Ire D Stage Devi is a
contemporary Nigerian songstress who has performed in different countries
across the globe and she is gaining prominence among artistes that have changed
the worldview of music in Yoruba language. We had an exclusive chat with her;
please find the excerpt below-
a. Can we meet Ire?
Can we meet Ire? Ire D
Stage Devi is an award winning International contemporary Folk Artiste, a born
chanter, rehearsal Flutist, a talented lyricist, a story teller who sings
Africa to the world beyond their imagination through her sonorous voice,
Theatrical and energetic performances.
b. Where are the
places that Ire has performed?
Places Ire D Stage Devi
has performed: Ire D Stage Devi doesn't perform anywhere because
of her kind of Brand. Some of her performances
were at SICA International Festival Republic of Benin, Kanilai International
Festival, the Gambia, UNESCO world concert Aso Rock Abuja, Wesley Snipes
reconnect, the Dome Abuja, Abuja Carnival, Common Wealth Spouse Day Abuja,
SERAS Awards, Sun Man of the Year Awards, TAVA, Down Syndrome Foundation Fund
Raising Dinner Ikoyi Lagos, YALI Network Dinner, Broadcasters Merit Awards,
Intercontinental Hotel, Metro FM Fyn 0.2 Concert, Muson, World Music Day
Alliance Francaise and the list is endless.
c. Why is Ire standing
by Yoruba language and culture?
A river that forgets it's
source will soon dry up". Being an African not an AfriCAN'T, image is
everything. if we don't tell our stories, others will definitely tell it
in a way we might not approve. Culture is our Pot of Gold and preserving it is
the first port of duty of a true daughter of the soil.
d. Based on your
performance in Benin Republic and the recent national endorsement of Yoruba
language as the second language in the country; what do you think Yorubas in
the core of the language should do?
There's a Yoruba proverb
that says "the way a Calabash owner calls his Calabash is the same way
foreigners will call it". If we price the language cheap, nobody will up
the price. We need to stop the stigma of 'localism' and start embracing
and appreciating the beauty of the Language, then we know we are on the
right path of coming to terms with our True identity.
e. Tell us about your
new album?
My debut album is still
being cooked. What you see are my experimental works over the years and you can
get them on virtually all online stores as seen below: http://smarturl.it/IDjAMhttp://smarturl.it/IDjST
http://smarturl.it/IDjIT
http://smarturl.it/IDjSL
http://smarturl.it/IDjST
http://smarturl.it/IDjST
http://smarturl.it/IDjST
Soko my new single will be
launched online on Friday
f.
Describe the album in 3 words?
It's an Album in process
but permit me to talk about my new Single in three words. It's Inspirational,
the word Soko is Cliche and Unique.
g. Your manager is of
Igbo extraction, you are Yoruba, how have you been able to stay together all
these years.
My Manager being of Igbo
extraction: Humanity came before Nationality. Our relationship is based on
TRUST, not TRIBE. In our diversity is our unity, our differences complement
what we do. Music also is a universal language that makes our language barrier
a bond.
h. Any advice for
youngsters?
The world is
not designed to make you happy so find your Muse. Your starting point is not a
problem, your stop over is not an issue, buy your destination is KEY. The world
might not believe in you but never stop believing in yourself. Above all, God
is irreplaceable. Never be too occupied to leave a space for Him. Ajose wa oni baje! Ire ooo!!