Who knew that Diana Bada studied business administration and that that knowledge has come in handy in founding and running her company, Boulevard Entertainment. These and many other things she reveals to Assistant Life Editor, TERH AGBEDEH, in this exciting interview.
What are you doing in Kenya; work or leisure, or both?
I came to do a promotional/collaborative and performance tour. So, I came for work.
Would you say that Afrosoul is working for you?
Afrosoul Fusion is what I represent, and I am very proud to be making this kind of music from Africa. Also, what keeps me going is feedback from fans.
You have done two albums; how different were the challenges you encountered while working on the two albums?
The first album was highly influenced by my time living in Europe and working in-between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Introducing my work into the Nigerian music industry for the first time was with my first album titled Wardrobe Sessions, which was quite challenging. A lot of people contemplated how different the sound was, and still is, and how it won’t work in the Nigerian market, and how my sound is way ahead of my time.
My second album was a journey for me with experiences, growth and understanding, titled Be. A lot of collaborative work with instrumentalists, producers and other musicians from different parts of the world, for which I am highly grateful. So far, so good, I am still an evolving being and I am currently working on album number three.
When you look back at the 2008 edition of MTVBase/Zain Advance Warning, is it with longing or a different kind of emotion?
That was quite a long time ago, and I look at it as an experience and a good way to have introduced my work into the Nigerian market and Africa as a whole. I had a very good time on Advance Warning and also made some good friends from it.
And is what you feel anywhere near your part in the Gimme Shot Crew touring in Europe and as the lead vocalist for the Tripanation Band?
My part in the Gimme Shot crew and Tripanation were learning points for me, Tripanation being my first musical band, which I led vocally and also composed a few pieces with. Gimme Shot crew took me in and I learnt a lot from those guys; they are a group of musicians, DJs, producers, musical geeks. It was during my university days, and they helped me get a better understanding of what direction I want to take musically.
Which do you like more; jazz, hip hop, soul or reggae?
I love all equally. They all carry great importance to me based on their history and their composition, lyrical content and emotion.
Those genres must hold a great influence for you, but which of the artistes in this genres have had a lasting hold on you – which one among them do you find yourself going back to often?
I find myself going back to Bob Marley very often.
Who is responsible for the concept of your music videos?
Most times I have the seed of the concept and what I want achieved in the video, and then we brainstorm with the director to give life to those ideas.
What is the state of your band ‘D’expressions’?
D’expressions are musical soldiers. Each member is unique in his own way, bringing ultimate grooves with their expressions. Example; my guitarist, Mr. Orange, is all about ‘Rock & Roll and funk, and the percussionist, Mr. Friday, brings us the rooted traditional flavour into the band, and we harmonise quite beautifully on and off stage.
Why do you pitch your tent with live music in a world where anybody makes music and lip-synching is the norm?
I always encourage people to keep their musical showcase as natural and as true as it can be, even after the studio. And on the stage it still remains a creative process; you continue to breathe life into the piece you are showcasing. It carries the message in a special way; you reach out to your fans in an organic way.
Which crowd of concert-goers do you love most; the Nigerian, other Africans or the West?
All of the above. Music is universal and when the crowd enjoys the elements of my pieces and can connect to them, the set can be from anywhere.
Would it be correct to say that being a woman in music has opened doors for you or maybe even closed some?
No, I don’t agree with the opening of doors. Being a woman, you have to work twice as hard, setting your priorities right, recognising you are in a male-dominated industry and being focused as to what you are trying to achieve.
How did you get introduced to music?
From a very tender age, I had always loved singing and song-writing. My parents too had musical influences; my dad being a vinyl collector and my mother being opera-trained. In school, I enjoyed participating in musical activities and the rest is history.
What brings you the greatest joy; music or something else you would like to talk about?
Aside the obvious, which is music, I feel happy when I see positive development in my country and on the continent.
Do you have any hero?
My mum.
What do you wish someone would have told you early in your music career?
Stay dedicated; don’t let the pressure of the system frustrate your reason of existence. I was always cautioned by loved ones, like it’s a tough industry, you have to persevere, so that is also very important to know.
Would you say that having a Nigerian father and a Russian mother made you better prepared for life?
Honestly, no. I believe that is a misconception. We all face our challenges, regardless of where you are from.
What do you love most about you?
I am caring and a good listener.
Where do your songs come from?
Music and song-writing is a gift bestowed on me by my creator.
Is there something else you would have loved to be doing; or are you even doing that right now?
I have always wanted to contribute to building our nation, and I am putting more focus on the creative industry and encouraging the up-and-coming creatives to realise their opportunities in these times.
Eventually, I would like to start an art and music foundation that also improves the development of our communities.
What would you say sets you apart from other musicians in Nigeria?
I believe we are all wonderfully unique in our own various ways and have our own calling as to what work we put out there. My music is conscious, soulful and experimental.
What are some of your best moments in your professional life?
After a performance, my best moments are when a fan approaches and encourages my work or after listening to my work, the feedback is motivational, then I know it’s all worth it.
If you could advise your 18-year-old self today, what would you tell her, especially about choosing a career or taking it to the next level?
At 18, I was studying at the university and I would advise anyone seeking a musical career to always get their education going. It is very important. I studied business studies and it has currently helped me kick off my entertainment company called ‘Boulevard Entertainment’.
There are those who insist that the children of the very rich have taken over music in Nigeria; do you hold the same view? What do you think has really happened to music in Nigeria?
Yes, I agree to an extent. It might not be just those born into rich homes, but also having a formula that works. So, investment is a very big part of it, to be able to put your work out on a large scale you need good financial backing, because the music industry in Nigeria hasn’t fully structured itself, so you can work it out as an independent artist, rather than rely on the record labels. At the same time, you need a good song to work for you; you need good promotion, meaning a good hold of the media network.
Do you have a concert planned for Nigeria anytime soon?
I have quite a few coming soon – fans who follow me on social media will be the first to know.