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London based Nigerian recording artist Uchenna who was originally known as Carol Jiani is going back to her heritage. During an exclusive interview us, she explained her reasons. She also talked about her new gospel single and album coming out soon, her excitement about “THE LOVE TESTIMONY TOUR”. and much more. “Music for me is a powerful tool that can help make a change“. She said. Read her full interview below.
Hello Uchenna, thanks for having this interview with us. We noticed that you’ve changed your name on social media. Why is that?
Interesting indeed my name is Uchenna, Carol, Vivian.
Baptism names, my mother had a catholic background and yes the names were given to me when i was baptised.
Baptism names, my mother had a catholic background and yes the names were given to me when i was baptised.
I also wanted to embrace my roots, that is get back to my heritage and use my African name for the rest of my career.
I am grateful for the West for without the west i would not be who i am today, an established artist the making of Carol Jiani.
Why is it important to get back to your heritage after all this while?
Using my African name is so important because i campaign a lot for the youth back home. Speaking on turning all negative situation into something positive, speaking on being proud of who we are and so much more. I’m more focused in Nigeria at the moment and i need to practice what i preach .The most important thing really is that i want our people to know that yes indeed we can. I’m one of the best female vocals in Nigeria today.
What does using your African name mean to you?
It is important to get back to our heritage after all this time . I was very angry with our people the adults for not protecting me from when i was younger and abused.
It is important to get back to our heritage after all this time . I was very angry with our people the adults for not protecting me from when i was younger and abused.
I was sent away and to make a long story short, the only people that came to my rescue were the Canadian’s the Western man .
I got over the anger we are all not getting younger but older and we have so many problems back home especially with our people.
The Black African Man has The Black African Man in bondage ……so i must embrace my heritage and help make change for the better.
We noticed you featured in a Gospel single, can you tell us more about it?
I am working on a Gospel Single first then an Album . I am excited about this because it really was through prayer that i was also able to stand.
I am working on a Gospel Single first then an Album . I am excited about this because it really was through prayer that i was also able to stand.
Excited about putting a tour together and calling it “THE LOVE TESTIMONY TOUR”.
Music for me is a powerful tool that can help make change too.
What projects have you been working on recently, and which are you very excited about?
Still working on the Gospel single as we speak i’m recording the song “JESUS I LOVE CALLING YOUR NAME ” By Gospel Artist Preacher Shirley Saesar.
Is there a particular gospel song or musical passage that moves you emotionally?
Yes indeed the verses below from the Gospel single that i am releasing.
Verses from Jesus I love calling your name.
When my troubles surround me
and i didn’t have to dispare
lord you told me
that you’ll be right there
and i didn’t have to dispare
lord you told me
that you’ll be right there
It seems like all my problems
had just begun
i didn’t have to worry no more
they were already won.
With rebranding yourself, who are some of your favourite composers, musicians and bands from the past and present?
I grew up listening to Legends. King Sunny Ade. Teddy Pendergrass. Fela Ransome Kuti. Tina Turner. Millie Jackson. The list is vast indeed .I perfected my vocal gift by learning from the very best indeed.
Apart from music, what else are you passionate about?
Event Planning is one of them. I also have my own Flower shop. But the important one of them all is having my own clinics back home. I would love to campaign for better health care back home, build recording studios and get the youth off the streets. Good Lord dear, so much on my mind.
If you could blink your eyes and be in a favourite place right now, where would that place be?
If i could blink my eyes right now it would have to be Nigeria my home country. I was born in Nigeria and as a child i remember the beautiful grounds i grew up in. We as a people must start showing the positive side of Nigeria and all the beautiful places that need exposure.
How do you balance your music career with other obligations such as children, friends, family etc?
I am focused on what i have to do and as a strong woman that has had to overcome a lot. I have no choice we have to do what we have to do. Music saved my life and I love what i do .
What message would you like to send to your fans out there?
I wanted to thank all my fans old and new thanks for the amazing support over the years. Love is the principle wepone. Let love reign always and remember music is a powerful tool indeed.
Any advice for young Africans who want to get into the music industry?
First of all believe in yourself and your talent. Perfect your gift, work hard at it and never stop learning from the best. One must understand the business side of the music industry also it is a job. Get a great manager that believes in your talent and stay focused and remain humble.
Thank you so much for an amazing interview. So there you have. Uchenna as she is now know is a very talented artist who have a lot to share. We look forward to hearing her new single and Album in the nearest future. We also wish her successes in all her projects.
To have Uchenna perform at your event contact the management.
Nigerian Recording Artist UCHENNA
Management Mr Akinlolu Jekins
An Event Entrepreneur / Artiste Manager & Showbiz Impresario. UK/EUROPE .
Nigerian Recording Artist UCHENNA
Interview by: Noellin Imoh
