Talented music sensation and actress, Ify Arinze is set to dazzle music lovers with her tunes. A former member of music divas called IBAN girls, Ify chose to go solo to make name. The Auchi, Edo brought up condemned Lesbianism in Nollywood in all its entirety and declared she can’t trade her body for fame. Excerpts:
When did you start off as a musician?
I started music fully in 2006. I formerly used to belong to a group, Iban girls, before I left them to be on my own.
What does music mean to you?
Music means everything to me, I sleep, eat, breathe, and live music. I have always loved music.
Who do you look up to in the industry?
Internationally, I look up to Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, and Whitney Houston. Locally, Onyeka Onwenu, Christy Essien-Igbokwe and Asa inspire me.
How do you get inspiration for your songs?
My inspiration is from God and love. Most of my songs are about love, I write about my feelings, experiences and surrounding.
When should we expect your album?
There is no definite date for now, but I promise you will be first to know when the time comes.
What genre of music do you play and why did you choose that?
I do all genre of music, hip hop, R&B, Dancehall, high life, and a little of rap.
How come you have not hit it big in music?
All good things don’t come easy. You will have to work your way to the top. I am not in a rush to drop an album because everybody is doing so, I want to make an album that will cut across the globe and get to everyone. I am working on something that will be worth the wait.
Are you signed to any record label?
Not at the moment.
Why is it that you are not interested in doing that?
I was once on a label called Rhymesquad entertainment, but things didn’t work out because of a clause that wasn’t in my best interest. So, I decided to do things on my own, pending when I get a better offer.
How long do you think it will take?
I don’t know, I just need to make things better for myself and close a deal that will boost my career.
You are also an actress, when did you begin acting?
I started acting in 2003. I did a couple of movies, like Bumper 2 Bumper, Blames of memories, Strange affections, Died for conscience, Sweet love, Love and marriage, Bed of roses, Drifted dreams, Richest man among others.
Which one do you prefer, acting or singing?
I love music more, although music and acting work hand in hand. I love both, but acting is interpreting a character that isn’t you, while music, they say is soul food. Music helps express me unlike movie where I interpret another person’s character.
What is your view about Nollywood?
There is a lot of improvement in Nollywood, when you watch movies like Ije, Anchor baby, The Figurine, Through the glass, you will marvel at the level of creativity and quality of the pictures. With just little adjustments, we will be there. It is just like saying, we are not where we want to be, neither are we where we are supposed to be, nor are we what we ought to be, but thank God we have gone far above what we used to be.
What are you working on at the moment?
I am working on my album and planning my video, my single will hit the airwaves soon.
Who among your family supported your musical journey?
My siblings, mum and dad didn’t approve at first but now they are adjusting to it, because they have come to see how much joy it gives me . So far so good, they have been very supportive.
What challenges have you been facing since you started out as a musician?
Remaining focused and determined, the ability to forget about the huddles because they will always be there. The question I ask myself is how bad I want it, how determined am I? Nobody said it was going to be easy, so despite the challenges, my determination will see me through them.
How did you handle these challenges to get to the peak of your career?
I remain passionate about what I do and try not to be distracted or discouraged with what is going on negatively.
Where do you see yourself in three years?
I see myself on top collecting Grammies, Oscars, you name it.
What kind of relationship do you have with your fellow artistes?
I have a very cordial relationship with my fellow artistes. That is as far as it goes.
How would you describe yourself socially?
I am an extrovert, lively, confident, playful and I love being around people.
Who had the greatest influence on you as a child?
My grandmum, Mrs. Gold Ijeamaka Arinze.
Do you have regrets about your life and career?
No. There are rough times in life, agreed, but not enough to have regrets. I see them as part of my experience towards attaining the goals I have set for myself.
What has music done for you financially?
Not enough compared to what we deserve as artistes but I believe we are getting there.
Have you accomplished as an artiste?
Exposure, experience, connections and good friends.
Are you planning on taking acting full time?
Not really. This is because if I take movie full time, I won’t have time for my music which happens to be my first love.
What do you love most about singing?
The satisfaction I get while on stage and studio is fulfilling. Getting good sponsors and overcoming this thing about male dominance in the industry thrills me as an artiste.
Any embarrassing moment?
Yes. When I was with my group IBAN, we were performing on stage when the zip of my trousers went down. I was so embarrassed and I lost concentration while trying to hold my trousers and still do my routine dance with my group. It was very unconfortable and embarrassing.
What are your views about young ladies who trade their bodies for fame?
Our society frowns at it, but we are responsible for the choices we make. So, whatever choice these young ladies make, they should learn to live with the consequences. Don’t blame it on anybody most expecially the society.
Would you do that if you have the opportunity?
No I won’t. It is not because I am judging those who do it, but because I wasn’t brought up that way and I wasn’t taught that way. I believe in merit, it is fulfilling to know you got something because you deserved it and worked your ass out for it and not because you gave somebody something for it.
Your love life?
I have a very healthy, interesting and active love life.
Who is your ideal man and why?
I love a good listener. A man who gets me will be supportive of my career, with good sense of humour. He would also be a God-fearing man that will respect and stand by me at all times, he must be a man who respects the word woman.
How do you deal with romantic heartbreaks?
It is part of life and inevitable. Once or twice in a life-time, we get our hearts broken as women, but we must learn to let go and move on with our lives. All you have to do is analyze your mistakes so as not to repeat them again.
How do you handle your fans?
I relate to them as much as I can, and I am open to their opinions, critics and suggestions and I take the reasonable corrections.
Describe yourself in three words?
Determined, focused and passionate.
Do you unwind?
I soak myself in a bath tub with some chilled wine and soulful music playing on the back ground while I read my novel. I love daniel steels collections. That is how I catch my fun when I am not working.
How were you described as a child?
Lovable, charming, intelligent, funny and full of life.
Are you pursuing your childhood dream?
Yes, I have always loved showbiz as a child and I am happy I am doing it.
Did you love going to school as a child?
Yes, I loved it.
Any phobia?
Height and cats. They scare me to bits.
What would you say about lesbianism in Nollywood?
I am short of words on that issue. I guess it is just their sexuality, but it is bad. God created Adam and Eve to engage in sex as a man and a woman and not man to man or woman to woman. So, when women indulge in such act, they are only telling God He made a mistake when creating them which is a big sin.
Have you been approached by one?
Yes. On several occasions.
Would you engage in it for the sake of money and connection?
No, because it is not the only way to make money and get connections. There are other honest means of getting to the top, and if it is the only way, I will rather stay without money and connections.
What are you worth now as a showbiz person?
Not as much as I desire but I am getting there.
Can you date someone you have just met once?
Yes. If I feel some connection with that person.
What would you do if your man insists you quit your career?
It is dicey. For a man that loves me to say that, knowing how happy my career makes me, There must be a very good reason. He must explain to me why I should give up what I love doing for him and if it is reasonable enough, I just might quit my career. It is one of those things we do for love.
Won’t you regret that?
I have no room for regrets in my life. I always move forward.
Can love make you fight over a man?
Never, because the things that are worth fighting for won’t make you fight to get them. Anything you get by fighting for it, will always make you fight to keep it. How long can a lady do that? Have you thought about how exhausting it can be?
Why did you leave Iban girls?
Nothing. I just wanted to do things on my own. We didn’t quarrel or fight for anything as alleged. I just wanted to follow my heart and we discussed my departure. They saw reasons with me and I left.
Can you do a collabo with them if need be?
Of course. I can do a collabo with them. We were more than friends, so working together anytime, any day is not a problem.
What do you consider success as a person?
Success is this feeling of fulfillment. It is about dreams reached, height attained and the life that were touched by you. That is what I consider success.
Tell us about yourself
My names are Arinze Ifeyinwa Charity, popularly called Ify. Musically, my stage name is E’phy. I am in my 20’s and was born into a family of seven 3 boys and 4 girls. I was born and brought up in Auchi, Edo state. I am from Ifite Nnibo in Awka Local Government Area of Anambra State. I studied criminology in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo state. I am an easy going person , I think before I do things, I have a lot of friends who like me and see me as cool, so I will say I am cool.
Any last words for your fans?
I want to say a very big thanks to all of you for ur support, encouragement and for believing in my dreams. There is and wouldn’t have been me without you guys, you guys rock, I love you all.
Story by KATE HALIM
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