Step aside Yinka Ayefele for Yinka Ayanda is here to take over. This may sound funny but it could be real. All you need to be convinced that the pretty and talented singer means business is to listen to some of her new works.
Whether flying at 55, 000 feet above sea level or serenading audiences with her soulful voice, Yinka Ayanda is always giving joy. Now after years of hard work and two successful albums, Teni Teni and Ise Mi, the Senior Cabin Crew with Arik Air is poised to release her third album, and has vowed to run Alujo exponent, Yinka Ayefele out of town with her unique style of music.
The Entertainer recently caught up with Ayanda and she opened up on her career as an air hostess and her music among other interesting issues. Excerpts:
Aside music what else do you do?
YA: I fly with Arik Air. I am a senior Arik Air hostess. I moved to Arik Air seven years ago and I’ve had no reason to regret my decision.
You have released two albums, tell us about them?
YA: Yeah… I love to sing. I started singing before Arik Air came along. I moved to Arik in 2006 and started singing professionally in 2010. I’ve always loved singing. I started singing at the age of 12. But because I was determined that I was not going to use my body to raise money for my career, I put the music on the back burner. I decided to wait until that time when I would be ready to finance it. 2010 was the right time. That was when I released and launched my album, Teni Teni, which means you have to appreciate what is yours.
How many tracks do we have in Teni Teni?
YA: I have five tracks and basically they carry very strong messages. Teni Teni is about educating people that life abroad is not better than what obtains here. Teni Teni is telling people that the streets of America are not paved with gold and you don’t pluck money from trees. It was inspired by the experience I had when I travelled abroad. When I came back I said ‘no, I must educate our youths’ so I composed the song. I was on holiday abroad and I saw Nigerians suffering and begging for money; they even begged from me. Teni Teni is telling our youths that it isn’t worth it. That they should return home and lay their hands on things they could do to make their lives better.
Let’s go back to your childhood. What was your growing up like?
YA: My growing up was not interesting at all because I did not grow up as a normal child; I had a lot of challenges. My mother is a workaholic. To this day she still works very hard. I spent all of my growing up years with my grandmother. I’m from a polygamous family; I‘m the first of two kids. Growing up in a polygamous home was not a very pleasant experience. I only know my mum and my siblings.
Having experienced polygamy would you mind if your husband took a second wife?
YA: I won’t pray that happens to my enemy (laughter). It’s not that bad but it’s just that I missed a lot because I did not grow up with either of my patents. Now I wish I did. I never met my parents together as husband and wife.
At what point did you discover that you wanted to sing?
YA: At age 12; it all began in church. I grew up in the Cherubim & Seraphim Church and I was in the choir. In fact, at a time I led the choir.
How do you combine your work as an air hostess with music?
YA: By the grace of God I have come this far. Now that’s what makes me a good manager because where I work I’m the Head of the Cabin Crew. I have people working under me and also I’m a mother to my children and I have to take care of my husband.
Do you spend quality time with your kids at all considering your job?
YA: Well, I don’t travel all the time and I’m not the party going type. Besides I don’t keep friends so it’s either I’m at home, my studio or work place. Those are the three things that are important to me. So, when I’m not working and I am not in the studio, you’ll find me at home with my family.
What are the challenges you faced when you recorded your first album?
YA: Finance and marketing were my major problems. Maybe my homework was not good enough. It was my first album, but I made a bit of money when I did my album launch so I have no regrets. However, I know that this time around it would be a different story. This time around I’ve decided to put in my best and do my homework perfectly.
Okay, tell us about this your third album?
YA: It’s like a re-branding. The world is going to be seeing a new Yinka, who is totally different from the one you used to know. The album is entitled, Alapa Masise (Lazy Bones).
How do you get inspiration to write your songs?
YA: Wow! I get inspiration from the happenings around me, people’s experiences, my experiences, and ultimately from God.
Has there been a time when you just felt like quitting and walking away because of challenges?
YA: Yes, there has been such but the spirit of music will not let me be.
Have you been going to shows?
YA: Yes, I’ve had a couple of shows. I’ve had opportunity to play outside Nigeria. I just had a great performance for Arik Air when we celebrated our 7th anniversary; it was a great experience.
As a recording artiste, what has been your happiest moment so far?
YA: I would say mounting the stage and seeing the Chairman/CEO of Arik Air, Chief Joseph Arumemi Ikhide and all my colleagues watch me perform; honestly, it’s been wonderful. I want to use this opportunity to thank the chairman for being such an inspiration to me. He has impacted my career a great deal and I am ever grateful. I pray that God will continue to bless, guide and protect him.
And what has been your saddest moment?
YA: The marketers; they’ve given me a lot of challenges.
What’s your take on piracy?
YA: For me, piracy could be the key to an artiste’s success. If your album is pirated, it means you are good; nobody would want to pirate an unpopular song.
So, what song would you say is the hit track on your new album?
YA: I think it’s Alapa Masise, but this is my album so my judgment would be biased; I think we should leave that one to my fans to decide.
How would you describe your kind of music?
YA: I would describe it as a fusion of soul. When I started, I was working in contemporary African music but that was then. Now, I have apala and soul fused in a unique way and I think it’s a whole new Yinka. Yinka Ayefele should watch out for Yinka Ayanda.
How many videos do you have on air now?
YA: Right now, I have shot two videos but I have one running now.
You’re a beautiful woman, are men still making advances at you considering the fact that you are married?
YA: Even if you are the ugliest woman, men will still make their advances.
Sometimes they could be overbearing, how do you handle that?
YA: I let them know I’m not available.
Talking about music, who are your role models?
YA: I love Sola Allyson, Asa, and Beautiful Nubia. I am not an American so don’t expect me to mention foreign names.
Your new work, Alapa Masise has a lot of Yinka Ayefele influence. Is he one of your influences?
YA: He is Yinka and I am Yinka so he should just watch out for me!
Are you saying you want to compete with Yinka Ayefele?
YA: I will run Yinka Ayefele out of town (laughter).
When it comes to inspiration and gospel music in the juju format, Yinka Ayefele comes out tops…?
YA: (Cuts in) I am not saying I’m competing with him but whichever way it goes, Yinka should watch out for Yinka.
Hip-hop is the trend that moves the music industry, are you sure you will come through considering the style of music you do?
YA: Yinka Ayefele does not do hip-hop and he still stands. For me, no shaking!
How soon would you release this album?
YA: By Easter it should be out.
How many tracks have you recorded so far?
YA: For now, I have recorded like four tracks. Alapa Masise (Lazy Bone), Iya (Mother), Sebotimo (Cut your coat according to size), Oko Mi (My Husband), Ise Mi (My Work) remix and Ore Ogede. At least we are looking at about seven tracks.
Having achieved this level of success in your career, what advice would you give to young girls who want to take after you?
YA: They should be focused and determined. They should beware of men who get intimidated by career women. Don’t allow anyone to bring you down and flee from all distractions.
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