After a short break, we are back with our Musician of the month series. This month, we host the beautifully talented Broadway and afro singer, actress Oluchi Odii as our musician of the month for April 2021.
Oluchi is nothing short of a bundle of talent. Her vocal abilities combined with her acting skills simply makes her a star. She was made for the entertainment industry. Enjoy our chat with Oluchi Odii, the Music Estate’s musician of the month for April 2021.
Lets meet you. Your name and background
My name is Oluchi Odii. I am a singer and an actor (stage and film). I was born on the 9th of November into a family of four. I have a masters degree in Animal Products and Processing from the prestigious University of Ibadan.
When and how did music come about for you?
My music career began when I decided to participate in MTN Project Fame West Africaa and Nigerian Idol. I was privileged to have been amongst the top 10 finalists of MTN Project fame.
What genre of music do you do and why?
Its hard to say what genre of music I do because I grew up listening to all kinds of music. However, I am very inclined towards Afro Music and Classical music.
READ ALSO: Musician of the Month: Blessing (dvoice) Agu
What is the biggest problem you’ve had to overcome so far?
The biggest problem I have had to overcome so far is anxiety. It creeps in sometimes whenever I have a performance at hand but I have learnt to overcome it.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? what do you hate the most?
One thing I love most about being a musician is the fact that I am able to express myself and let out my emotions through my music.
There is nothing to hate about being a musician for me. Its all I ever wanted.
Tell us about your journey into Broadway singing, musical and acting.
My journey into Broadway singing/acting and musicals began right after Project Fame. I got introduced by Mrs Ajoke Sylva and I had the opportunity to perform my very first stage play ‘Heartbeat the Musical‘. Its been an onward journey for me ever since, I have never looked back.
If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?
If I could change anything about the industry it would be the mode of operation. It would be amazing if the industry had a better structure as regards how artists are paid. A lot of artists are underpaid and do not get what is equivalent to the amount of work they do.
What drew you into the music industry? Your motivation?
I got drawn to the music industry right after my contest on Project Fame. I knew I could sing and so I kept looking for means to showcase my talents. I also enjoy doing music, it gives me utmost joy every time I step on stage to perform.
Who are you inspired by
I get my inspiration from a lot of people but I am most inspired by Jennifer Hudson. Despite all she went through, she never gave up and had kept singing till date.
What’s an average day like for you?
An average day for me would be me at a rehearsal (acting or singing or both), writing songs, reading books or watching a movie when I’m free.
What is your biggest achievement so far and what do you hope to achieve in the near future?
My biggest achievement would be travelling to the United States of America, Germany, Scotland and Ghana to perform. I performed a play titled Hear word produced and directed by Ifeoma Fafunwa alongside amazing actors like Taiwo Ajai Lycett, Ajoke Sylva, Elvina Ibru, Bimbo Akintola, Ufuoma McDermott, Omonor, Zara Udofia-ejor, Rita Edwards, Odenike Odetola, Debbie Ohiri.
I also performed with Patience Ozokwo, Kate Henshaw, Chigul, Lala Akindoju and a host of other amazing actors.
I hope to win a Grammy one day and be recognized as a force to reckon with in the music/movie industry both home and abroad.
Please discuss how you interact with your fans?
My fans are number one for me. We always interact on all social media platforms. Some reach out to me personally and are really pleasant.
What is your favourite part about this line of work, your least favourite and why?
My favourite part about my work is the fact that I love what I do and I am been paid for doing what I love.
Have you ever dealt with performance anxiety?
Oh! I have dealt with anxiety right from the moment I decided to be a performer. Its a normal thing but I have also had to control it so it doesn’t mess me up.
Read Also: Musician of the month: Modupe Ige Kachi
Have you ever had to deal with failure?
Yes I have dealt with failure. When I got evicted from the Project Fame Academy, I was broken and that was when I promised myself that I wasn’t going to stop chasing my dreams.
Tell us about your favourite performance venues
My favourite performance venue was the Thalia Theatre in Germany. It was such an enormous space that I felt so at home with it. I also love the Muson Centre as well. The acoustics of the performance grounds are spectacular.
If not music, what else will you rather be doing?
If not music, I’ll be a lecturer and a farmer (I am a farmer though). I am a sucker for education.
How do you balance career and family?
Its not quite easy to balance career and family but God always gives me the grace. I also like to create a fence in order not to bring work back home. My home is my safe space and that’s where I find comfort. However, work is my safe space too because I love what I do but I like to create a difference between the two.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
My advice would be to follow your heart, be diligent, hardworking, humble and finally put GOD first in all you do.
What are your thoughts about our April 2021 Musician of the Month Oluchi Odii? Drop your comments below.
I am Music Estate’s Music Director
[…] READ ALSO: Musician of the Month: Oluchi Odii […]