My name is Zaina Agoro. I am a musician. I
was born in Chicago and grew up in Houston but I went to school in the
United Kingdom. I was there for six years and I went back to the United
States of America. I am from Lagos and I’m one of five children. My
parents moved back to Nigeria when I went to boarding school. Unknown to
most people, I had a military background. I was in the US Air force for
four years and I have lived in quite a lot of places. My parents are my
biggest fans.
Music
Music has always been a part of me since I
was a child. I started singing at the age of 14 in boarding school. But
I got into the music scene at the age of 17. Then, I did talent shows
and danced in some music videos. I got into production and recording in
the studios in 2002. My entrance into the Nigerian music scene started
in 2004 when I met Eldee, a musican. He was also living in Atlanta, in
the US. He introduced me to the music scene here. In December 2005, we
all came home-me, Eldee, Naeto C, and Banky W. I had performed a few
times and I was in one of Eldee’s videos. That was when the Nigerian
music scene kicked off for me.
Life as a lawyer
I studied law, but I didn’t leave law for
music. I knew I would answer my calling in music but law plays a big
role in the business aspect of my career. I am able to understand
discussions with clients and articulate my thoughts. I can also read
contracts.
My personality
I am a Gemini and there are so many parts
to me. I am very silly and down-to-earth. My image on the television
could come off as sophisticated but I am a tomboy, free and playful. It
is not all glitz and glamour always.
Inspiration
Music transcends across the seas and
continents. I am African-American. I cannot pretend that those
influences that I had in the western world aren’t there. I try to let
what I feel flow when I write music or when I go to record in the
studio.
Success secret
I have a strong, comfortable and secure
background. My family is extremely supportive. They are with me every
step of the way. Secondly, I have a strong and able label that protects
and sees me through. Thirdly, I know myself and what I want. I have also
been consistent. There is no rush. I do not jump past hurdles to get
quick fame.
Distractions
Living in Nigeria is a constant
distraction. The distractions I have faced are in the ways the industry
works. We are still growing and we still have a lot of areas that need
to be tweaked.
Fame
Fame is a bit subjected in this
environment. We do not have paparazzi running around us on the streets,
especially for female artistes. It is a little easier to handle. It has
not yet come to the point where it has infringed on my privacy. Most of
the fame and paparazzi come at events which we expect, and with my
family being down-to-earth, I have never had to feel too proud.
Competition
The competition in a male-dominated
industry is getting your music heard by the masses. It is easy to fall
by the wayside. I developed my mentality like the men and attacked my
career like they did theirs. If they go hard on the stage, then I am
going hard on the stage. If they attack their music with some certain
kind of conviction, I have to attack my music with that same kind of
conviction. I will be releasing one of my singles soon.
Style
Style is like my personality. It is
enigmatic, but also edgy. I like hats and sneakers. I also wear skirts,
dresses and heels. It’s not conservative. It is a mix between pop, hip
hop and a bit of rock ‘n’ roll. I love colours and I love jeans. I have a
petite frame and I dress in a way that complements my shape.
Relationship
I am focused on getting everything at a
point where it will run at a smooth pace. I haven’t had too much
opportunity to delve into the love scene. Currently, music is my
boyfriend.
Hobbies
I love to eat at every opportunity
although I may not have the physique of someone that loves food. I love
to read, stay at home with my family or catch up with my friends. I
also love to hang out at the beach.
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