Vivian Adeyemo recently interviewed Lebanese Nigerian Artist Stephanie Ghaida. The 22-year-old rising star has already collaborated with some of the biggest names in the Nigerian music industry such as Peter Okoye of P-Square.
Stephanie is known for her soprano singing style and she burst onto the music scene in 2017 with her stunning covers of Bruno Mars’s “Grenade“ and Adele’s “Someone like you“.
She has since established herself as an Afro-beat artist and has released hits such as “Biggie man“, “Soldier” and the popular “Tonight” with Peter Okoye. She recently released her latest single “Battery“.
The pretty songstress discussed why she decided to do Nigerian music instead of Lebanese. Her musical inspirations, whether her parents were supportive of her career choice, relationships and more.
Made in Nigeria
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your family background?
I’m 22 years old, originally from Lebanon, but I was raised in Nigeria. I have lived in Nigeria for 19 years. I have an older sister and a younger brother. My dad was born in Nigeria too.
Does the unique occurrence of being born on Nigeria’s Independence Day (1 October) make you feel more connected to Nigeria than Lebanon?
It doesn’t make me feel less connected to Lebanon. I am connected to both countries.
Why music and most importantly why Nigerian music and not Lebanese?
I was raised in Nigeria and grew up listening to and dancing to Afro-beat music which makes it more comfortable doing Nigerian music as opposed to Lebanese music, since I was raised in Nigeria.
P-Square is an Inspiration
What inspired you into music and who are your biggest musical influences?
P-Square, Dbanj, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson. These artists influenced me into my music career.
What’s your latest track/album and how is that going?
My latest single is called “Battery“. The single is going well and people are loving it.
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Love, Relationships and Family
Who is your ideal man and do you have a boyfriend?
At the moment – no. I am single. The Coronavirus doesn’t make it easy! Perhaps, after the Coronavirus, but for now – no. My ideal man would have confidence, honesty and respect for his woman and the people around him. He would also need to be trustworthy.
Are your parents in support of your chosen career and most particularly your decision to do African music?
When I began, I didn’t really get the support I wanted as my parents were against the idea of me being a singer. But with time they got to see that I was passionate about it, and they were very supportive.
They love what I am doing and are even more excited when I release a new single! They are very happy with it and are my biggest fans.
I Want to Become an International Superstar
Which musicians would you like to work with? Local and internationally?
Locally, I would like to work with Omah Lay, who has a sound that is so new. Internationally, I would like to work with Enrique Iglesias.
Where do you intend to be musically in 5 years?
I see myself as an international superstar; reaching out to more people with my music. I see my music being able to touch people’s lives.
Do you think your Lebanese roots can be a disadvantage in terms of public perception and expectations?
I don’t see it as a disadvantage. Because when people listen to my music, they get to see the person behind it. And are usually surprised that I was able to break into the Nigerian music industry. It is actually an advantage for me. That’s how I see it.
For more on Stephanie, you can follow her on Instagram and subscribe to her YouTube channel.
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