Nigerian Men are very bold and confident - Emma Nyra

Emma Nyra is the first lady of Iyanya’s Made Men Music Group. She clears the air about leaving the record label and tells Ademola Olonilua how she got into...

the Nigerian music scene

Why did you decide to come back to Nigeria?

When I completed my studies at Texas Southern University, I decided to make the move to Nigeria to further pursue my musical aspirations. The decision was also financially motivated. It was based on the fact that artistes that were performing at the same functions as me were offered more money than me simply because they were well known in Nigeria as opposed to the United States or the UK.

How was settling and fitting in after spending so much time in Texas?

For me, fitting in was not difficult because I’m a Nigerian. I am from Asaba and that is where my family reunite during the Christmas season. Some problems I faced and had to deal with was the fact that I was missing my parents and my siblings. Nigeria will always feel like home to me.

Did you ever think of Nigeria when you were away? How much did you miss home?

I was born and raised in Texas so every Christmas; my parents would bring us to Asaba. Every time we left we would cry because we loved it there. My parents are from Asaba, which is the capital of Delta State so majority of my immediate family is located there.

You bagged a Bachelor Science Degree in Health Administration with a minor in Public Affairs. How come you took interest in public affairs?

Public Affairs was offered as a means of public management. Working as a health professional deals with issues of solving public crises and circumstance management such as natural disasters. This pertains to the study of Public Affairs.

How did someone from health administration dabble into music?

My degree qualifies me as a health administrator which is why it is called a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration. I chose to study health profession because my parents are in that line of duty. My father, Emmanuel Obi a pharmacist, and my mother Mary Ann Obi run and own a Home Health Agency in Texas. My parents support and encourage my career because of my passion.

How was it like for you growing with your three siblings?

My siblings are Krystal Obi who is my elder sister, and two younger brothers Emmanuel and Felix Obi. We had fun growing up because there are only seven years between all of us so we literally grew up together. Because there are an even number of boys and girls, we often played sports with each other as well as video games.

At what stage of your life did you decide you were going to be an entertainer?

I have always wanted to be an entertainer. Throughout high school, I participated in talent shows, and played sports for my university which enabled me to sing the national anthem at every home game. In 2009, I opened up a show for P-Square during their U.S. tour and decided that I wanted to venture into entertainment full time. My grandfather on my mom’s side, the Late Felix Onourah, was a musician who played many instruments. My parents always kept me in a musical environment because of their love for music. I would say those things helped influence my decision to become an entertainer.

How did you get into the Nigerian music scene?

Within the states, I was performing on major platforms such as the Nigerian Independence Day Parade in New York in 2010, Nigerian Reunion Houston, Florida and NYC. When I moved to Nigeria in March 2012, my manager, Ubi Franklin, linked me with producer D’tunes who produced my first two official singles ‘Ori Mu Wu’ and ‘Everything I Do’. Ever since then there has been no looking back.

What sets you apart from your counterparts?

Emma Nyra is a brand of music that differs from other artistes because of my musical influences. My sound is influenced by African greats such as Onyeka Owenu, Fela, Sade and Sunny Bobo, also fused with Western greats Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. The infusion of sounds from both sides is what sets me apart from the rest.

Nigerian music scene is dominated by men, what do you have in place to make sure you don’t get down-played?

In order to ensure that I stay on top, I have plans to continue acting and modeling which makes me a triple threat. I have already acted in two Nollywood Movies, ‘Keep My Dream’ alongside Ini Edo and ‘Rebound’ alongside Desmond Elliot, Van Vicker, and Uche Jombo. I am also the official face of Diamond Hair UK and a Brand Ambassador for the company.

So short a time in the industry and you have starred in several movies. How did you delve into Nollywood?

I was approached in Houstons Texas to act in a film that was being directed in Nollywood USA by Desmond Elliot. He picked me after I auditioned to be part of the project. After playing the role of Naomi in Rebound, I received offers to do more Nollywood films.

Don’t you think you should take it one step at a time as the movies could be distracting you?

I have taken every business opportunity one step at a time. As an entertainer it is important to spread your business opportunities so that all your eggs are not in the same basket.

It is a surprise that you also model. How did you get in to the fashion world?

I was approached to model for a fashion label called TC Designs where I did runway and print modelling. This opportunity opened the door and I was invited to walk in over 50 shows within the US.

How long have you been into modelling?

I have done professional print and runway work since 2007 while I was still in university. It helped pay some bills.

You just returned from a tour with label mate Iyanya. How was the experience?

The tour was such a good experience for me. While on tour I met so many talented people and I was able to reach a market that normally gets ignored. The North American Tour covered ten cities in the US and five in Canada so I was blessed to experience such a successful tour with Iyanya.

Where would you say you got your entertainment genes from?

Both of my parents have musical influences that they embedded in me.

It was said that you did a back flip with heels while on stage, how true is that?

It is true. I do it quite often actually. I was a gymnast while growing up so it definitely influences my performance technique.

How would you describe your kind of music?

My music is Afro-beats infused with R&B Soul.

In the long run which do you want to be remembered for, music, modelling or movies?

I want to be remembered for my legacy in any sector of the industry especially music.

Were you sacked from Made Men Music Group or you did not renew your contract with them?

I was not sacked. I am still with Made Men. I was first brought into the limelight when I featured on Iyanya’s second single, ‘Ur Waist’ which has three million views on YouTube.

It was also rumoured that you did not feel comfortable as all the spotlight was pointed towards Iyanya?

That is not true. Iyanya is a humble person that I look up to in the industry. He has taught me a lot because he paid his dues and deserves his success.

Can you remember your first crush? What happened?

 My first crush was a football player and he was a tough guy.

How have you been coping with Nigerian men?

Nigerian Men are very bold and confident so I tend to handle them in a polite manner.

Would you rather be in a relationship with someone in the entertainment industry?

I would prefer someone who is in the industry so that he will relate to my lifestyle.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on new singles and have already recorded some major collaboration. After winning the Nigerian Entertainment Award for Most Promising Female Artist 2014 I am also nominated for some upcoming most promising artist awards and intend on doing more volunteer work in Nigeria.