Out of the blue, Rita Edmond popped into the limelight after emails
linking her romantically to rave-of-the-moment rapper, Phyno, surfaced.
Ever since, her world has not been the same. In this chat with NKECHI
CHIMA, the singer opens up on how the experience has transformed her
career.
Excerpts:
How did you become a singer?
I have always had a passion for music. Despite the fact that I
studied Industrial Chemistry, my vision in life has always been to
become a singer and I have no regrets so far.
When exactly did you start your music career?
I have been singing from my childhood. Though, it might sound funny,
talent knows no age barrier. It all started in my church. From the
children’s choir I graduated to the adult choir. When I got into the
university I started writing my own songs. After graduation in 2012, I
recorded my first song entitled, Tick Talk and it came out fantastic; it enjoyed massive airplay nationwide. And I also recorded Crazy About You, which also made relative impact.
Have you released an album yet?
I haven’t released an album yet; it is still in progress. But I have released three official singles entitled, Tick Talk, Crazy About You, and Lovy Lovy, my latest single.
What is Lovy Lovy all about?
Lovy Lovy is a highlife love song; it is all about a girl’s
state of mind in a relationship. Most people may assume the song was
released due to the scandal between Phyno and myself because I mentioned
him in the song, but it has little to do with it. Basically, it is a
situation where a girl is in love with a guy but does not know how to
express it.
You just returned from a radio tour of the US, what was your experience like?
This has been one of the most enjoyable moments in my career because
beyond all expectations, fans in the US accepted me so passionately;
they just loved my music and rallied round to ensure my radio tour in
New York, New Jersey, Baltimore Maryland and Washington was a huge
success.
I absolutely enjoyed moving from state to state, and most
importantly, fans’ apprecialand and Washington was a huge success. tion
after my show in downtown Baltimore on September 4 was exceptionally
awesome! Generally, the experience was great and I look forward to
having more massive shows in America.
Are you signed under any record label?
Yes, I am on Bigspin Entertainment, my management outfit and record label.
How would you categorise your kind of music?
I am versatile but I sing more of afropop which I infuse into our
traditional sound. Basically, I sing different genre of music like
reggae, R&B and highlife; Lovy Lovy is a highlife song. You can also
call me a pop sensation.
You sing so much about love and relationships, have you been in love before?
I have been in love and it feels good to be in love. However, I sing
about love because it is a beautiful thing. You cannot over-emphasize
the subject of love; it makes the world go round. If there is no love in
the world, there would be crisis.
Which of our musicians do you wish to do collabo with in no distant time?
I wish to do collabos with Flavour, Tuface Idibia, Omawunmi, Tiwa
Savage and Waje. I love Waje’s voice range; her vocal ability is amazing
and classy. Internationally, I desire a collabo with Rihanna; I love
her a lot; she inspires me a great deal.
What are you working on presently?
I have been spending a lot of time in the studio, thumbs up to Bigspin Entertainment. I am working on a new single entitled, Bass Guitar, which will drop soon and it promises to be great; it is going to be a party banger!
How did the pregnancy rumour for Phyno affect you and how did you cope with it?
The Phyno saga actually hit me like a ton of bricks! I had no idea
where the story came from. It was so embarrassing. People kept calling
to ask if I was actually pregnant for Phyno. The news was everywhere. It
went viral on social media. Honestly, I laughed when the first person
mentioned it. I thought it was just a joke until she told me it was a
hot item in the news. I was shocked when I saw my picture and Phyno’s on
social media stating the heartbreaking rumour. I actually cried because
of the dirt on my image as a young lady. But I have put it behind me
and moved on.
Are you saying you were not in any relationship with Phyno?
I never dated Phyno and I don’t intend to go into a romantic
relationship with him. But, he is a nice and handsome guy even if I have
a crush on him; it will be because of his style of music.
What if he decides to go into a relationship with you?
Let him come and ask me out then we will find out (laughter).
How did that rumour transform your career?
It affected my career positively. People were happy because Phyno is
loved by many. In fact, I won’t mince words because the experience
opened doors for me. Wherever I go, before I say Jackie Robinson, people
ask ‘Are you Rita Edmond, Phyno’s girlfriend?’ And I tell them that no,
I am Rita Edmond but I am not dating Phyno. They give me preferential
treatment whereever I go. It has actually helped me to make meaningful
friendships in the entertainment industry.
Who is the guy after your heart?
Honestly, I have someone in my life but it is my private life. Most
people have been asking on social media if the guy in the video of Lovy Lovy is my man. Let me state here categorically that he is not my boyfriend but a model.
What is your ideal man like?
(Smiles) My ideal man has to be good looking, hardworking, should
have a clear, smooth skin and a sense of purpose, and above all, he must
be God fearing.
You are quite attractive, are you also a model?
I was a professional model but my musical career has taking much of
my time and attention. But, if you give me a modelling job, I will grace
the deal (Laughter).
