Jessica Bongos Ikwue is the daughter of popular seventies
Nigerian music star Bongos Ikwue – known for songs such as Mariama,
Still Searching and penning the soundtrack to eighties soap Cockcrow At
Dawn. Jessica herself has turned to music as a profession and speaks to Naij.com on the possibility of being over-shadowed by her dad’s fame and the challenges of being an upcoming singer-songwriter. She is currently based in Abuja.
How much of your love of music is based on your dad’s influence?
I sang backing vocals for years for my dad and he always tried to convince me to take music more seriously. He started giving me solos on some of his songs, so I wasn’t just “oooh-ing” and “aaah-ing” anymore. I guess, getting that sort of endorsement from him made me feel that I was actually good enough to be a professional musician.
A lot of my love for music is based on his influence because he listened to a lot of music in his car and around the house growing up. Really good music too. He also played his guitar and sang to us all the time. So, I heard a lot of good music growing up. It’s almost impossible to not be a music lover if you grew up in my household.
When did you decide to pursue music professionally?
I’ve always loved music. Almost obsessed with it, in fact. But I never thought I would ever make music or perform live on stage. I decided a little over two years ago (after a lot of contemplating as I had my reservations about choosing this career path) that I was going to focus on music one hundred percent.
What was the first song you wrote? Did you record it?
The first song I wrote was You Left Me. I did record it. It was my debut single and was released in July 2013. I had some help writing it from a friend called Adebola Rayo.
Have you produced an album since then and are you signed to a label?
I have a five song EP (extended play – shorter than an album, longer than a single) out. It is called Unscathed and was produced by Atta Lenell. All five songs are available for free download on my website www.jessicabongos.com. Work on my debut album commences this year and hopefully, it will be ready between July and September of 2016. I’m looking to release a new single before the year ends. No, I’m not signed to a record label.
Right now, you are more or less what the industry would refer
to as an independent artist. Do you have plans of going mainstream?
If by mainstream, you mean, being considered acceptable by a majority of people, then yes, I would love to go mainstream. I don’t think there is any artist in the world that wouldn’t want to. My goal is to reach as many people as possible with my music.
Which mainstream acts have you performed with? What was your most memorable time on stage?
I haven’t had that opportunity yet. Well, except for Bongos Ikwue. Every single time I’ve been on stage has been my most memorable. I kid you not. This is not a diplomatic answer. From the time when I was so nervous that my sister had to give me a shot of only God knows what to calm my nerves before I got on stage (and I don’t drink alcohol!! So that was a big deal) to times when I’ve forgotten my lyrics on stage or expressed genuine shock that someone in the audience was actually singing along to one of my songs. Someone actually knows the lyrics to my song??? I hold every single stage memory very dear to my heart and I always make sure to take something from it. Learn from it and grow from it. My dad always says, “A showman is only as good as his last show.” I interpret that as no matter how good or bad your last show was, there is always room for improvement. So, even if I come off stage feeling pumped and excited, the plan is to do better at my next performance and feel even more pumped and excited after the next performance.
Lagos is known as the hub for recording artists, especially does that wish to appeal to a larger audience but you currently practice your profession in Abuja. How easy or difficult has it been? Is it financially satisfying?
It’s not easy if I’m being honest. But who’s to say it would be any easier in Lagos? As for it being financially satisfying, hmmm, not yet but I’m positive about the future.
What is the best deal you could make music-wise?
Be signed to a record label that respects me as a creative artist and respects the decisions I make regarding my music and all artistic projects, one that isn’t looking to change me but accepts me as the artist that I am. I’m willing to compromise on certain things of course, but as an artist, staying true to myself is of the utmost importance. Yes, money is good, but what’s the point of following your dreams and making what you actually love your career if at the end of the day, you have to do it only for other people and end up detesting the job? I might as well go and apply for a bank job.
Are you scared of your father’s popularity overshadowing yours?
No, I’m not. I’m just thankful that he’s here to teach me and guide me. I’m just a sponge soaking everything up.
How was it growing up with a famous dad? Were there certain expectations placed on you?
It was very normal actually. I don’t think any expectations were placed on me at all. People would occasionally ask, “Ah, you’re Bongos’s daughter? Do you sing too?” But, that was it.
Apart from your dad, who are your other influences?
Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder, Etta James, Jill Scott, Dolly Parton, Nina Simone, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Norah Jones. The list is longer but I decided to keep it short.
How would you describe your genre of music?
It’s simply soul music.
Do you play any instrument? Which ones and how often do you practice?
I started learning how to play the piano as a child but stopped in primary six. I really really wish I hadn’t. I’m seriously considering picking up a few instruments now. My instruments of interest are the guitar, the bass guitar and the piano.
Define your style.
I think it’s evolving but I lean more towards classic retro styles. Regardless of style, I love beautifully made clothing that enhances the body. Anything that makes me feel confident, classy, elegant and beautiful. It’s funny because I think my music is a reflection of my style too; Classy, elegant and slightly conservative.
Jessica Bongos-Ikwue
I sang backing vocals for years for my dad and he always tried to convince me to take music more seriously. He started giving me solos on some of his songs, so I wasn’t just “oooh-ing” and “aaah-ing” anymore. I guess, getting that sort of endorsement from him made me feel that I was actually good enough to be a professional musician.
A lot of my love for music is based on his influence because he listened to a lot of music in his car and around the house growing up. Really good music too. He also played his guitar and sang to us all the time. So, I heard a lot of good music growing up. It’s almost impossible to not be a music lover if you grew up in my household.
When did you decide to pursue music professionally?
I’ve always loved music. Almost obsessed with it, in fact. But I never thought I would ever make music or perform live on stage. I decided a little over two years ago (after a lot of contemplating as I had my reservations about choosing this career path) that I was going to focus on music one hundred percent.
What was the first song you wrote? Did you record it?
The first song I wrote was You Left Me. I did record it. It was my debut single and was released in July 2013. I had some help writing it from a friend called Adebola Rayo.
Have you produced an album since then and are you signed to a label?
I have a five song EP (extended play – shorter than an album, longer than a single) out. It is called Unscathed and was produced by Atta Lenell. All five songs are available for free download on my website www.jessicabongos.com. Work on my debut album commences this year and hopefully, it will be ready between July and September of 2016. I’m looking to release a new single before the year ends. No, I’m not signed to a record label.
Right now, you are more or less what the industry would refer
to as an independent artist. Do you have plans of going mainstream?If by mainstream, you mean, being considered acceptable by a majority of people, then yes, I would love to go mainstream. I don’t think there is any artist in the world that wouldn’t want to. My goal is to reach as many people as possible with my music.
Which mainstream acts have you performed with? What was your most memorable time on stage?
I haven’t had that opportunity yet. Well, except for Bongos Ikwue. Every single time I’ve been on stage has been my most memorable. I kid you not. This is not a diplomatic answer. From the time when I was so nervous that my sister had to give me a shot of only God knows what to calm my nerves before I got on stage (and I don’t drink alcohol!! So that was a big deal) to times when I’ve forgotten my lyrics on stage or expressed genuine shock that someone in the audience was actually singing along to one of my songs. Someone actually knows the lyrics to my song??? I hold every single stage memory very dear to my heart and I always make sure to take something from it. Learn from it and grow from it. My dad always says, “A showman is only as good as his last show.” I interpret that as no matter how good or bad your last show was, there is always room for improvement. So, even if I come off stage feeling pumped and excited, the plan is to do better at my next performance and feel even more pumped and excited after the next performance.
Lagos is known as the hub for recording artists, especially does that wish to appeal to a larger audience but you currently practice your profession in Abuja. How easy or difficult has it been? Is it financially satisfying?
It’s not easy if I’m being honest. But who’s to say it would be any easier in Lagos? As for it being financially satisfying, hmmm, not yet but I’m positive about the future.
What is the best deal you could make music-wise?
Be signed to a record label that respects me as a creative artist and respects the decisions I make regarding my music and all artistic projects, one that isn’t looking to change me but accepts me as the artist that I am. I’m willing to compromise on certain things of course, but as an artist, staying true to myself is of the utmost importance. Yes, money is good, but what’s the point of following your dreams and making what you actually love your career if at the end of the day, you have to do it only for other people and end up detesting the job? I might as well go and apply for a bank job.
Bongos Ikwue
No, I’m not. I’m just thankful that he’s here to teach me and guide me. I’m just a sponge soaking everything up.
How was it growing up with a famous dad? Were there certain expectations placed on you?
It was very normal actually. I don’t think any expectations were placed on me at all. People would occasionally ask, “Ah, you’re Bongos’s daughter? Do you sing too?” But, that was it.
Apart from your dad, who are your other influences?
Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder, Etta James, Jill Scott, Dolly Parton, Nina Simone, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Norah Jones. The list is longer but I decided to keep it short.
How would you describe your genre of music?
It’s simply soul music.
Do you play any instrument? Which ones and how often do you practice?
I started learning how to play the piano as a child but stopped in primary six. I really really wish I hadn’t. I’m seriously considering picking up a few instruments now. My instruments of interest are the guitar, the bass guitar and the piano.
Define your style.
I think it’s evolving but I lean more towards classic retro styles. Regardless of style, I love beautifully made clothing that enhances the body. Anything that makes me feel confident, classy, elegant and beautiful. It’s funny because I think my music is a reflection of my style too; Classy, elegant and slightly conservative.
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