Even without an album and in a category that has Tiwa Savage, Seyi Shay and Yemi Alade, Aramide emerged as the ‘Best Female Artiste’ in West Africa at the 2016 All Africa Music Awards.
The singer, who released her debut album, Suitcase, on Tuesday, November 22, in a chat with our correspondent, said all the efforts she had put into music were finally paying off.
According to her, she did not feel upset when certain people in the public felt she did not deserve the award.
She stated, “I think everyone is entitled to their opinion. I have worked very hard as well, but I respect everyone that was nominated and I look up to some of them.
“I was just really happy to be recognised; that was all it was about for me. I do not dwell on negative comments or people’s ideas.”
Having dropped her first single five years ago, she admitted that it took her a while to grow and one of the reasons she had to wait this long to release her first album.
“Without a strong platform, it is hard to make music and the same applies to all artistes. For me, this is when I am pretty sure that if I put out an album, people would appreciate it.”
She kicked against the notion that her music was similar to that of Asa, adding that “nothing in music is entirely new.”
“I do not think I sing like her because I listen to her music a lot. When people say two artistes sound alike, it was possible they both had the same influences. Asa is someone I respect a lot and I love her music. I will never compare myself with her. She gave hope to every one of us that thought of doing this genre of music,” she said.
Aramide teasing her husband, she noted that he could not sing but deeply in love with music. In some cases, on weekends, he also follow her to shows.
“I think I am very lucky. My husband is very understanding, supportive and wants me to succeed more than anyone else. In terms of balancing home and work, it is something I am still trying to work on more. But it has been great. For her also, marriage has brought more fame. She does not agree that marriage makes female singers lose relevance and followers, especially among the male folks.
“I think it depends on what you are selling. For me, I am selling the music even though I want my fans to love it. I think my career even took a different turn when I got married, because I became more focused and I knew what I was doing.”
Her newly-released album has 15 tracks. Aramide’s favourite song is ‘Hurry Up,’ she dedicated it to her husband.
