If I didn’t leave Nigeria, I wouldn’t win Oscars -Taiwo Fatai, musician
A few years ago, Taiwo Fatai popularly known as Ejire Dollars, relocated to the United States of America and worked as a CNA, while also keeping up with her music interest.
Now, her musical efforts have paid off, as she recently won the US Congressional Award for the Entertainer of the Year.
In this chat, the mother of three opened up on her career, challenges and honour done her by the US Congress. Here are excerpts:
Tell us about yourself and how you came into music?
My name is Taiwo Fatai. I was born in August 1974 in Obizi Nbaze, Owerri, Imo State. However, I grew up at Ile Oba Tirejeoye, Oyan, Odo-Otin Local Government, Osun State. I developed love for singing when I was five years old and in primary school. When I got to secondary school, I explored other genres and launched into music fully. Then, I loved to sing ‘Orin Ibile’ (folk songs) and used to perform at weddings, birthdays and funerals with my group. I was the leader of my group then.
How would you describe your kind of music?
I do folk, fuji and music that is generally laced with wisdom, advice and encouragement. My style is totally different from others.
Who do you look up to for creative inspiration?
To the glory of God, I have always been myself. I don’t copy anyone; I enjoy being myself. My prayer is that God should continue to use me. Let His will be done in my life.
How many albums do you have and what inspired your first album, Current Affairs?
I have seven albums to my credit, including the one I released last year. One of my albums is called Aditu. Happenings in Nigeria inspired my first album, Current Affairs released in 2012. It’s inspired by the challenges people were going through spiritually, physically and morally.
Recently, you won the US Congressional Award for the Entertainer of the Year. Can you shed more lights on this?
The US Congress honoured me with the Entertainer of the Year award, and I wasn’t expecting it. The award is in recognition of my accomplishments in the arts and entertainment industry. The annual US Congressional Awards is popularly known as Global Community Oscars hosted by the American Multi Ethnic Coalition (AMEC USA) and 7th Congressional District of Illinois’ Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force (MEATF). The award ceremony was telecast live across 32 countries of the world, with over 1,000 guests in the auditorium.
A lot of Nigerians who listen to music on YouTube, Tiktok, Instagram and Facebook know that I sing and my songs are reasonable. I guess that was what gave me the attention, and I was invited to Yello Box in America where they gave me the award.
What’s the most challenging thing you went through before becoming a well-known musician?
First, when I was in Nigeria and trying to become a musician, it wasn’t easy. In Nigeria, if you don’t have people, money and connections, it’s very hard to be relevant. Even, if you have all the connections, they will take you for granted and use you. They might even want to sleep with you. It’s not easy to become successful in the entertainment industry in Nigeria. You will face a lot of discouragements from families and friends. So many people believe that music is a job for the lazy ones.
What took you to America and how would you compare the American entertainment industry to that of Nigeria?
I think what took me to the United States was my calling. I feel God wanted me to be an international fuji musician. If I didn’t leave Nigeria, maybe I wouldn’t have been where I am today. God brought me to the United States to become an international musician, and to deliver the word of God to the people in another dimension.
As for comparison, we can’t compare both industries at all. The American entertainment industry is too big to be compared with ours. One major thing about the American entertainment industry is that once they notice that you are talented; you have their support straight away. They won’t let you lack anything. They will invest in you without collecting a dime. In fact, they are the best.
What advice would you give to young, up and coming musicians hoping to make it big in the industry?
My advice for them is to calm down, be prayerful and be hopeful. They shouldn’t relent but keep moving. The road might be rough but if they believe in themselves, they will get there. Today might be bitter; tomorrow will be better. If they are talented, they should keep pushing and stay calm for their time. Everybody has his or her time. When it’s time, the road will be open and they will get there because God doesn’t forget anybody. He has plans for everybody.
The Sun
