V.E.RA…My Music Is A Reflection Of My Experience

For Adebola Adeyoye popularly known as V.E.R.A (Voice Every Race Accepts), the sky is her limit. The former backup singer of Roger Samuels, Steve Wonder, Wayne Malcolm Kelis, Nicole Scherzinger, and Dorseleen Burrell says music is a way of life to her.

As a little girl, she loved to entertain her parents’ guests with songs and dance.

“Though I was doing it innocently, most guests didn’t leave without giving me a small token. It was a way of appreciating me. As a kid I have always loved entertainment. It has always been a dream, but it wasn’t easy being an African and growing up with Nigerian parents. Education is always paramount and music wasn’t held in high regards.”

According to the singer, while growing up in United Kingdom and Canada, she joined the choir in her local church at age nine, and in school, she was part of a choir and a singing group, ‘African Divas’. Professionally, she has been in the game for five years, but admits that singing is a passion for her; a gift and a blessing.

“It’s one thing to be a singer and another to be an anointed singer. Being a singer comes with its own blessings and challenges. However, it’s fun and exciting to entertain and serenade with your voice,” she said.

Speaking about her strength and uniqueness, the gospel act notes that her versatility is of no equal, adding that she could make music with any concept thrown at her, once the inspiration comes. She said, “I’m into all sorts of genre and style; I don’t stick to a particular genre.

But if I had to choose, I’d say R’n’B, Reggae and Pop. R’n’B is my favorite because I love how the style tells stories. The first sets of CDs I got were I Wanna Be Down by Brandy and Celine Dion’s Because You Love Me.” “All artistes are not the same; we are all unique in our own different ways.

My voice makes me different from other artistes, and my style is different because I make and design my own outfits. My sound comes from my experience as a singer,” she added.

A graduate of Business and Sociology from the Kingston University, London, she insists she had no problem joggling her education with music. “I’m very good at multi-tasking.

There is always time for music. Once you are determined, you can always balance music and academics. My parents initially were not in support of my music because to them there is no future in it.

“Though they loved and spoke highly of musicians such as Ebenezer Obey, Sunny Ade and Haruna Ishola, but insisted no child of theirs should ever think of becoming a musician. When God calls you for an assignment, nobody can stop you from operating.

My mother has finally given in to my music ambition and career. I’m educated and still doing music.”    Presently working on the video of her debut single, Oh Nah Nah, and some tracks with some Nigerian known artistes, she says, “I plan to work hard, focus on my style of singing and unleash my creativity.

“I’m a professional makeup and special effects artiste; I design and make wedding dresses as well as custom T-shirts. I have my own makeup company called B’dvine Beauty.

I want to be one of the best female vocalists in the world; I want to keep creating good music and continue to be that Voice Every Race Accepts.”