I’m small but mighty–Naomi Mac

Naomi Mac was one of Nigerian Idol finalists in 2011. She tells Saturday Beats about her career

How would you describe the feedback you have got since the release of your latest song, My heart?

Well, the response I have been receiving has been very nice and I was actually surprised at the reception I got, especially after the Nigerian Idol competition. The feedback has been quite interesting and very encouraging.

Has the lesson you learnt in Nigerian Idols added any value to your career?

Of course it has. I learnt a lot from Nigerian Idol and I also have some personal experience. I have learnt a lot and I am currently learning a lot from my record label and all this put together has really shaped my life and my music.

How did you become a singer?

It started at the age of seven. I started officially in church. After my sister started singing, I joined her and some friends and we formed a group. After like 10 years singing with them, we went our separate ways. I went to school and when I was through with schooling, I decided that I wanted to do music full time, so I went for Nigerian Idol. When the auditioning started in 2011, I decided to give it a shot and I went on to become one of the finalists. After the competition, I started a solo career. It has been about five years now.

Did your parents support your decision to do music?

Fortunately for me, my parents have music background, so they supported me from the start and they have been doing so till date. Everyone in my family can sing, so they have that understanding and music background. They don’t see music as a lazy man’s work; they see it as a very serious job. They support me all the way and I am really grateful to them.

How would you describe your childhood?

I really like that part of my life. Growing up was quite interesting. I actually grew up in Ajegunle, not the one in Ikorodu, but the real Ajegunle in Apapa. It was quite interesting to run around with other kids, it was really cool and I am glad I had the experience because it has added to who I am today. It has helped to shape my life. My experience in Ajegunle has really helped me. Growing up was fun for me.

How often do you visit Ajegunle?

I have not been there in a while but I try my best to make sure I don’t forget my root. That was where I learnt to speak pidgin English. I try to infuse a lot of pidgin English in my music and try to make reference to my past in Ajegunle. I plan to do a lot of projects that would better the lives of the people living there soon.

Are you still friends with the people you played with while you were growing up in Ajegunle?

There is a saying that says “20 children cannot play together for 20 years” but I do not think because I am becoming a star, I will abandon all my friends. I still maintain a cordial relationship with the people; I have their contacts.

How would you describe your genre of music?

Generally, I’m very versatile because I’m a Nigerian and as such, I would do my RnB in an African way. Same is applicable to other genre of music like hip-hop, soul, jazz and rock but my major focus is on RnB.

Are you done with schooling?

No. Right now, I am still in school studying Theater Arts at the University of Lagos.

Don’t you think your small stature works against you?

On the contrary, I love my stature and I see it is a selling point. I love myself the way I am and I believe God has a reason for creating me like this. I call myself forever young.

How will you define your style?

I would say it is simply gorgeous. I love rocking Ankara prints; whatever I wear has to be something that has to do with Africa somehow.

If you have the opportunity to do an international collaboration, who will you want to sing with?

A couple of people come to mind but first I will have to go with Alicia Keys because I love her style; she inspires me.

Do you write your songs?

I write my songs and I am also open to other people writing for me. Sometimes I may have ideas and other times, I may not. I think it is okay to ask someone that has ideas to let me have the song and I will work on it.

What is your opinion on the constant beef happening among artistes in the industry?

To me, the beef in the industry looks like publicity stunts. I say it is a publicity stunt because when two artistes who beef each other probably on the social media or in their songs meet, they hug. You would notice that during the ‘beef, they already have about 50,000 more followers on social media and that is a good one for them. So I think those kinds of constructive beef should be used sometimes.

How do you feel when you read negative stories about yourself?

There is always a good comment out of about ten comments posted about a person. When people tell me what they read about me on blogs like me having a long neck, I reply them that it is because I am a model. I pick something good from negative comments. I appreciate every sincere comment because it is only going to make me better. But as for my long neck, I love it and it makes me really pretty.

What will you say is your unique selling point?

Like I said before, it is my stature and my voice even though a lot of people will say I am too small, but I am mighty. Often times, I have had to correct that statement; it is actually small and mighty. My stature is a plus and I am really happy for that.

What are your plans for 2016?

I am going to release more songs and also my album too. I am seriously working on my album and it is going to be released this year.

Are you going to feature an A-list artiste?

I have some artistes I will love to feature and my label also has a surprise for everyone, but all I can say is that one female international act will be featured in my album.