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The Evergreen Ebisan

By Beatrice Porbeni
28 June 2017   |   4:26 pm
Looking at the Nigerian music scene in recent times, we have been given a large supply of good music pending on preferences. Yet, the scene is saturated with dominating male figures with back-to-back hits playing in all the clubs and radio stations.  While we've seen an increase in female participation over the years, it's always…

Looking at the Nigerian music scene in recent times, we have been given a large supply of good music pending on preferences. Yet, the scene is saturated with dominating male figures with back-to-back hits playing in all the clubs and radio stations.  While we’ve seen an increase in female participation over the years, it’s always exciting to see fresh female artists making progress in the industry.

Ebisan Damola is a Nigerian singer and songwriter whose soulful vibe have been around for a while.  Growing up in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, her music is influenced by a mix of different cultures. She explains,  “I have a strong passion for making music, especially evergreen music.”

Alongside completing her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance and a Master’s Degree in International Business Management, she went head-on with her music. Her work Suru was used as the soundtrack for Nollywood hit Tango with Me. Recently she worked with music producer Leriq for her debut album, Finally Here. Guardian Life caught up with the musician who talks about her upcoming album, inspirations and the growth of her career.

How did you initially become interested in music?  Was this the career path you planned?

I was born interested in music. I had no choice! I grew up in a family of music enthusiasts so there was always music playing in the house.  My siblings and I sang together a lot and wrote our own songs too from a very young age.  I knew as far back as primary school that I would end up in the music industry.

 

How difficult is it to make it in the music industry in Nigeria?

In my opinion, it’s as challenging as making it big in any other industry. Hard work and focus eventually pays off.

Give us a slight break down of your thought process when you come up with new music?

I write about what I know and mainly about what I have experienced, so all I have to do is remember how and what I felt when I was going through it and write it down.  I then create the melody that best reflects the emotion of that memory. The rest of the music is built around that with the help of the producer I work with.

 

What has been your most unforgettable moment so far?

When a bunch of children recognised me at a restaurant and decided to sing one of my songs back to me.  It was totally unexpected and I was touched.  My dream has always been to touch lives through my music and that made me feel like I had done so.

 

Tell us about people you have worked with, who has been your favourite so far?

I have worked with various producers and musicians over the years and have had great memories and learning experiences with them all.  In my most recent project, I worked with Leriq, a very talented producer from Aristokrat Records here in Nigeria. We worked on my whole debut album together and the result was amazing.  I am proud of the body of work we put together and can’t wait for you all to hear it.

Who would like to work with in the future?

I would love to work with Cee Lo Green because he is so versatile and fearless, we’d make great music together and I believe he would bring out the best in me.

 

What should your fans look forward to this year? Any exciting stuff coming up?

I just released a song called Ice Cold Water.  It is the first single off my debut album titled Finally Here, which will be released in September this year.   So you will be seeing a lot more of me!

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