In this exclusive interview with TopFlyers Magazine, she speaks on her multi-faceted road to stardom.
HOW DID YOU COME ABOUT BEING A MUSICIAN?
Well, music has always been my first love. As a child, I had my model to be Michael Jackson, the great legend. As a little girl, I remember that I always composed and rapped songs, I performed also. Later, I went into modeling. After then, I became an actress and then ended up in music where it all started.
WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU DO?
Actually, rap songs (laughs) I was a tomboy then, I just liked to rap songs.
WHY DID YOU LEAVE THE ACTING INDUSTRY?
Well, I told you I was into modelling at a point. At age 16, I started working with Modela a cat-walk guru and a fashion designer, who took me through the run-way. I remember I did Cadbury Chocolate Eclaires TV commercial on bill-boards and cover pages of magazines. Then I went further to work with Rosabel Advert Agency, and also modeled for Swift Studios, to mention a few.
In 1996/97, I went into acting and started off with Kate Henshaw, Eucharia Anuobi, Toyin Raji, among others. Then, there was no money and we were paid peanuts. It was just the passion and love for acting that kept me. My first role was a stage play with Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) in 1996 and was entitled, ‘A Queen for Domingo,’ where I happened to be the queen. I would always admire RMD’s acting skills and personality, but I did not know my first role was going to be with him. I was terrified. Richard was very nice to me, he told me I could do it and helped me relax. After the stage play, I did a soap with Tunji Bamishigbin, ‘SCHEME.’ That was where I acted with Dele Momodu, and others. I also did a lot of major roles in the home video like Agwu, Flashes of Death, among others. I got a little bit frustrated then because there was no money. I left for UK in 2002. While I was there, I took a lot of singing classes and vocal lessons.
WHY DID YOU LEAVE FOR LONDON?
Of course, it was because of the peanuts we were being paid at that time, and to receive vocal lessons in music. I remember I had a little car at the time I delved into the industry. I was so lucky though, you know, as a little girl that had a lot of swag and a car.
WHY ARE YOU CALLED A FASHION ICON?
Because I am a fashion icon and have done loads of fashion icon artworks, I have got up to 15 fashion icon awards.
WAS IT BECAUSE OF YOUR DRESS SENSE THAT MADE YOU WIN THOSE AWARDS?
I am a model and fashionista, my dear. Mind you, I have got my clothing line, D’BLING DIAMOND COLLECTION, located at Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
WHERE DID YOU GET THE NAME D’BLING FROM?
It is a long story. When I was in London, I came back to Nigeria in 2007, wanting to venture into music because I did all vocals in London. I was looking for a stage name, so I had to ask people like Muma Gee, Artquake, among others. The response was “you are shiny, you are bling and you are looking for a name?” That was how I came up with the name, D’BLING. You know, as a little girl, my mum used to call me ‘Shine, Shine Baby.’
LOOKING AT YOU, ONE WOULD THINK YOU ARE A FOREIGNER BECAUSE OF YOUR SKIN COLOUR.
I know it’s crazy, right? I think I am a white woman in a black shield.
IS ANY ONE OF YOUR PARENTS A HALF CASTE?
No, none is. I am just a precious species both black and white. While I was in London, people used to ask me where I was from. If I tell them I am Nigerian, they always refused to believe.
HAVE YOU LEFT THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY?
No, I have not. I am an entertainment person. I am not leaving anytime soon or forever. That is my place.
I UNDERSTAND YOU ARE NOW A BORN-AGAIN
Not a born-again, a woman of God. Point of correction, a woman of God means you have come a long way and have passed the “born-again” phase.
ARE YOU MARRIED?
Yes, I am married.
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO SUSTAIN YOUR MARRIAGE TILL NOW, CONSIDERING THE RATE OF SHORT-TERM MARRIAGES IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY?
Well, I will say it is God. It’s being able to balance things up properly. I cannot do anything without God, He has been my rock and pillar. Lots of people do not create a balance, but you just have to create a balance.
DO YOU MEAN OTHER FAILED MARRIAGES DO NOT HAVE GOD?
NO, I am not saying that. You see, marriage is a lot of hard work. Sometimes, it’s just good to visit marriage and counselling schools. We really do not have that much here in Nigeria. It’s good to go to marriage bible schools too, one will be taught how to tolerate the children, be supportive, among others. That is what marriage is all about; overlooking a lot of things. Just keeping your focus on God.
DO BOTH OF YOU STILL LIVE TOGETHER AT THIS MOMENT?
Yeah.
HOW DO YOU RELAX?
Reading my Bible and watching TV. For me, relaxation is spending quality time with God
DO YOU PARTY?
I am a woman of God, I do not do that. Maybe, I used to do so in the past, but that was then
LIKES AND DISLIKES
I do not like fake people. Real people turn me on. I just like genuine people. I really cannot stand fake people. Fake is a put-off.
FAVOURITE FOOD
I love fish, prawn, oysters, others, they are very nice.
YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL FOOD
Pounded yam and egusi soup
SO, HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY?
Wow, I have been in the industry like forever. I am a veteran, everybody knows D’Bling. I am just here, not going anywhere. I am just very relevant.
WHAT ARE WE EXPECTING FROM D’BLING IN THE INDUSTRY NOW?
I have got my 18-track album already. I have got my clothing line. My focus lately is the UN Peace Ambassador thing. My focus is just to make the world a better place. I am at peace and just want to do better things in the country. I want change. I have also got my Motherless Baby Home under D’Bling Foundation. D'Bling T.V Reality Show, that is, ‘Celebrity Love for Orphans’ is based on creating awareness in Nigeria and Africa, so they can adopt or sponsor a child. This is what I have channeled all my energy into doing lately.
IS YOUR 18-TRACK ALBUM ALL RAP SONGS?
Lately, I am concentrating on hip hop gospel rap
ANY COLLABORATION WITH NIGERIAN ARTISTES
Yes, I did with Durella, Artquake , Zaaki Adzee, Sunny Neji and couple of other artistes.
WHAT IS YOUR TAKE WITH THE NEW GENERATION ARTISTES?
It’s awesome, but I still do not know who I am going to work with because lately, I am into gospel.
WHAT IS THE TITLE OF YOUR NEW ALBUM?
Oh yes, ‘I bling for Jesus.’
IS THAT THE TITLE?
Yes, ‘Bling for Jesus.’ I am going to be shooting the video very soon. Let’s say, early 2016.
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR THE UP-COMING ARTISTES, ACTRESSES IN THE INDUSTRY?
Well, they should keep doing what they know how to do best. Do not ever give up. Be very close to God.
WORD OF ADVICE /NOTE FOR TOPFLYERS MAGAZINE CREWS
So far, so good, it’s looking very colourful. I am so happy for you guys. Just keep pushing, the sky is the limit. I am just waiting to come for the award night and receive my beautiful award and congratulate you guys. Keep up the good work.
THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS
AMEN
#PYSMACO PRODUCTION
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