Find below full text of the interview:
Let us into your background
My parents are late; I am the second son of a family of four. Music started early for me because I come from a family of musicians who were also church workers; as far back as my grandparents. Project Fame put me on the map. It was the first platform to hoist my music career.
Who is your role model?
R. Kelly, 2Face and most great musicians. I like (Governor Babatunde) Fashola too.
Why the governor?
My role models are people that you can point out and say that this person is hardworking, a go-getter and an achiever. I see Fashola as that.
You said you lost both parents. How old were you then?
I was about 19 years old. Luckily I had done most of my education.
What is your inspiration?
God first, experience sometimes and other times, it is the stories and experiences of others.
How did you feel when you made your first big bucks? How much was it?
My first big buck was N2.5m from Project Fame. I was quite excited about it. It was a blessing, but I can't remember what I bought. I think I got a house somewhere on the mainland.
What everyday challenges do you face as Iyanya?
It is just the challenges in trying to be Iyanya music and brand-wise. In trying to manage the fans that do not advise constructively, who just talk, especially in this town. There are some people who talk and you listen because they make sense. Some other people just talk because they have access to phones and wi fi.
And there are times when you want to say to hell with this person but you can't because once you do that, the blogs will say you are being rude and mean to a fan. The thing is that the blogs don't see the person abusing the star; they only see the star being human and responding accordingly. It’s just a couple of challenges but every day, we learn to handle them.
What’s the worst you had to handle from a fan?
Trust me; I do not worry about stuff like that. When and if it happens, it just touches me right there and it passes. I do not dwell on such issues.
If you were not a music star, what career path would you have taken?
I don’t like nine to five, so definitely it would have been maybe contracts, anything that brings money; but not a desk job.
Valentine is coming. In this season of love, what plans do you have and what is your idea of a romantic date?
I don’t know, I don’t have any plans but I know that I am going to be doing shows.
Nothing personal?
I don’t know about that right now.
What does Valentine mean to you?
It is a season to show love and I feel like Africans misunderstand it. Africans think you should have a guy or have a girl, but Valentine to me is charity and reaching out to the less privileged. For me, Valentine should just be about showing love generally to your mum, dad and family. But it has become tacky and cheesy. The things most people do on that day may be the first and last time they ever do them.
You mentioned the less privileged. What exactly is that to you?
I have a foundation called Iyanya Foundation. We have kids that we are sending to school. It has been on for like two years and we have about three kids.
Are there any wedding bells in the near future?
No.
So there is no special person in your life?
Of course there are special people in my life.
Who is that woman in your life?
That would be my sisters, for now.
How would you describe your style?
I just wear anything I am comfortable in. There is no Iyanya look.
Which is the best asset on your body?
I don’t have a favourite body part. Obviously I like all of my body.
Do you have a workout programme?
I just workout when I feel like it. It is not strict at all.
What is your current favourite perfume?
It has to be Tuscan Leather by Tom Ford.
Which designer strikes your fashion bell the most?
I don’t have one that does because there are a whole lot of designers and they are all special in their own way. So they all have nice stuff, especially when they have a limited edition. There is no brand that I can say, ‘oh, I always wear this’.
If you were stuck on an island, what three things would wish to have with you?
My PSP, my phones and a box or bag full of junk food, juice and all that.
What is your best meal?
Junk. I eat just anything I feel like, especially junk food.
What can you not live without?
Music.
What would you never be caught dead wearing?
Mehn, it has to be those cowboy boots… hideous!
Some guys say fur…
Naa, common… when you travel out, you have to. Especially if you are a stylish person, you can’t avoid fur.
Who is your ideal woman?
My ideal woman is a good woman and when you see a good woman, you don’t need anybody to tell you that she is a good woman.
But there is something you see that will make you recognise her… not necessarily physical.
I am not the kind of guy that says she must have boobs, she must have ass. I just think for me it is the connection. I am not saying she should be ugly as hell, I am just saying there has to be that chemistry between us.
How does Iyanya relax?
I sleep, eat, travel, and chill with my friends, you know…make music.
What wise words do you have for your fans and upcoming artistes?
Errm… I would just say, always put God first and everybody that wants to win this must work hard, you understand. So work hard.
What about your fans?
I love my fans so much, I am really thankful. It’s obvious that they are the number one reason why I keep working hard, you know… grinding. The only thing is that I get aloof sometimes, and that is because I am quiet. I love them through it all.
What is the next big thing for Iyanya? Any projects?
I am just working on my third album.
Do you have any idea when it will be ready?
You know artistes and album dates… they keep pushing and all. So let’s just keep our fingers crossed.
When you are not thinking of music, what is on your mind?
I am investing in houses, in real estate. Just like you said, if I am not thinking of music that has to be what keeps coming up.
Source: News Telegraph
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