As we all know, it is International Women’s Month and I could not be more excited! The month of March is all about empowering and supporting women. In honor of the season, I sat down with female upcoming artiste Efe Oraka to discuss all things music, her Magic EP, breaking into the Nigerian creative industry and self-love. From her soothing voice, amazing harmonies, and grounded personality, Efe Oraka spreads magic with every song and is certainly one we should be on the look out for as she climbs up the creative industry ladder, one music release at a time. Below is the exciting interview session I had with her. It was fun, informative, super entertaining and just wow. Enjoy!
Efe Oraka (@efeoraka)
So, Who Is Efe Oraka? Tell Me About Yourself and How You Discovered Your Passion For Making Music?
I am 21 years old and I have been making music for as long as I can remember. I cannot really pinpoint a time in my life when I started singing or writing but I started recording professionally when I was eleven. I had written ten songs at the time. We went to the studio and picked the best ones. I had also started playing the guitar at the time and had been playing the piano a lot earlier. I also did music throughout secondary school, so I was always in the studio and I have just been creating music ever since. I genuinely enjoy listening to music and talking about music as much as I enjoy finding out the thought process behind certain songs and albums. Music has always been a part of who I am, like how a bird is not taught how to fly.
That Is Really Insightful, What Is Your Creative Process Like?
Well, I can be doing something random or not doing anything at all and a song will just pop into my head or I can be thinking about a song and it just manifests. However, I have noticed in recent times that I have to be in a certain frame of mind for that to happen. When I get the song, I sing it out, record it on my phone, write out the lyrics and see if it is something I can finish. What I find interesting about my creative process is how I have a good idea of what the song should sound like in my head, so it is usually just me and the producer trying to bring that vision out of my mind as much as possible.
If You Could Collaborate with Any Music Artiste Or Producer Who Will It Be?
As of right now, Ezra Koenig from Vampire Weekend or James Fauntleroy because of their song writing techniques and because I find their ideas fascinating. It will be interesting to learn from them.
What Is Something No One Knows About You?
I am terrible at Math!
Same here! Outside Music, Do You Have Any Other Interests?
Aside from music, I find philosophy, psychology, religion, and spirituality interesting. I love looking at where we come from as human beings and where we are going. I am also a huge fan of cooking and baking when I am doing it for fun and I am also thinking about getting into plants.
I Stan A Plant Mom! Can You Share What The Biggest Inspiration For Your Magic EP Was?
The biggest inspiration for my EP was the life I was living then. I wanted a way I could go back to what I believe to be the rawest essence of myself. I wanted to figure out how I could revisit it and recount those experiences in songs. I wanted to do it in such a way that anyone could listen to it and take something out of it. My purpose for creating music essentially is, giving people something they can make their own.
What Is Your Favorite Song on Your Magic EP And Why?
My favorite song on the EP changes every now and then but right now I am really liking ‘Comfort Food’. It has some nice, happy vibes. Go check out Comfort food if you have not yet done so!
Your EP Dropped December Last Year, What Is This Year Looking Like for You Music Wise?
Right now, I am looking to drop a lot more music and make more music. I am currently in the process of recording the most recent songs I have written. Let’s just call it, the most recent version of Efe and it is absolutely exciting! I am also re-recording some old songs and hope to put out something soon, fingers crossed.
I Am Certainly Looking Forward to That. What Is the Best Advice You Have Ever Received And What Is Something You Live By?
“Efe, everything you do whether good or bad, do it with your chest” and something I live by is the realization that you either live life enjoying every moment or regretting it.
If Not for Your Music Career, What Will You Be Doing Right Now?
A life without my music career will have to exist on an alternate universe. It is hard to imagine honestly. I would probably be a fairy or a circus dancer.
If You Could See Any Artiste’s Performance Post Covid-19, Whose Will It Be?
I have a brilliant line up! I will love to see Kings of Leon, Lianne La Havas. I watched Sir perform while I was in Toronto and it was incredible, so I will love to do that again and Wizkid for sure.
If You Could Change One Thing About the Nigerian Music Industry, What Will It Be and What Advice Will You Give To A Female Artiste Looking To Break Into The Creative Industry?
The industry needs more structure. I will say to every female artiste, you need to believe in yourself and be your biggest fan. Regardless of your genre, believe in your art fully and stay committed to it. It is going to be what makes or breaks you. Also, let your energy and passion be as pure as possible because it will reflect in your art.
I Must Say You Are Serving Face on Your Instagram! What Are Some of Your Confidence And Self-Love Tips?
Thank You. I struggle with anxiety, so I try as much as possible to live in the present. Self-love to me is taking out time to meditate, find pleasure in the little things and having a self-care night with red wine, scented candles, and my favorite movie. For me, it is all about living in the moment and treating yourself to nice things.
Everyone Loves A Good Self-Care Night. Where Do You See Efe Oraka In 5 Years?
I do not even know where I see myself tomorrow. I do not like to think too far into the future, but I hope I am making the best music possible.
Stream Efe Oraka’s Magic EP below:
