On Wednesday, 5th November, we had music minstrel, Monique live at the Praiseworld Radio studios via the #AfternoonGroove with DJ A’Cube. This time-out was held sequel to Monique’s successful “Power Flow” Album Launch which took place on the 2nd of November, 2014. Permit me to say, it was a HUGE success.
So Praiseworld Radio got to meet Monique, shared in her laughter, which didn’t stop coming in as she shared about her personal life, her music, shortcomings and prospects…
Let’s Get To Meet Monique…
You’ve been married for 9 wonderful years, How has it been?”
“Well, it’s just awesome when God gives you your own partner, your own life-support, let me put it that way, because even a partner could get tired at some point. But if he is your life support, he would know that without him, this instrument would die, so what would he gain?
At every level, he’s been so supportive, so understanding… Sometimes, friends ask me how I cope with being a mother, with children along with my music and I tell them I’ve got a God-sent man.
You know what? He’s also into music, so he knows all that it takes to be out there and he usually says to me, “I’m not a church worker, but I want to do the things of God through you” so each time I’m going out, he covers every other thing.”
Motunrayo, a caller on the show won for herself a free album for being the first caller to celebrate Monique on the success of her album launch… Congratulations Motunrayo! We had the phones buzzing with callers, all showing love for Monique, it was so encouraging…
About Her Music…
A’Cube asked, “What was it like for you recording your song, ‘Power Flow?’”
“As an artiste, you have to be disciplined. Once you’re going to be on stage and they say you have 15mins, then you have to package all of your message into that time allotted, there’s even no time for introductions.
For recording the song, I was going through some stuff at that time of the year, so I was asking lots of questions, why me? Why would someone do this to me? Why would this happen, and so on. But something spoke to me saying as a soldier of Christ, you have battles to fight, so you have to keep fighting.
I was on my way to Prime Time Africa Entertainment and was listening to one of Frank Edward’s tracks and I had tears rolling down my eyes; then I started mumbling out the words, “Fi agbara re han”… Because I was touched, and you know sometimes when you’re accused wrongly, how do you defend yourself? How many people can you talk to? I really needed God to show His power. That was all I had to say. So, that situation brought out that song.
My boss (Mike Abdul) was in the US then, I sent him a voice note to listen to the chorus I had formed and he was like “you and your Yoruba songs…” I made him understand that it’s not like I don’t like English songs, but I just find expression in doing songs in a dialect. I want an average Nigerian, the lay man to be able to sing and others would understand. I met with him when he returned, told him I had a connection with the song, he asked me how I wanted the song to be done, which I explained to be about the power of God, just like the days when He parted the seas…We cooked up the lyrics just like that , called a talented producer, PV Idemudia.
When I started to feel the need for a video, my boss told me to wait… At that time, his hit track, Morire was still viral and so after 1 month of waiting, I needed to express myself, so I took it all in my hands, called the video director, discussed with him and relayed to my boss, telling him I intended to surprise him. We shot the video and testimonies have been coming. He’s not doubted me since then.”
“Way Maker”, featuring Sammie Okposo
Monique shared about the song “Way Maker”, featuring Sammie Okposo, how she crossed a huddle at the US Embassy while on transit from UK to US on tour. She called on God to “show His power” and after being allowed entry, God performed numerous miracles at every church she visited.
“Chike Goes To School”
Speaking about the inspiration behind the hit track, “Chike Goes To School”, she acknowledged the efforts of UK producer, Shabach; stating that the song recognises the fact that we are where we are now because we had the opportunity to go to school.
God saw us through school, despite the challenges… Some of us are even privileged to study abroad, yet we have friends who dropped out, while we were still moving on. Some, probably because of broken homes, financial crisis, loss of a parent, had things come to a halt for them. For some of them, God visited their situation and then they’re back in school, that’s the story of Chike.
When he dropped out, it looked like all hope was lost, but God intervened and he’s back to school. All he had to say was “Ose Ba’a mii oo…” He was biking around town, when he dropped out, and now the story’s changed. Academics is key now, not just talents. Now people don’t think being opportune to go to school is worth testifying for.
People go to school and never return, some go mad, some lose their lives even in final year. It’s enough to say thank you Father.
Listen and download “Chike Goes To School” HERE…
What Else Can Monique Do?
If I find myself in a situation where I need to rap, I will do it. I can do all things, really, but on the inside, I’m soft. However, when I’m on stage, and I get carried away, lost in the Spirit, I can do anything and leave people wowed… People think I’m so energetic. Even when I watch myself after a performance, I wonder too.
Mike Abdul, CEO of Spagetti Records
Speaking about Spaghetti Records Boss, Mike Abdul…
“I tell people that though he’s my boss, he’s also my leader. I call him a great leader because he’s Mr. Perfect. You need to see him when we’re working. I’ve been under the Spaghetti Records Management officially for 3 years now.”
How it has been working with Boss Mike, being that he’s also a recording artiste.
God has been so good to us, nothing suffers from the other in terms of songs released. I really appreciate his impact, and roll of leadership in my life. When I started, I was working with my husband, and as a wife, he agrees with anything I want, which doesn’t always work.
It’s not like that with Mr. Mike. You must know what you’re doing, and be well behaved if you will work with him. We’ve been having it good, but i must say, I’m not in my comfort zone. LOL
“Peace Nigeria”
The song, “Peace Nigeria”, produced by Shabach also came up when I was in the UK, and we heard about the Boko Haram insurgence. It had more impact on me because I was away, I was in tears and while I was thinking about Nigeria, Shaback also had something for Nigeria. He called my boss and we listened. He already had the chorus, translated “Father, look down on your people”. We recorded in London and people loved it, being a prayer for the Nation.
Listen and download HERE…
“As a Nigerian, in Nigeria, we must intensify our prayers for Nigeria, because the insurgents are not resting on their oars at all” – DJ A’Cube.
Monique’s Advise to you
To those looking up to her, she advised to borrow her recipes – Humility, Loyalty and putting situations aside, constantly having Smiles on their faces. Added to that, know what you stand for, don’t fall for anything. It really works. Remain focused!
Special thanks to Praiseworld Radio for doing us proud!
PODCAST
If you missed out this edition of the #AfternoonGroove with DJ A’Cube, you can listen here, and download the podcast for FREE.
Check out the tracklisting for the recently released album, Power Flow here.
The Afternoon Groove Show with DJ A’Cube airs every weekday on Praiseworld Radio from 12noon – 4pm. Tune in HERE.
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