KSA means everything to me-Folake Adebayo

Princess Folake Adebayo Dada is the leader of African Rhythm Band and is known as a female juju singer with two decades experience. In this interview with YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE and KEHINDE AKINSEINDE, the Ondo princess talks about life as a female in a male world, marital life and musical career. Excerpts:

 

Professional background
I started with late Babatunde Willougby as a back-up singer about 20 years ago. From there, I moved to Eko Le’ Meridian Hotel as a vocalist in their in-house band. Then I moved to Sheraton Hotel,  followed by the Federal Palace Hotel. In 2003, I started my band and in 2008, I released a record titled; His Grace which is a mix of juju and gospel.
Challenges
It has not been easy at all. It has been tough because it is a man’s world. And it’s rare seeing women in music dominated by men. As a woman, you have to prove to people that you know your onions. It is God alone that can help one get to where he or she dreams of going in an industry that is kind of gender biased. It has not been easy but thank God and also my husband that have been supporting me all the way.

Motivation
I was envouraged into singing juju music by some friends and colleagues. I guess they saw in me what I couldn’t see. Then I used to sing Hip Hop, Pop, Jazz and those genres of music but a friend  told me that from what she could see, I could sing juju with little effort and I only needed to work on the lyrics. There and then, I ventured into juju music. 

Also King Sunny Ade encouraged me.  He is my father, my mentor and everything to me. I  have other mentors too who have done a lot to encourage me in my chosen career.

Style
My style is a deliberate attempt to create a brand for myself. Being a princess and an African woman, I have a particular way I wanted to look. My beaded hairstyle signifies royalty and my dress is traditional, being an African.

Beginning
I started singing as a kid in a church choir.  I loved singing right from when I was a young girl. The gift is inbuilt. My mum was a prophetess in the Apostolic Church. My grandmother was also a prophetess, they both sing very well. Music runs in the family.

Inspiration
My husband

Relationship with male admirers
There has been no harassment because I know what I’m doing and confident in what I do. There has been no challenge in dealing with male colleagues and admirers. I always tell them that I am married. They are my fathers and elder brothers. I am friendly with everyone.

Any harassment on stage. 
I always guard my body with my hand when men spray me with money on stage. Anyone who wants to spray me money can only spray on my shoulder and not below.

Most embarrassing moment
That should be five or six years ago. I was to perform at Ijebu Ode. My instruments got there late. The man that engaged  me for the event started shouting on me and calling me names. It was not my fault in a way because I was there early but my instruments were delayed. I started crying because I didn’t know what to do.

 

Happiest moment on stage.
It is not when I count lots of money but when I sing and people are enjoying themselves. It is not always about money but seeing satisfaction on the face of my fans. 

What you intend to add to juju music.
I intend to use sophisticated instruments which have been imported into the country to add quality into my music. Also, the production and the recording of my music would be handled by professionals who know what they are doing. 

Managing career and home?
It has not been easy. You know as a mother, you have to take care of the children. You can’t neglect your home because you are a singer. My family comes first before any other thing. If my husband says I should stop singing, I will stop because he is my life, he is my home.

When do you intend to retire?
I can never retire from music. Music is my life.
Music instrument you can use?
I  can beat the Bata drum very well. Being an African musician, Bata is one of the musical instrument peculiar to our traditional music. I beat the ‘Iya’ of bata drum.