By CHRISTY ANYANWU

 

Abiodun Koya is a classical singer based in the United States. She is a poet, songwriter, actress and a philanthropist, who runs a non-governmental organization called The Courtesy Foundation. Koya was born and raised in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. Expectedly, she is proud of her heritage and regards herself as an ambassador of Nigeria. In this interview, she talks about her firsts. Enjoy.

Can you tell us about your first day as a singer? What was it like? Was there stage fright?

Gosh, I was six years old at that time. I wasn’t frightened. I was more excited about getting on stage to perform and entertain guests. It was so much fun and great pleasure back then! I was a kid who loved anything artsy.

First time singing for presidents? What was your experience like? 

Now, that was nerve racking. I must have prayed to God up to 10 million times and asked Him to help me. I also asked Him to send me angels to help me sing. I believe my prayers were answered right away because the performance was memorable and pleasing to all who heard it. So I have God to thank first for that opportunity and for the successful delivery of songs that day and ever since.

First time singing in Nigeria? And first time of having a concert in in the country?

I have sung at numerous events here in Nigeria and people over the years have urged me to have a concert of my own. I listened and so here I am having my first concert in Nigeria. It’s called The Frankincense Concert. The concert is an exclusive premium lifestyle event designed to showcase musical art performances and an interpretation of the beautiful Nigerian culture with a classical expression, which will take place during the Yuletide season. Orchestra music will power The Frankincense Concert and I will be delivering the ultimate Christmas concert experience to music lovers in Lagos. Recently as a prelude, I had entertained the Nigerian troops serving in the Lafiya Dole campaigns in Maiduguri, Borno State this past Independence Day.

Your first embarrassment in the course of your job?

Thank God I have never had any embarrassment. Laughs 

Your first trip abroad? 

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That was when I was a little over three years. My mum took me abroad to visit my dad who was studying for his postgraduate degree at that time.

What about your first pet?

Funny enough, I actually just recently got my first pets. They are two white Doves called Dovely and Wiggly. I love them so much, they are simply adorable. They are two interesting characters, they make my day!

Your first African dress on stage

Earlier on in my career, I designed some African dresses and gave the designers to my costumier to make. I wanted the designs to have my personality and to express my inner self and so I didn’t go for existing designers at first. I am actually a fashion designer in the making. I love the process of sending your imagination to work and then seeing the outcome in the end. It’s just a beautiful thing to be part of.

Your first car?

Ohhhhh I painted the town red with my first car! My first car was a Volkswagen beetle convertible also known as the bug. I would always have the roof top down and had colourful flowers placed on the dashboard. I also had a Vanity sunglasses box in which I kept up to 10 fancy sunglasses inside. This box was placed within my reach so that I could change sunglasses to suit my mood during the day. I also had all sorts of music collections in my first car, ranging from rock ‘n’ roll, to jazz, to classical music, to pop, to reggae, to African music and even Bollywood music!

Your first salary as a performer

My first salary as a performer was $500 and this was about 15 years ago. I remember that I was so thrilled and giddy that I called my brother up and told him how much I’d been paid. He said oh you haven’t said nothing, you’ll be earning more than that and that’s exactly what happened.

Your first time visiting Nigeria after you traveled abroad?   

I remember things had drastically changed, it was no longer the Nigeria I experienced during my childhood days and I was so busy soaking it all in. Things were so expensive and at the same time there was a fair amount of development.

Talk about your forthcoming event in Lagos.               

On Sunday, December 17 at the Intercontinental Hotel, I will hold a dinner classical concert titled The Frankincense Concert along with The Frankincense Orchestra and Choir. Throughout history, the heart of every celebration is the art of music. Classical music creates an ambiance that opens expressions of love, warmth and a divine connection in the most remarkable way possible. This concert will bring together the creme de la creme of the society, royalty, captains of industry, African leaders, movie and music icons.