Adaeze Grace Chinyelu Ezuma known professionally as “Ada King”, is a US based Nigerian-American singer, songwriter, producer, dancer, and actress.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Ada is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health and Health Sciences at Walden University in Minneapolis, MA.
The rising Nigerian star who is originally from Anambra state, Nigeria is one of the shining acts repping Nigeria in Los Angeles. She recently had a chat with our correspondent, and she talked about her budding musical career, growing up in the USA, and her future plans.
Who is Adaeze a.k.a Ada King? What’s the story behind the name Ada King or is it just a direct translation of your Igbo name Adaeze?
There’s no mystery behind the name nor is it unique, it’s simply a direct translation of my Igbo name Ada Eze, which means first daughter of a king – Ada King!
Your parents are originally from Anambra state, Nigeria, but you were born and have lived all your life in the US. Have you ever visited your hometown or your home state in Nigeria?
Yes I am from Anambra state, Home for All. I have visited both my state and hometown and it was a wonderful experience. I got to meet my extended family and learn more about where I come from.
What was it like visiting for the first time? How did you feel? Did you have any culture shock moments during your visit?
I remember coming to Nigeria for the first time and crying as I stepped off the plane. I felt at home. I felt fulfilled. I had many culture shocks during my stay in Nigeria, living in America for so long, you get used to everything there. So some were huge shocks, but I was able to adapt because of the Nigerian and igbo communities in Los Angeles.
Was it awkward for you? And can you speak your mother tongue?
It wasn’t awkward for me because you know in America, there are large Nigerian communities, also access to Nollywood movies, and the experiences in my Nigerian household prepared me for most things, so I was somewhat ready for what I will run into. I can’t fully speak Igbo, but I am gradually learning.
You are pursuing a degree in Public Health and Health Sciences at Walden University in Minneapolis, MA. How do you combine your music career and your studies?
So first off, it’s not easy. My career requires a lot of sacrifices and my attention sometimes, and the small moments I’m off and want rest, I have to take out my computer and finish up a project or assignment. But I have come to terms with it because I have a passion for entertainment and I love doing music so it’s easy because I don’t see it as work.
Have you collaborated with any Nigerian or African artist? Do you have plans to feature or collaborate with anyone in the future?
Of course, I did a song called “Ojoro” with Sugar Boy. I also featured a top Ugandan artist, Judas Rapknowledge Da Akbar in another of my singles “Symphony”. But I am working on doing some more collaborations.
Which artist(s) inspire you? Who is your role model?
Nigeria has so many inspiring artists which includes Tiwa Savage, Burnaboy, Rema, Yemi Alade. My role models are Tiwa Savage and Beyonce.
What’s your take on the global resurgence and recognition of Nigerian music and Afrobeats?
It’s a beautiful thing that people internationally are falling in love with our sound, and that we have an even bigger platform to communicate and tell our stories in our own words and style. I can’t wait for Afrobeats to get its own stand alone category in the Grammys.
What are some of the challenges you face as a female emerging artist?
The way people look at me sometimes or react to what I wear, what I say, and how I carry myself especially our fellow Nigerians.
Are you working on any new project, an album or EP in the near future? 2022 is already about to end, what should your fans expect from you in 2023?
I am not working on my album yet, I am focusing on releasing singles for now, but an EP is something to look forward to in 2023.
Where do you see yourself in the next 3/5 years? What advice will you offer other emerging artists like you?
I see myself excelling in my career, by the Grace of God
If you had the opportunity for one do over, what advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self not to be too hard on yourself or be too much of a perfectionist, to trust God and my gift, and just enjoy the journey.