Yinka Davis, ETERNALY GRATEFUL

Kindly introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background.

My name is Elffreda Olayinka Oluwabukola Davies

My dad was in the Air Force so my growing up years was spent in Kano (where I saw the national theater in 1977), Benue, Anambra and Lagos

ON HER PERSONALITY

What were your aspirations as a child?

I have always been fascinated by trees, being a farmer was like an ultimate high for me!

What other passions do you possess apart from music?

Farming, hairdressing, baking is a newfound,

Describe your first experience on stage.

It was exhilarating!

I was on a schools expedition to the theater in 1986, what I saw blew me away‎, I later went back on the Easter Monday of 1987 and haven't looked back since! As a fine arts student under Mr Bisi Fakeye and Mr Abiodun Olaku, I got some little freedom to go with them to set up for the actors in the theater, that was how my drawing became real to me, I didn't return to the arts studio after that for a while anyway.

My first play was Efuru in the same year, my schoolmates were so surprised to see me on stage!

Would you say you’ve faced hurdles or challenges while trying to make a name for yourself? If yes, Please describe what you had to go through.

I entered the theater like a spirit, I didn't see acting as a career, they were all hobbies, I would jump from acting, to dancing, to drawing, to writing not thinking of the business side of any of them! I didn't see the challenges if you said no to me, someone else would say yes and I rarely got a no!

In view of all the difficulties, what kept you going?

I was a child, playing with so many toys, I didn't see difficulties, I didn't understand when we ladies complain about a part or a director, I was too far gone in myself to see the segregation

You are a multi-talented individual, what inspired your choice for music?

Music came up later in 1990, let me gist you how it came about! In June of 1990, I had auditioned for Checkmate but, they didn't start shooting until November, the week I joined Alex O on his tour of Nigeria!

My sister gave me the name "greenologist" because I get inspired just by seeing trees, ‎our day to day is inspiration for me

What’s the one thing people do not know about you?

That my parents were not together and it caused a huge void in my heart that theater was the help I could find to keep me going.

If you could change an aspect of your life, what would that be?

I wouldn't want to change anything because I believe that what we face and where we are from, shapes us into becoming who we are eventually

Due to very obvious reasons, the youths of today are lacking faith in our educational system. How has your educational background played a pivotal role in helping you succeed?

Like I said earlier, my parents separation, got the better of me, I was dead to anything else that would give me palpitations especially our education system, I would say I learnt a lot from our tv programs like Sesame Street, Animal game,‎ etc than when I was in class.

Our children these days don't have what we had!

ON HER CAREER

How long have you been in music and what is your overall take on your journey so far?

Come this Easter Monday, it will be 30 years as an entertainer, the only thing I feel is gratitude to God, for every opportunity given me!

Which of your songs would you consider as the most inspirational to you? Please give reasons.

In my Black Chiffon album, I will pick *For Example* not only does it remind me of my baby days, it also implores us all to be great examples for children all over the world.

What episode of your music career would you term as the most challenging?

When I'm always told to write commercial songs and my stubborn mind, is not blind to the needs of the people around me!

In working with some of Nigeria’s musical legends, what’s the one thing you cherish the most?

How so very diverse we are

With all you’ve achieved in music so far, would you say you’ve had a satisfying career?

I am never satisfied until I've perfected all I'm assigned to do!

Would you say it’s harder being a female musician in Nigeria and does it come with peculiar challenges?

Being a female should be an added advantage, the flip side is the sexual harassment that the lady needs to rise above of and not hold a grudge about. Nothing good comes easy,as long as we stick to focusing on our goal, the tide will have to rise in our favour.

In view of your successes/ experience and having been a judge on Nigerian Idols, what ‘bitter truth’ would you give to aspiring musician?

Ans: While learning be flexible. While praying be open and sincere. In your performance, breathe deep and while playing be cautious and smile a lot even in the face of danger!

As a veteran songwriter, how does your environment influence your creativity?

In many more ways than one!

As a celebrity and public figure, have you ever been judged unfairly by your fans?

If yes, how did it make you feel?

Ans: I have found out how so very petty we are, this is truly disturbing. At the same time, one needs to see where they are coming from and respond in a way that turns pointing fingers into a pats on the back.

We’ve seen musicians come and go, what do you do to remain relevant in the game?

GOD makes me relevant.

Do you ever feel pressured on stage?

It's not easy standing before hundreds and millions of people, we've all seen how it's affected our predecessors! Just breathe, pray and be grateful for every chance given to be standing before beautiful people!

As an experienced professional, what’s your take on learning before earning?

Some would learn before they earn, some are blessed and learning on the job ( I fall into this category) some want fame, some are true. Whichever category one finds oneself, may that one find fulfilment.

What’s the one thing your fans do NOT know about you?

That I'm still working on myself

If you had the power to influence your industry, what wold you do?

To put a structure in place that would cater for the old and young alike, with transparency in view.

ON FAMILY/ Relationships

What’s your take on the value of Marriage?

That's the greatest institution known to man, the life of a child is dependent on the husband and wife, to bring wholesomeness to him or her.

What should come first, career or your family? Please explain why?

Family is just too important for nurturing however not all of us are cut out for family.

Has being a celebrity affected your family life or relationships in anyway?

Oh yes it has. At the same time, it has built character in us all, understanding and respect. I'm grateful for my family for ‎their huge support.

What’s your idea of the ideal man?

A God-fearing and an honorable man

ON Lighter Note

What was your most embarrassing moment on stage?

Hahahahaha!!! I stood one time on stage for some seconds, watching my colleagues go on dancing! When the video was played we were all in the room and I was being shown, standing still, I didn't hear the last of it in 1988!

Who is Lagbaja?

Lagbaja is a teacher, a mailman, a labourer, a doctor, a market woman, a blacksmith, a singer, a plumber, name it!

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Being Born Again.

Photography by Ellis Mbeku for EMSTUDIOSng

www.emstudiosng.com

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