Marenikae is more then a singer
Interview conducted on March 31, 2017
By Daniel Locke
With a name as iconic as the culture she represents, MARENIKAE is the embodiment of West African pride and culture, fused with the glamour and sophistication of old Hollywood.The statuesque Nigerian singer/songwriter is beyond multi-talented with current projects ranging from music, to art to fashion. When asked how she manages to juggle multiple pursuits she suggests never being told she was limited.
Unrated: Tell me about your background?
Marenikae: I was born in Lagos, Nigeria. My dad is of the Yoruba tribe and my mom is Efik. Growing up in a mixed tribal household was very interesting. It gave me an appreciation for deeper aspects of culture, especially in a place like Nigeria were there are over 120 different ethnic and tribal groups.
My dad was a film director and owned a record label and managed a couple of Nigerian artists. He had a couple of shows on TV, I actually acted on one of his shows growing up called “First Family”, and my home was the set lol.
My mother was a producer on a lot of my dad’s projects so we were a “film family”.
I went to boarding school at age 10 were I graduated at 16, came to the US for college and to pursue my dream.
How was it growing up in Nigerian?
Marenikae
Growing up in Nigeria and being Nigerian is something I’m extremely great full for because it gave me a wide range of life experiences and a deeper world view. It was a very different childhood from the average American child. Parents are stricter and society was conservative and very religious. Nigeria is partly Muslim as well as traditional, so I witnessed different household styles growing up.
How did you start to write music?
I was in year 12, and a close friend of mine heard me debating the possibility of being an artist to myself and insisted that I prove to myself that I wanted to be an artist by writing a song. I had never written a song before and took it as a test of my abilities. I said to myself if I could write a good song out of the blue, I would decide to be an artist and pursue it and the rest is history.
How do you approached your song writing?
It depends, sometimes it begins with a beat and sometimes it begins with some chords in my head.
You are from Nigerian? How the music scene in Nigerian was is a whole?
It’s a very interesting time, African artists are doing a lot of things with traditional African music and creating amazing new sounds.
You have been performing for a while, how have you being doing this without the backing of a label?
I own my own label.
Why did you decide to use Marenikae as your name?
Morenike is my first name but it’s actually pronounced “MARENIKAE”, wanted to make it easier for everyone lol.
What was it like, the first time you heard Freddie Mercury? And why is he one of your favorite singers?
Bohemian Rhapsody did me in. He does the most amazing things with his voice.
Why did you decide to do the song Smooth Operator? The first thing people think of is Sade? And a
Marenikae
lot of times if people know a song one way they reject it? Even if it is the same song word by word?
Sade is one of my idols, basically the most famous Nigerian artist to ever do it. And my smooth operator is so different from Sade’s that I’m not scared of rejection.
How does your version of Smooth Operator different from Sade?
I think you should listen and find out 🙂
In an effort to distribute your own music and to assist other artists like herself, you founded “The Zuchia Nexus” an independent label geared towards becoming a meeting place for international producers, songwriters and artists to support each other while exchanging ideas and cross promoting. How many artist do you have in your network? And how is it going?
We’re at the early stages of this, I’ll keep you informed.
In addition you also started a fashion line called, MAKAN GID’N. The urban line focuses on luxe African wear with an urban twist. And it is a blend of West African culture meshed with urban streetwear. How does one find your line of clothing?
People seem to enjoy it. Our tagline is “west meets west”
Your album just got release. I saw on CD Baby it is only $6. Which is a great price for a LP. Will people be able to buy it at other outlets?
Yes it’s available everywhere music is sold digitally.
How would you describe your LP Ajebutter? Does Ajebutter stands for anything?
Bold and weird lol. It means “I eat butter” in Yoruba.
What is your feeling of the decline of CD sales and that the second biggest seller (Best Buy) is going to stop selling them this summer?
I think every disappointment can become an opportunity to create something better or for new opportunities to develop. Artist can now maybe sell collectors versions of CD’s directly on their sites etc. I don’t think it’s the end of cd though.
Are you planning to do any touring with it? And how much of the world will be able to see you on tour?
We’ll just have to see 🙂
Who influences you and why?
I have a lot of influences Sade, Raheem Devaughn, style plus, darey art Alade, dwele and many more.
What type of clubs/places do you like to play in (size)?
It doesn’t really matter as long as the vibe is great and the fans are there.
Would you like to play either Essence Festival, New Orleans Jazz Fest or Lollapalooza? What music
Marenikae
fests would you like to play in?
All of them!!
How would you explain your live performance?
African and theatrical.
Any new music plan for this year?
I’m always planning. I’m already writing for the next project
If someone was listening to you for the first time, what 3 videos or songs would you tell them to look/listen to and why?
Smooth operator, GIDI, Remember(Afromerge version): They all embody my sound the best.
What is you’re feeling about the “Me Too” movement?
I’m so happy all the monsters are being unmasked.
Favorite Reading?
Dean kootz- life expectancy
Any Hobbies?
Creating,
Favorite Drink?
Cream sherry
Favorite thing you like to cook/eat?
Nigerian food always.
Who is your favorite female singer and why?
Eartha Kitt
How do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
30, flirty and thriving lol!
Any guilty pleasures your fans would be surprise you listen to?
I love catholic music
What is on your bucket list?
Eating every fruit in the world.
What is on your phone for music now?
Sauti Sol, Spice girls
Anything in closing you would like to say?
Ajebutter the album available everywhere!
Thank you for talking with Unratedmagazine- DL
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