A widely acclaimed player in the music scene in the United States, Nigerian-American, Janelia was caught-up with in Lagos and sat down with Naija Chit-Chat for this revealing exclusive.
Please give us an insight into your person.
I am a Nigerian-American singer, songwriter and a performing artist. Three words to describe me would be creative, personable and compassionate. Basically I’m down to earth, I no dey form. I have a passion for music and I love people, even the not so good ones; I pray for them. I also enjoy cooking and I’m known to host the best house parties, invite only, (she laughs!)
How long have you been into music and what propelled you into it?
I’ve been doing music professionally for 10 years. I have always been drawn to music and the arts as a child and wrote my first song when I was 9 years old. Music is one of my few passions, especially singing live with my band. Making music has always been a part of who I am and will continue to be a part of me.
What’s your genre and who did you decide to go into this style?
My genre of music is a beautiful fusion of soul and Afro-pop (or like we call it in Nigeria, Naija hip-hop). My music embodies the Nigerian-American that I truly am. I have the ability to move fluidly between genres, this is why you will hear funky, soulful and afro rhythms in my song writing and vocal delivery. Now that I have teamed up with some of Nigeria’s A list producers such as Young D and Fliptyce, I feel the sky is not my limit but my starting point.
USA is the music capital of the world, since last year, you have been in Nigeria; why this decision and what do you hope to accomplish outside the US?
After I finished secondary school in Nigeria and decided to further my education in the United States, my plan was to return after my studies so that I may give back to my community and contribute to the progress of Nigeria. It is time to come back home! Other than doing music I am also passionate about helping those that are less fortunate, and want to continue my philanthropy work in Nigeria as I have started in the U.S. I am grateful for God’s blessings in my life and it is simply time to give back to my beloved country. I feel Nigeria needs me and this will become evident as time goes on.
So how has your music been doing in the markets?
My past releases have done well on iTunes for an independent artist. We will see how the Nigerian market will embrace my music in the long run but so far the response has been great and I’m looking forward to even greater responses.
When do you hope to return to the US?
I am what you call a Jet-setter. I fly back and forth across the ocean as necessary; it all depends on what music and my other businesses call for. Nigeria is my home so Nigeria will always be my base.
How do fans get to buy your music.
All my music is available to my fans worldwide through iTunes & most international digital download outlets. It will soon be available through Caller Tunes, Spinlet and other digital music distribution in Nigeria. Once my album drops later this year it will be available on the streets but for now you can find “Sexy Nana” on many mix tapes on the streets. Also it’s free when you join my official mailing list. I like to provide this free download so that I can have direct access to my fans through my mailing list. I send timely updates to my fans and make sure I respond to their feedback because they are the ones for whom I make music.
Janelia's Links:
Website: http://www.janeliasoul.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/janeliasoul
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janeliafan
Official Email List: https://www.facebook.com/janeliafan
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sexy-nana-single/id840260955
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