Up and coming artiste, Sandra Ifudu, tells Saturday Beats about her career
Why did you decide to become a professional artiste?
Singing has always been a part of me. It is innate. I remember when I used to take readings and psalms in church and a lot of people would wait to see me after service to tell me how beautiful my voice was. So the decision to do music was taken at an early age too, say about when I was 12 years old. I remember being obsessed with the likes of Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton and wanting to be like them when I grew up.
But we have a lot of female musicians at the moment; do you think you can deal with the competition?
It is not a competition and it shouldn’t be. I am not here to compete with anybody other than myself. The point is that I am here and this is me, this is who I am and this is what I have to offer and no one is like me. I will always try to do better than I was yesterday, musically and otherwise.
Are your singles out now?
Oh yes. I have three singles. The latest one ‘Yeah, Yeah’, is doing so well on air. The second one is ‘My Baby’.
How come a record label hasn’t snatched you up?
If a record label comes along the way, then great! But I will not sit and wait for one. I will keep releasing music all the time and even till I get noticed internationally.
Which Nigerian stars do you admire?
I like Davido. I think he is amazing. I also like Phyno. He has captured my heart. Dare Art-Alade is awesome… Yes! I would love to work with them, including Asa.
How would you classify your genre of music?
I would call it afro pop, afro funk, afro RnB. My music always has that afro feel.
Did your family support your interest in music?
Of course they did! I come from an entertainment and music family. It wasn’t strange to my parents when I decided to do music professionally. They know the talent that I have.
Some people actually got into music because of the fame and not necessarily because of the talent…
Fame is the least of the reason I got into music. Fame is not even success. For me, music is my passion. I don’t see myself doing anything outside entertainment. This is what I am called to do.
How far did you go in school?
I have a degree in English from Madonna University.
You were a part of Next Movie Star few years ago, why haven’t you done anything relating to movies after the reality show?
Music is my first love. I would love to conquer the music industry first before delving into other parts of entertainment. Then again, I haven’t seen that role that is worth to go down in history as my first movie role yet. It doesn’t have to be a lead or sub lead role but it has to be really a tangible script. I have turned down a couple of scripts since after NMS. Whatever I put my name on must be a classic.
How was NMS experience?
It was fun. I learnt a lot in the house. I didn’t know the technicalities of acting and filmmaking prior to going into the house. I just went there with my talent and I came out as the second runner-up.
How was growing up?
It was fun. I come from a big family, so we had a lot of fun. My dad made sure we didn’t lack anything.
Is your boyfriend supportive of your showbiz career?
I don’t have a boyfriend and I am not looking for one at the moment. I don’t want unnecessary distractions at this early stage of my career, so I am putting my career before boys.
