Delectable Fragrance Tsema Kayoh sent
tongues wagging on the music scene when she hit the music scene with her
unique, mellow sultry voice. The Warri, Delta State-born Artist ,Model
and Actress spoke to Austin Aniekie about her burgeoning music career
and other sundry issues.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE WORLD OF MUSIC?
Is there a world without music? (laughing) If you meant doing this professionally, I guess it was when I took the bold step to leave my comfort zone at home in Warri, Nigeria and came to the music capital of Nigeria which is Lagos. Gordons, the comedian gave I and a friend Ena Ofugara’s number. He was the manager at a record company and I got signed and released my début album SO LOVELY within six months of the meeting. That was sometime in 2006
WHY POP FOR YOU?
Pop is popular music. I think I am talented enough to do any genre. It is how the song comes to me really. I hardly say “Fragrance, you should do a hip hop song now” It is how the inspiration comes and how the producers interpret the song I wrote, and overall, when you listen to the tracks on Now & Forever, you will find that they are all different and cut across genres.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS WORKED FOR YOU SINCE YOU GOT INTO MUSIC?
Tenacity. Persistence. perseverance, resilience, focus and faith in me and my mission. Talent isn’t even half the journey. Persistence and a never say die spirit is what I will say has gotten me this far (aside God of course) If you know the distance from where I live to my favourite producer’s place (Bayo Cean Joseph) you will understand what I am saying. And then I didn’t even have a car. Sometimes I had to take public transport as in buses with market women going to Iju in Lagos. I did not say “I have no money for taxi so I am not going to Bjay’s studio today” I get up and move nevertheless.
WHAT GIVES YOU STRENGTH AS A MUSICIAN?
God. It has to be God on this one. The challenges are plethora and you feel like giving up. God immediately infuses me with spiritual glucose and I have all the strength I need. (Laughs) Plus I watch a Beyonce Video or top rated performance and I say “Fragrance, get up. You can be like that pretty talented singer right there. She too cannot be having it as easy as it seems”
DON’T YOU THINK THAT MIGHT SOON GET INTO YOUR HEAD?
To my head as in success? If you have recorded in the same studio with 2Face Idibia and seen how humble that legend is, you will learn to be humble. The only thing that gets into this head is good advice from people who know and wish me well
WITH THESE ENTIRE BIG DREAMS DON’T YOU THINK YOU MIGHT LOSE FOCUS?
Indeed the dreams are big. I see the Grammies in the horizon and that will keep you focused more than anything. It is like keeping your eye on the ball.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT MUSIC PROJECT?
My current music project is NOW AND FOREVER which is my sophomore album. It is a seventeen tracker with a lot of collaborations from such acts as Rymzo, 2face Idibia, Adol, Longjohns, Brace, Sweetdee, and productions from Puffy T, Bjay, Rymzo, Kaka and Tony Ross
WHAT HAS BEEN THE PUBLIC’S RECEPTION SO FAR TO THE RELEASE OF YOUR NEW ALBUM?
Highly expectant. Warm, supportive…..The calls just doesn’t stop. The singles have been well received and are readily available online, you should soon be able to buy them on itunes, jamster etc.
ANY MESSAGE BEHIND THAT?
My message has always been about love. In WE BE ONE, I tried to heal relationships with lines like “Me and you be one as long as there is love, affection and trust nothing can separate the two of us” in Now And Forever I had lines like “cos when I look into the future, all I see is you and me, that’s why I want to paint this picture, just to show it is signed and sealed.” In Yahweh and Oritse Mi. I sang about God’s love. So i will say my message is love.
WHAT IS YOUR GOAL AS A MUSICIAN?
Entertain and spread a message of lasting love which is why my album is titled NOW AND FOREVER. Of course it is showbiz so I intend to get paid while doing this of course as well as touch as many people as I can in positive ways.
WOULD YOU SAY YOU ARE ALREADY REAPING THE BENEFITS OF BEING A MUSICAL ARTISTE?
Indeed I am in more ways than one. However I still feel i am still at the planting stage and “reaping” will follow shortly
WHAT CHALLENGES COME WITH BEING A MUSICAL ARTISTE?
In Nigeria, it is hydra-headed. From funds to piracy. Asides that, making music is fun.
WHAT DRIVES YOUR PASSION FOR MUSIC?
The talent. I heard this preaching about the Ten Talents and I am determined to tell God when I meet him that “God, you gave me this great singing voice and I did use it”
IF YOU WERE NOT A MUSICAL ARTISTE, WHAT OTHER CAREER WOULD YOU HAVE CHOSEN?
Acting. I totally adore Genevieve. I will say that is really my first love and they say I have the looks and talent for it. I am pursuing it but not as actively as I am the music, music remains my passion.
IS IT TRUE THAT ARTISTES PAY PIRATES TO PIRATE THEIR SONGS?
If you paid a pirate, it won’t then be piracy would it? Indeed artistes are known to give money to marketers or “pirates” in Alaba to include their songs in mixes and selections which the average Nigerian prefers to buy. I hear it is a cheaper route as radio deejays are known to demand a lot of money to play your songs on radio. It is a route i have not tried though.
DO YOU THINK YOU CAN BE AS HOT AS P SQUARE, ASHA AND CO?
Honestly and without pride? Truthfully? I am better. If I didn’t think so, I wouldn’t be doing this. Self belief is key (laughing) I honestly don’t look at acts from this shores as targets. I look way beyond. I listen to Mariah Carey and say “Fragrance…that is the middle point. You can even go higher.”
DO YOU AGREE WITH THOSE WHO SAY FEMALE ARTISTES ARE NOT AS HOT AS THE MALE? .
Emphasis on the “hot”…hot being accepted by the public right now. But if you said good, I will point to SLK, Esther of Resonance, Eva (“Done did it” rapper), Omawumi, Tiwa Savage and ask you to name the “hot” boys with as much vocal ability. The Nigerian market totally likes rowdy music with exclamations like “Chineke me”, “Chai” “Kondo” “Kabakaba’ and girls will sound weird doing such songs. I mean imagine a girl singing “Show Me The Koko” and how immediately the public will perceive her. This is the advantage the boys are having. However, I really don’t think a lot sing as well as some of the girls who are not even visible.
WHAT DO YOU HATE ABOUT MUSIC AS A CAREER?
The fact that it is so expensive. The videos and promotion cost a tonne and the rewards not immediate financially, on the positive though, I do this because I have faith in the Nigerian Music Industry and believe Nigeria has talent equal and more than foreign artistes and as the Entertainment industry streamlines and grows, it can only get better.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT MUSIC AS A CAREER?
The fact you get preferential treatment anywhere you go. What else will I be doing to be adorning front pages of National dailies here in Nigeria and being told by People you never knew you would ever be able to shake their hands that they are your fans and call their children to come out and meet you and they are all so excited. I wouldn’t trade that quickly I tell you.
WHY HAVEN’T YOU PITCHED YOUR TENT WITH MALVIN RECORD OR KENNIS MUSIC?
Don Jazzy sent me a text that said I had a great voice and I know how happy I was receiving that text cos frankly, I consider him a genius and larger in life. However, I haven’t received solid offers from either. I am sure their hands are full with the immense talents on their various stables. I am Independent for now and God is my record label. (Laughing)
TELL US YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR MANAGEMENT?
Fantastic. When I left my last label, I asked the guy who gave me my break at the label to keep believing in me and continue the work he started. He (Ena Ofugara) and Chris Onecha have been doing all of the running around from the start. I however have included the vastly knowledgeable Molly Kazeem-Jones of Duchess PR to handle my PR as visibility is most essential. So you want to reach me? Duchess PR. (Laughing)
WE HEARD YOU’RE WORKING WITH DUCHESS PR TO PROMOTE UK AND NAIJA PRESENCE, TELL US ABOUT THAT?
Like I predicted this question. Indeed. Naijamaican it is.
WE ALSO GATHERED YOU WILL SOON BE HOSTING A REGULAR PLAYING SESSION LIVE AT COOL SPOT IN LAGOS, IS THAT TRUE?
Oh yeah. My fans need to see me regularly and singing with live instruments and not some synthesizers and vocoders from a studio recording. We are thinking to bring raw brilliant music to discerning fans. I believe my PR people will readily inform once we are good and ready
ARE YOU IN A RELATIONSHIP?
With my music. Very very jealous relationship (Laughing)
AREN’T YOU ATTRACTED TO SOMEONE OR HAVE A CRUSH ON SOMEONE?
To Jesus.(Laughs)
DO YOU AGREE THAT AN ENTERTAINMENT CAREER IS AN OBSTACLE TO A GOOD MARRIAGE?
There are many good marriages out there and some evidence points to marriages being shaky when one or both are in entertainment. But late Christy Essien Igbokwe showed me a real example that it can work when you meet a soul mate. I have seen a working example in her and I believe when two minds and people are in unison, working together, supporting each other and respect each other it becomes so much easier to make a marriage work.
MANY FEMALE ENTERTAINERS FADE OUT AFTER GETTING MARRIED; WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR YOUR CAREER AFTER MARRIAGE?
Lara George blossomed as a singer when she got married. Let me say it straight up and clear now. I will only see a man that will improve and not hamper me. My man should want the best for me and my career as I would his. If he wants a woman he can put in purdah I am sure a lot of other girls are out there. I was born to sing and no man will make me tell God “I didn’t use my talents cos of so and so” The truth is I can only be attracted to a man that supports me.
HOW DOES YOUR GUY FEEL WHEN HE SEES YOUR MALE FANS FLOCKING AROUND YOU, CALLING YOU AND ALL THAT?
Jesus? Oh! He loves it and says. That is my daughter using the gifts i bestowed her with (Laughing)
AS A PRETTY, SEXY AND FASHIONABLE YOUNG LADY, WHAT IS THAT FASHION ITEM YOU CAN’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT?
Oh Thank you!!!! Do I really have one? I am a go-with-what-gets-me-now kinda girl. As long as I get a “You look good Fragrance”, I am good.
DEFINE YOUR STYLE?
Sweet sexy girl-next-door. Nothing too grand. If it shows my legs a bit, two thumbs up.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MEAL?
Owo and starch. I am an Itsekiri girl and this is my native food. (laughs) Fish and chips also work.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE COLOR?
Do I have one? hmmmm Pink I guess. But I look good in black.
HOW DO YOU COPE WITH FANS ESPECIALLY GUYS?
Same as every beautiful woman out there. They stare, you act like you do not notice. And when they are good looking, you stare as well codded (laughing) In my case however “Hey I am your biggest fan” is a line that allows them approach me as opposed to a lady they do not know a thing about. So I give a number which I will never pick. (laughing) Don’t tell them. It is my secret.
COULD YOU SHARE YOUR CRAZIEST FAN EXPERIENCE WITH US?
On most gigs, the fans rush on stage and try to hold me. I am sure I will give one a hot slap one day (laughing) Thing is, it is really annoying and frightening when they all jump onstage and try to touch you. Just because i am a singer doesn’t mean I will not react like an everyday girl who is touched inappropriately one day. (Laughing)
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL?
Without hesitation, BEYONCE. She works so hard despite her immense immense immense talent
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE NAIJA ARTISTE?
2face Innocent Ujah Idibia. am I allowed to mention his name twice? Used to like Style plus back then though. Olufunmi oh…
HOW DO YOU RELAX WHEN YOU ARE NOT WORKING?
The beach. I can’t help it. The music, the water and wind is incomparable.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE HANGOUT SPOT IN LAGOS?
My house (Laughing) and then The beach.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY TO YOU FANS AND YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ASPIRE TO BE LIKE YOU AND BESIDES, WHERE THEY CAN GET YOUR ALBUM?
I will ask them to listen to the 2face line “If them tell you say e
easy, na set up…for what you believe in stand up” So come on and express
yourself with the knowledge that nothing good comes easy and roses have
thorns.My album will be in a traffic jam near you soon. (Laughing) It
will be in stores nationwide. Do support your girl and buy copies.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE WORLD OF MUSIC?
Is there a world without music? (laughing) If you meant doing this professionally, I guess it was when I took the bold step to leave my comfort zone at home in Warri, Nigeria and came to the music capital of Nigeria which is Lagos. Gordons, the comedian gave I and a friend Ena Ofugara’s number. He was the manager at a record company and I got signed and released my début album SO LOVELY within six months of the meeting. That was sometime in 2006
WHY POP FOR YOU?
Pop is popular music. I think I am talented enough to do any genre. It is how the song comes to me really. I hardly say “Fragrance, you should do a hip hop song now” It is how the inspiration comes and how the producers interpret the song I wrote, and overall, when you listen to the tracks on Now & Forever, you will find that they are all different and cut across genres.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS WORKED FOR YOU SINCE YOU GOT INTO MUSIC?
Tenacity. Persistence. perseverance, resilience, focus and faith in me and my mission. Talent isn’t even half the journey. Persistence and a never say die spirit is what I will say has gotten me this far (aside God of course) If you know the distance from where I live to my favourite producer’s place (Bayo Cean Joseph) you will understand what I am saying. And then I didn’t even have a car. Sometimes I had to take public transport as in buses with market women going to Iju in Lagos. I did not say “I have no money for taxi so I am not going to Bjay’s studio today” I get up and move nevertheless.
WHAT GIVES YOU STRENGTH AS A MUSICIAN?
God. It has to be God on this one. The challenges are plethora and you feel like giving up. God immediately infuses me with spiritual glucose and I have all the strength I need. (Laughs) Plus I watch a Beyonce Video or top rated performance and I say “Fragrance, get up. You can be like that pretty talented singer right there. She too cannot be having it as easy as it seems”
DON’T YOU THINK THAT MIGHT SOON GET INTO YOUR HEAD?
To my head as in success? If you have recorded in the same studio with 2Face Idibia and seen how humble that legend is, you will learn to be humble. The only thing that gets into this head is good advice from people who know and wish me well
WITH THESE ENTIRE BIG DREAMS DON’T YOU THINK YOU MIGHT LOSE FOCUS?
Indeed the dreams are big. I see the Grammies in the horizon and that will keep you focused more than anything. It is like keeping your eye on the ball.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT MUSIC PROJECT?
My current music project is NOW AND FOREVER which is my sophomore album. It is a seventeen tracker with a lot of collaborations from such acts as Rymzo, 2face Idibia, Adol, Longjohns, Brace, Sweetdee, and productions from Puffy T, Bjay, Rymzo, Kaka and Tony Ross
WHAT HAS BEEN THE PUBLIC’S RECEPTION SO FAR TO THE RELEASE OF YOUR NEW ALBUM?
Highly expectant. Warm, supportive…..The calls just doesn’t stop. The singles have been well received and are readily available online, you should soon be able to buy them on itunes, jamster etc.
ANY MESSAGE BEHIND THAT?
My message has always been about love. In WE BE ONE, I tried to heal relationships with lines like “Me and you be one as long as there is love, affection and trust nothing can separate the two of us” in Now And Forever I had lines like “cos when I look into the future, all I see is you and me, that’s why I want to paint this picture, just to show it is signed and sealed.” In Yahweh and Oritse Mi. I sang about God’s love. So i will say my message is love.
WHAT IS YOUR GOAL AS A MUSICIAN?
Entertain and spread a message of lasting love which is why my album is titled NOW AND FOREVER. Of course it is showbiz so I intend to get paid while doing this of course as well as touch as many people as I can in positive ways.
WOULD YOU SAY YOU ARE ALREADY REAPING THE BENEFITS OF BEING A MUSICAL ARTISTE?
Indeed I am in more ways than one. However I still feel i am still at the planting stage and “reaping” will follow shortly
WHAT CHALLENGES COME WITH BEING A MUSICAL ARTISTE?
In Nigeria, it is hydra-headed. From funds to piracy. Asides that, making music is fun.
WHAT DRIVES YOUR PASSION FOR MUSIC?
The talent. I heard this preaching about the Ten Talents and I am determined to tell God when I meet him that “God, you gave me this great singing voice and I did use it”
IF YOU WERE NOT A MUSICAL ARTISTE, WHAT OTHER CAREER WOULD YOU HAVE CHOSEN?
Acting. I totally adore Genevieve. I will say that is really my first love and they say I have the looks and talent for it. I am pursuing it but not as actively as I am the music, music remains my passion.
IS IT TRUE THAT ARTISTES PAY PIRATES TO PIRATE THEIR SONGS?
If you paid a pirate, it won’t then be piracy would it? Indeed artistes are known to give money to marketers or “pirates” in Alaba to include their songs in mixes and selections which the average Nigerian prefers to buy. I hear it is a cheaper route as radio deejays are known to demand a lot of money to play your songs on radio. It is a route i have not tried though.
DO YOU THINK YOU CAN BE AS HOT AS P SQUARE, ASHA AND CO?
Honestly and without pride? Truthfully? I am better. If I didn’t think so, I wouldn’t be doing this. Self belief is key (laughing) I honestly don’t look at acts from this shores as targets. I look way beyond. I listen to Mariah Carey and say “Fragrance…that is the middle point. You can even go higher.”
DO YOU AGREE WITH THOSE WHO SAY FEMALE ARTISTES ARE NOT AS HOT AS THE MALE? .
Emphasis on the “hot”…hot being accepted by the public right now. But if you said good, I will point to SLK, Esther of Resonance, Eva (“Done did it” rapper), Omawumi, Tiwa Savage and ask you to name the “hot” boys with as much vocal ability. The Nigerian market totally likes rowdy music with exclamations like “Chineke me”, “Chai” “Kondo” “Kabakaba’ and girls will sound weird doing such songs. I mean imagine a girl singing “Show Me The Koko” and how immediately the public will perceive her. This is the advantage the boys are having. However, I really don’t think a lot sing as well as some of the girls who are not even visible.
WHAT DO YOU HATE ABOUT MUSIC AS A CAREER?
The fact that it is so expensive. The videos and promotion cost a tonne and the rewards not immediate financially, on the positive though, I do this because I have faith in the Nigerian Music Industry and believe Nigeria has talent equal and more than foreign artistes and as the Entertainment industry streamlines and grows, it can only get better.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT MUSIC AS A CAREER?
The fact you get preferential treatment anywhere you go. What else will I be doing to be adorning front pages of National dailies here in Nigeria and being told by People you never knew you would ever be able to shake their hands that they are your fans and call their children to come out and meet you and they are all so excited. I wouldn’t trade that quickly I tell you.
WHY HAVEN’T YOU PITCHED YOUR TENT WITH MALVIN RECORD OR KENNIS MUSIC?
Don Jazzy sent me a text that said I had a great voice and I know how happy I was receiving that text cos frankly, I consider him a genius and larger in life. However, I haven’t received solid offers from either. I am sure their hands are full with the immense talents on their various stables. I am Independent for now and God is my record label. (Laughing)
TELL US YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR MANAGEMENT?
Fantastic. When I left my last label, I asked the guy who gave me my break at the label to keep believing in me and continue the work he started. He (Ena Ofugara) and Chris Onecha have been doing all of the running around from the start. I however have included the vastly knowledgeable Molly Kazeem-Jones of Duchess PR to handle my PR as visibility is most essential. So you want to reach me? Duchess PR. (Laughing)
WE HEARD YOU’RE WORKING WITH DUCHESS PR TO PROMOTE UK AND NAIJA PRESENCE, TELL US ABOUT THAT?
Like I predicted this question. Indeed. Naijamaican it is.
WE ALSO GATHERED YOU WILL SOON BE HOSTING A REGULAR PLAYING SESSION LIVE AT COOL SPOT IN LAGOS, IS THAT TRUE?
Oh yeah. My fans need to see me regularly and singing with live instruments and not some synthesizers and vocoders from a studio recording. We are thinking to bring raw brilliant music to discerning fans. I believe my PR people will readily inform once we are good and ready
ARE YOU IN A RELATIONSHIP?
With my music. Very very jealous relationship (Laughing)
AREN’T YOU ATTRACTED TO SOMEONE OR HAVE A CRUSH ON SOMEONE?
To Jesus.(Laughs)
DO YOU AGREE THAT AN ENTERTAINMENT CAREER IS AN OBSTACLE TO A GOOD MARRIAGE?
There are many good marriages out there and some evidence points to marriages being shaky when one or both are in entertainment. But late Christy Essien Igbokwe showed me a real example that it can work when you meet a soul mate. I have seen a working example in her and I believe when two minds and people are in unison, working together, supporting each other and respect each other it becomes so much easier to make a marriage work.
MANY FEMALE ENTERTAINERS FADE OUT AFTER GETTING MARRIED; WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR YOUR CAREER AFTER MARRIAGE?
Lara George blossomed as a singer when she got married. Let me say it straight up and clear now. I will only see a man that will improve and not hamper me. My man should want the best for me and my career as I would his. If he wants a woman he can put in purdah I am sure a lot of other girls are out there. I was born to sing and no man will make me tell God “I didn’t use my talents cos of so and so” The truth is I can only be attracted to a man that supports me.
HOW DOES YOUR GUY FEEL WHEN HE SEES YOUR MALE FANS FLOCKING AROUND YOU, CALLING YOU AND ALL THAT?
Jesus? Oh! He loves it and says. That is my daughter using the gifts i bestowed her with (Laughing)
AS A PRETTY, SEXY AND FASHIONABLE YOUNG LADY, WHAT IS THAT FASHION ITEM YOU CAN’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT?
Oh Thank you!!!! Do I really have one? I am a go-with-what-gets-me-now kinda girl. As long as I get a “You look good Fragrance”, I am good.
DEFINE YOUR STYLE?
Sweet sexy girl-next-door. Nothing too grand. If it shows my legs a bit, two thumbs up.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MEAL?
Owo and starch. I am an Itsekiri girl and this is my native food. (laughs) Fish and chips also work.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE COLOR?
Do I have one? hmmmm Pink I guess. But I look good in black.
HOW DO YOU COPE WITH FANS ESPECIALLY GUYS?
Same as every beautiful woman out there. They stare, you act like you do not notice. And when they are good looking, you stare as well codded (laughing) In my case however “Hey I am your biggest fan” is a line that allows them approach me as opposed to a lady they do not know a thing about. So I give a number which I will never pick. (laughing) Don’t tell them. It is my secret.
COULD YOU SHARE YOUR CRAZIEST FAN EXPERIENCE WITH US?
On most gigs, the fans rush on stage and try to hold me. I am sure I will give one a hot slap one day (laughing) Thing is, it is really annoying and frightening when they all jump onstage and try to touch you. Just because i am a singer doesn’t mean I will not react like an everyday girl who is touched inappropriately one day. (Laughing)
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL?
Without hesitation, BEYONCE. She works so hard despite her immense immense immense talent
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE NAIJA ARTISTE?
2face Innocent Ujah Idibia. am I allowed to mention his name twice? Used to like Style plus back then though. Olufunmi oh…
HOW DO YOU RELAX WHEN YOU ARE NOT WORKING?
The beach. I can’t help it. The music, the water and wind is incomparable.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE HANGOUT SPOT IN LAGOS?
My house (Laughing) and then The beach.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY TO YOU FANS AND YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ASPIRE TO BE LIKE YOU AND BESIDES, WHERE THEY CAN GET YOUR ALBUM?
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