Represent Interview: SiJi
Anyone old enough to shake it on a deep-house dancefloor round the mid-noughties in Jozi will no doubt remember the tender dance hit “Feels Like…nothing I have ever kno-oh-ohwn…”. We can put those handhigh moments down to the stirring vocals that had us all smooching in mid-beat, forgetting work the next day and any other silly responsibilities… Well now is the time to put a face to the latenight blame, meet SIJI:
As you know, your track Feels Like mixed by Osunlade was a massive hit in South Africa a few years back (even Editorista has the vinyl!), it’s one of those songs that transports us to a good summertime feeling, being young and free in a changing ‘everything-is-possible’ South Africa. So obviously we are delighted to hear that you’ve got an entire album coming out, no doubt music-lovers all over Africa and the world will embrace your new tracks. Tell us more.
SIJI – The new album “ADESIJI” was released out here (US) in November last year and we’ve had a lot of positive feedback from it. It‘s not too far of a departure from my debut album, ‘God-given’ but it has a more cohesive sound to it and I’ve incorporated a great deal more of my African influences and vibes into the sound.
Rep: I watched your video clip “yearning for home” and it resonated with me quite strongly as a born-and-bred African who is currently not living in Africa. Before we get into this, would you mind sharing with us a bit about your youth and your journey. Your British accent hints that you may have grown up in the UK for a while? Where is Siji from?
SIJI – I was born in the London to Nigerian parents, both of whom headed back to Lagos upon completion of their studies taking my brother and I along with them. Growing up in Nigeria had a tremendous impact on my outlook and growth. I returned back to London in the 80’s to further my education and discovered music. I left the UK at the turn of the century to try things out in the Big Apple and haven’t looked back since.
I love the vibe out here in New York, the freedom, the boundless energy, the mix and variety of cultures from around the world….. but I have a nagging feeling that it’s about time I start to look homeward (Nigeria). There’s a generational change taking place on the continent and I’d love to be a part of the new wave of returnees making a difference that counts.
Rep: In the video you play the keyboards/piano, tell us about your particular musical skills.
SIJI – I’m mostly self taught and play the Piano, percussion and a little bit of the upright bass, but first and foremost I’m a singer/songwriter &producer.
Rep: You mention in your video that you have formed a community of Africans that stick together, what do you think it is about coming from Africa that sets you apart from other Americans and in fact tribes and people of the world?
Why do Africans seek each other out? What can Africans teach the world?
SIJI – I have a closely-knit circle of like-minded friends most of whom share similar backgrounds to mine (we were mostly born in the west but returned home to Nigeria with our parents in the early 70’s). We have since returned to our respective places of birth or beyond in search of new frontiers to explore.
Given that 1 in every 4 black Africans happen to be of Nigerian descent, it comes as no surprise that that we tend to run into each other every so often.
Growing up in Nigeria has given me a great sense of self and where I come from. This means that I can easily trace back my ancestral roots. Sadly, the same cannot be said of some of my American counterparts. We Africans tend to seek other out given our strong sense of community and kinship. I find people out here tend to do things individually as opposed to collectively and the emphasis placed on family is not as significant as that which we have back home.
Rep: Do you think it is possible to live between two worlds Africa and your adopted home? What advice would you give to people living away from home and feeling the yearning?
SIJI – Absolutely. I believe we now live in a global community and the concept of home has come to include every corner of the universe. Home ultimately is a place where one feels most at ease, comfortable, and in a way, where one most belongs. I see the entire planet as a place one may call ‘Home’ so long as it meets the criteria mentioned above. To those living away from home and yet to find sanctuary, I suggest you find a sacred place within yourselves where you can find inner peace, comfort and solace. Once that is obtained, it shouldn’t really matter where you find yourself, you’d always feel right at home. ‘As they say ‘Home is where the heart is’.
Rep: At a quick count, some of our favourite Nigerian artists have to be Sade (Nigerian born) and of course the legendary Fela and Femi Kuti, I have also been exposed to the masked character, Lagbaja as well as D¹banj. What other gems can you share with us that we should be listening to?
SIJI – I have a dear friend who collects rare records from all over the world and in particular West Africa. There’s a wealth of music that was made on the continent in the late 60’s through the mid/late70’s and beyond, which the world is slowly beginning to discover. I love Haruna Ishola, Mulatu Astatke, Hugh Masekela, Fatai ‘Rolling Dollar’ Williams & Segun Bucknor to name a few. They are among a few of the unsung hero’s from that era which we all need to dig at some point.
Rep: Around the world Nigeria is often associated with big men, beautiful strong women, over 100 tribes and languages, Nollywood films, crazy traffic in Lagos, email scams and dodgy druglords, how true are these sterotypes?
If you have us a tour of Nigeria, where would you take us? Who are your favourite Nigerians? (by the way we are also big fans of Chimamanda Adichie!)
SIJI – As Nigerians, our reputation quite often precedes us and we’re not always cast in a favorable light, which is quite unfair given our strengths of character and strong sense of pride which are all too often mistaken for arrogance and/or flamboyance. Indeed, a few of the stereotypes may well hold some truths, but a great deal of our positive traits are all too often ignored or go largely unmentioned.
Given I haven’t visited the country in a few years, I’ll be hard pressed to mention any few of the current hotspots, but a few favorite compatriots that come to mind include; Wole Soyinka & of course the maverick musician an iconoclast, Fela Anikulapo Ransome Kuti.
Rep: What music are you currently listening to? Any recommendations?
SIJI – I haven’t listened to the radio or mainstream music in a long time. It appears the world either stopped listening or the artist’s stopped trying to say anything worth paying attention to. At this crucial time, with the world in economic upheaval, the great voices have fallen somewhat silent!!! That said, each time I seek out new music to discover, I end up with something from way back when.
Rep: If you could be granted three wishes for Africa, what would they be?
SIJI – A unified continent, self reliance & PEACE.
Rep: Where and when can we buy your album?
Itunes, Amazon, WWW.SIJIMUSIC.COM seek and ye shall find!
