and music is my life. The truth is, I have actually lost count of how many songs I have; I record anytime I’m inspired, and I get inspired everywhere with little things around us,” she said.
Orie Basi is also a model, which is not a surprise because aside her good looks, she is a tall and elegant woman in her early 20s.
“I model, too, for fashion companies. anything that has to do with the entertainment industry, I’m game,” she declared.
What is more, the video of ‘Uchenna’ is ready and definitely a beauty to behold.
“I have shot the video for ‘Uchenna’ (Ije Love) and the experience was amazing but quite tasking, too. Everyone put in their best to achieve a very successful video shoot. I give God the glory for that.”
And she is not just about adding to the noise, but is here first of all, “to make good music and to entertain my fans. I am not here for any competition.”
Well aware of the fact that she is still paying her dues in the industry, Orie Basi said she appreciates good music, respects female artistes in the industry such as Asa, Waje, Tiwa Savage, Omawumi, Seyi Shay and Niniola.
“I am paying my dues at the moment and I will soon become the name on every lip. That is my mission. Again, I am not in competition with anybody. My style of music is different and I am here to feed your ears with good lyrics and good music. So just be calm and watch out for me. Music is my life and I intend doing this for as long as I live. The beauty of it all is, I have the blessings of my parents and they have been very supportive.”