Adokiye Ngozi Kyrian Yvonne popularly known as Adokiye started music at an early age.
She often talks about how she was able to keep her virginity till her adulthood and is determined on remaining a virgin until marriage.
Earlier this year, she made global headlines after she offered her virginity to Islamist militant sect, Boko Haram, in return for the over 200 abducted Chibok school girls.
In this brief but interesting interview, the ‘Jombolo’ crooner shares with ABIOLA ALABA PETERS, growing up years and the kind of man she desires
What’s happening to you right now?
I have been busy with several projects, both personal and otherwise that I am also a part of, one way or the other. As you are very much aware, at the moment, I’m promoting my brand new single, which is already gaining ground. I am also enjoying my work relationship with my new family, 03 Media; it’s really a good thing to identify with them. Shout out to my boss, Ozone.
Why is Oritse Femi on your new song, ‘Jombolo’?
Well, as you know Oritse Femi is very talented and has the right appeal I needed for the song and a beautiful soul to work with.
How do you operate from both the movie and music industry?
Well, since it’s the same Entertainment Industry, as an entertainer, I’m fitting in well by God’s Grace.
What’s your take on the present state of the Nigerian music industry?
If you ask me, I think it’s getting better. Though it still lacks proper structure that solidly holds and protects the rights of an artiste but it can only get better and with time, it will be great.
What inspired your name, Adokiye?
The full name is Adokiyebaralasa meaning, ‘what I’m looking for is already with me’. The inspiration came from an event that took place when I was born; something miraculous happened to my dad when I came into this world, so my mum gave me the name, Adokiye.
Tell us briefly about your background?
I come from a very staunch Catholic family. My full name is Adokiye Ngozi Yvonne Kyrian. My mum is from Okrika in Rivers State, while my dad is from Imo State, Oguta LGA.
Professionally, I’m an Architect; I graduated from Caritas University, a Catholic institution owned by the Very Reverend Father Edeh.
What inspired your new single?
I got the inspiration to talk about love.
What’s your take on early marriage?
Well, I’m not really a fan of early marriage because I believe one should be physically, spiritually, mentally and psychologically ready for the institution called marriage.
I don’t see any need rushing into it if you would rush out of it.
Though some people have been lucky with it but it’s best to be fully ready still.
Do you believe in love at first sight, ever experience it?
Yes sure, I believe in love at first sight.
If you get the offer, would you auction your virginity for a million US Dollars?
My brother, I no fit lie to you oh, if this economy situation continues, well, I would be left with no choice but to do so.
Which Nigerian male celebrity, are you crushing on that you’d allow to disvirgin you, and why?
I love Davido; I think he has a good heart and I’m guessing a lot of people don’t know that he’s very nice and soft hearted.
Have you ever been heartbroken?
By God’s Grace, no, never!
What’s your worst and best moment?
My worst moment was when I released a song that people didn’t like and my best moment is now that I’m releasing songs that people love so much.
Who is your Nigerian celebrity crush?
That will be Genevieve Nnaji.
Considering your status, would you date or marry a younger lover, someone below you?
Love knows no boundary and doesn’t care at all. So long as the partner has the strong quality of a good husband, why not?
Tell us about the man in your life, if any?
There’s no man in my Life.
What is the most cherished part of your body?
That will be my bow Legs. I heard it’s sexy and cute. Or don’t you think so?
If you weren’t doing music, what would you be doing?
I would be practising as a professional Architect that I am
What are your favourite perfumes and jewellery?
I love Woody perfumes and I do simple detailed Jewellery.
What’s your favourite hairstyle?
I like full and very long hairstyles. But in a situation whereby I don’t have time to fix, I go on my natural hair, because naturally I have very nice hair texture; very long and silky. I love to go on my natural hair.
You say you have a nice hair texture?
Actually, I have thick hair naturally, but with the help of my hair treatment, it’s soft and silky. I’d say it’s beautiful. And I took after my dad; he has a very great hair texture as a matter of fact, his hair is very curly. I remember then he used to be on mini Afro because he was too obsessed with his hair.
Can you go bald for any reason?
Well, because of the nature of my job, once I’m paid very well, why not, I can go bald, and I could for a music video that requires me to do that; I mean a very outstanding video. But of course afterwards, I could get the Grammy.
Describe your style when it comes to fashion?
I’m urban and vintage when it comes to fashion.
How are you giving back to your society?
I have been reaching out to kids all around the world through my foundation, starting from Nigeria. ‘Kid’s Nation’ is for the less privileged children.
Showing their day to day activities, how they live and how to make their lives better than what they already have. I have had awesome support from people who believe these kids should get more in life and I am appealing to people to share this dream; life is incomplete without children. Let us give the kids a better life.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Hopefully, on the lips of everyone by God’s Grace.
What are your words to your fans and followers?
Thank you for believing in me and giving me a chance to prove myself. I love you and will always do.
What are the challenges you encountered while coming up as an artiste and how were you able to overcome them?
Being able to prove yourself is one of the most challenging thing to embark on because you will have a lot of moments where people would not believe in you, you have to work extra hard to get them to trust you and believe you for who you are and what you have to offer as an artiste who only needs an opportunity or a chance.
The key to cases like these is to keep moving and love what you do.
Why did you decide to offer your virginity to Boko Haram in exchange for the Chibok girls?
I was filled with sympathy and was ready to do anything to help get those little kids out of that devilish state they were in.
