Adeola Itandire Adebo aka Ire D Stage Devi is a budding musician destined for great things and one of the few promoting African culture through her music. In this interview with OLUSHOLA RICKETTS, she speaks on challenges, her new single and future plans.
When did you start music professionally?
I started music 10 years ago. Music for me is inborn; I knew what I wanted right from when I was very young. I like to make people smile.
How did you come about your stage name, Ire D Stage Devi?
Devi in Hindi means goddess; it means Ire the stage goddess. I have been able to represent the country at international event with my music. So, an Indian fan while performing said I looked like a devi on stage. That was how the name came about and I decided to add it to my name Ire.
Don’t you find the name strange?
There is nothing plain about Ire herself – from birth to her journey so far in life. Everything has always been strange and you need to get closer to know me well.
How would you rate your impact in showbiz?
In other parts of the world, especially the French-speaking countries, the acceptance is wonderful. In Nigeria the acceptance is coming gradually because people doing my kind of music, conscious music, are not really appreciated. Though I believe Nigerians love good music, the more they get to hear, the more mileage you get and that is the advantage other artistes have over us. My new single is on over 250 online stores right now and we are trying to reach out to more people in Nigeria. When you have something new, it takes people time to get used to it but the more you put it in their face the more they embrace it.
What is conscious music?
It is about morals in the society, the essence of our existence which is culture, history and values. Another name for what I do is folk music while some people call it traditional music. The music speaks to you and I see musicians as prophets.
What influenced your style of music?
I grew up with my grandparents in the Mushin area of Lagos, a ghetto. My grandma is from Oyo State while my grandpa was from Edo State. At home we listened to jazz, RnB, juju and conscious music. We also related with our local dialects a lot in the house. Yoruba and Edo languages come first in the house.
What is the name of your latest single?
It is entitled ‘Soko,’ a Calabar word and I got the inspiration from a song. We all have thresholds and it got to a stage in life that I was tired. I was fed up and the music just came out of nowhere. I decided to sing in Igbo, Yoruba, English and Calabar. Soko means calm down. I released the song two weeks ago and the reception has been great. People are talking about it and they can’t wait for the video to come out. It is danceable and it makes sense at the same time, which is very hard to see in most songs these days.
So there were times you wanted to quit music?
I was tired at some point but I never stopped making music. My kind of music is expensive; every musician needs sponsors. When an artiste is not signed to a record label in Nigeria, it makes things difficult. There is promotion, recording, making videos among others. When you are doing other jobs to support your music, you are not happy and it affects creativity. The time to rehearse and create something good is not available. I have about 500 composed songs, so I never stopped making music.
When do you plan to drop your album?
I am still working on my album but I have many singles. I plan to drop it very soon; we want to explore the promotion of ‘Soko’ starting with the audio and then video next.
How lucrative is music for you?
The word lucrative is relative because I’m passionate about music. The satisfaction I get from my fans, messages on social media pages make me fulfilled. Someone told me that she didn’t plan to have kids in life but there was a song of mine that influenced her. It changed her life and she decided to be a mother. It was a very good testimony for me; that is a huge payment and the essence of why I chose this profession. I do export music so I attend festivals a lot, showcasing my materials anywhere in the world. People pay for it because it is what they don’t know. I sell my culture to you and you have no choice than to buy from me. I have been in places like the Gambia, Senegal, Benin and Ghana among others.
Who do you look up to in the industry?
Angelique Kidjo is number one. I am in contact with her brother, though I am yet to meet her. Her brother is a producer and I plan to work with him. I would love to do something with Kidjo someday too. She is so particular about her origin, she is never ashamed to show who she is. She is one of the biggest exporters of music in Africa to the world. She has the Grammy award to her credit too and that is huge.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to make sure the message I am preaching is accepted in every home. We should be proud of who we are; we are Africans. We have good music here in Africa, it is not just about women, drinking and sex. We have good sounds that if the world gets hold of, they would take them away from us. Having this message in every home and making every child comfortable in their skin is an honour for me. I want to be able to train other people too.
Don’t you think people could link your music to idol worshipping?
I studied music and we have different genres. In developed countries there is room for every genre of music. My genre of music has nothing to do with religion. I am not a traditionalist; I am like a poet. I give life to something and make people feel appreciated. I am just a cultured Christian.
Where did you study music?
I studied music at the Peter King’s College of Music, Badagry. I studied flute and theory of music.
It was reported King is battling with an illness; what is his state of his health now?
He is getting support from his students, loved ones and family. People like that shouldn’t be left alone when they are weak because of what they’ve done for the society. When it comes to music, he is a living legend.
What were those things you learnt from him?
It is all about practice to Peter King. He believes that the more you practice the better you become.
What happens if your husband asks you to leave music for family?
A man that is intimidated by me is one I am not interested in in the first place. He met me while I was doing music and he wants me to drop it for marriage?
What are the qualities you want in a man?
He must have conscience; I want a man who thinks not just for himself but for others too. He must have a goal and purpose. He must be understanding, supportive and God fearing. Find yourself as a man, find God then come and find me.
Have you found that man?
I am not even searching right now. I am sure he knows where I am; when the time is right he would come my way.
Could you recollect a cooking blunder you’ve made?
I am a very good cook and I love home food. But growing up and even till date it is always disastrous making pap (Akamu). It is always watery; I would have to boil it on the gas for it look good.
