1. What are your full
names?
Margaret (CRINGE)
Morenike, Aina, Olukoga
2. What state are you
from?
I know traditionally
people usually just acknowledge their fathers background, but I think both are
just as important as each other...
With that said...
Well, My dad is from Ogun state (Ijebu Ode), and my mum born and bred in Oyo
(Ibadan), although the heritage goes further back and deeper, but I dont wanna
confuse you now!..
3. What was growing up
like, as regards music, especially rap?
I come from a very
artistically expressive family so we all grew up on music.. My dad loves his
organic music, he fed us on Louis Armstrong, Diana Ross and Paul Robeson.. My
youngest, older, brother (confusing) - the R&B lover wouldn't let me wake
up without hearing the likes of R.Kelly & Genuwine... And then my sister I
remember pumping the likes of Jay Z, Brandy etc in the 90's while painfully
braiding my hair..
I've always liked and
been exposed to a variety of music and rap music in particular always spoke to
me clearer than any other genre. It always stood out as a storytelling platform
more than anything else. I'd listen to it almost like I was reading a book. It
took me to places I'd never physically been. And thats what I see myself doing
for people
4. Educational background?
Well.... (cough) I've always been a
VERY good BAD girl..! I've been expelled countless times, but it didn't stop me
from being Head Girl in Secondary school. My grades have never been
disappointing.. I'm currently at University rounding up my Sociology &
Politics Degree.
5. When really did rap
music start for you?
In case you didn't
know, I'm part of an Arts Alliance (Silhouettez in The Dark) and whilst
co-directing in the group, I'd write poetry and performance pieces which helped
me nurture my poetry and spoken word. I had the knack for putting words
together and I felt that exploring other avenues to do so only made sense.. I
made my first recording at the end of 2011. But I'd say Rap music started for
me when I started listening to it, which was from around the age of 11.
6. Were your parents in support initially, and are they in support now?
Support ke ? Show me a
Nigerian parent that supports anything outside the curriculum and I'll show you
a couple that aint my mum & dad! (hahaha) At first I tried to hide it but
they could tell. They weren't happy at first, mainly because they assumed it
would affect my studies, but now they see I can handle the workload they're
more supportive than anything. I logged onto Facebook recently and saw my mum
posting my next Mixtape artwork. And she constantly, (even when I'm in Nigeria)
calls to ask me how performances are going. I guess it's just the fear that led
them to feel the way they did at first. But now they see my vision. And their
supportive prayers are a blessing for me.
7. Tell us about the first verse you ever wrote and recorded, how was the experience?
To be honest (I hope
this isn't conceited) I think my first verse is one of my favourites. It was a
feature for someone, he wanted help writing his verse and when I recited it to
him he asked me to take a verse on the track. I didn't want to do it because I
didnt think I had what it took to be a rapper. But now I realise it's what you
believe that IS.
It was that first verse
that made me realise I can really do this!
8. First time i heard
you was on "Picking out the seeds", what inspired that song?
Is that a trick
question? I'm a herbalist.
9. Back to Life EP, tell us about it.
Back to Life... It was about turning my back to my old life.. I was a very shy person and that held me back from doing many things I wanted to do. Back To Life was about turning my Back to THAT old life, and RETURNING Back to LIFE... A Ressurection. It was about me trying something new (Rap) and i'm happy I done it. Ive learnt so much since the release of that Mixtape. Its amazing what can change in a year if your dedicated and hardworking.
10. Who will do you
see as role models in Nigeria and Abroad?
Wow... Well theres a
few. Firstly M.I. Is definitely a role model for me... I love the fact that he
brings himself to music. He brings the truth and his personality. He showed me
(through his music) the spectrum of his emotions. Its that reality that can stimulate
change. No one is perfect and he illustrated that well.
My uncle Sound Sultan
is also an inspiration, I love everything he stands for. Abroad I'd say
Kendrick Lamar. His non conventional flow and lyrics are like food to my soul.
He's a movement by himself, I'd love to meet and work with him.
11. The UK side of
you, what's it about? born there, or moved there
Born and bred in
London. I've lived here all my life (20 years). And its funny because as much
as I do love London, Its never felt like home. I grew up around racism which
definitely made me realise from a young age. Home isn't just about where your
born.
With that said, I'm a
Londoner and London stands for multiculturalism which I definitely promote. I
think it's important for everyone to love and respect where they and others,
come from and where they live. Theres a lot to learn about heritage.... NEVER
forget where you come from!
12. What inspires you to write?
Everyday life.
Anything can be an inspiration, it just depends on how I choose to look at it.
I find I write better while I'm experiencing whatever it is I'm writing about
so I'm accustomed to randomly pulling out a notepad, or my BB to voicenote or
tap down whatever it is I'm feeling.
13. How do rate the
Naija Rap scene, what are you going to add to it?
I think the Naija Rap
scene is 2D at the moment. I believe the foundation is being laid and I respect
all the artist doing their thing right now, but the rap scene has a long way to
go. Hip-Hop is FOR the people. Its a culture. And I think right now it's still
floating around as a Genre rather than a culture. AFRICA is HipHop. But we need
a wake up call.
The more unity there
is in the movement, amongst the artists and with the message, the further it
will go.
I'm adding myself to that
'movement'. Myself being - the truth. Im not tryna make music about a life I
dont live, I'm rapping/writing/speaking my truths (all of it) and thats the
only way people will relate. Im adding content more than anything else and I
feel thats what the Rap scene lacks. Anyone can rap and rhyme about glamour sex
and partying, but what about all the other aspects of life?
Aina More is going to
add the missing piece.
14. For a female in
Rap music, any challenges?
In Europe for me, its
been a legit hustle. Theres been ups and downs as there is for any artist, but
me and my team persevere and never fail to achieve our goals, the only way is
up, regardless of what I've experienced.
But I'll keep it 100
with you Tosin. In the Nigerian industry Sex is like Currency and I AIN'T GOT
THAT TYPE OF MONEY! It's politcal.
The mentality of
Nigeria is wounded and it reflects in the industry. I definitely
think Female Rappers should set standards on the same level as the men. YES
-The industry is dominated by men, but that doesnt mean women are any less
worthy, talented or capable.
Theres been hurdles, I
wouldn't call them challenges because they didn't challenge me. They just amped
me to get to the studio!
15. What plans do you
have for the future? Working on anything at the moment? What should we expect?
Of course. I'm always
working on something. Theres a lot in the works. Theres my new Mixtape 'It's A
W.R.A.P. (Words Rhymes and Poetry) dropping on November the 12th which entails
some of what we discussed earlier in regard to Hip-Hop. In the coming quarters,
there will be a more mainstream approach to what I'm doing now. I'll be popping
up in Nigeria too, but beyond that - Expect greatness. Me and my team have a
vision, but rather than telling you where we're heading. I'll just let you
enjoy the journey with me! Just stay tuned @Ainamore @TeamAinaMore - I'll be
taking everyone along with me.
THE ONLY WAY IS UP.
DOWNLOAD ——– BACK TO LIFE EP – AINAMORE
Aina More - It's A W.R.A.P. (Words Rhymes And
Poetry PREVIEW) ------> Here
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