Music

Background                                                     My name is Zaina Agoro. I am a musician. I was born in Chicago and grew up in Houston but I went to school in the United Kingdom. I was there for six years and I went back to the United States of America. I am from Lagos and I’m one of five children. My parents moved back to Nigeria when I went to boarding school. Unknown to most people, I had a military background. I was in the US Air force for four years and I have lived in quite a lot of places. My parents are my biggest fans.

 Music

Music has always been a part of me since I was a child. I started singing at the age of 14 in boarding school. But I got into the music scene at the age of 17. Then, I did talent shows and danced in some music videos. I got into production and recording in the studios in 2002. My entrance into the Nigerian music scene started in 2004 when I met Eldee, a musican. He was also living in Atlanta, in the US. He introduced me to the music scene here. In December 2005, we all came home-me, Eldee, Naeto C, and Banky W. I had performed a few times and I was in one of Eldee’s videos. That was when the Nigerian music scene kicked off for me.

 Life as a lawyer

I studied law, but I didn’t leave law for music.  I knew I would answer my calling in music but law plays a big role in the business aspect of my career. I am able to understand discussions with clients and articulate my thoughts. I can also read contracts.

 My personality

I am a Gemini and there are so many parts to me. I am very silly and down-to-earth. My image on the television could come off as sophisticated but I am a tomboy, free and playful. It is not all glitz and glamour always.

 Inspiration

Music transcends across the seas and continents. I am African-American. I cannot pretend that those influences that I had in the western world aren’t there.  I try to let what I feel flow when I write music or when I go to record in the studio.

 Success secret

I have a strong, comfortable and secure background. My family is extremely supportive. They are with me every step of the way. Secondly, I have a strong and able label that protects and sees me through. Thirdly, I know myself and what I want. I have also been consistent. There is no rush. I do not jump past hurdles to get quick fame.

 Distractions

Living in  Nigeria is a constant distraction. The distractions I have faced are in the ways the industry works. We are still growing and we still have a lot of areas that need to be tweaked.

 Fame

Fame is a bit subjected in this environment. We do not have paparazzi running around us on the streets, especially for female artistes. It is a little easier to handle. It has not yet come to the point where it has infringed on my privacy. Most of the fame and paparazzi come at events which we expect, and with my family being down-to-earth, I have never had to feel too proud.

 Competition

The competition in a male-dominated industry is getting your music heard by the masses. It is easy to fall by the wayside. I developed my mentality like the men and attacked my career like they did theirs. If they go hard on the stage, then I am going hard on the stage. If they attack their music with some certain kind of conviction, I have to attack my music with that same kind of conviction. I will be releasing one of my singles soon.

 Style

Style is like my personality. It is enigmatic, but also edgy. I like hats and sneakers. I also wear skirts, dresses and heels. It’s not conservative. It is a mix between pop, hip hop and a bit of rock ‘n’ roll. I love colours and I love jeans. I have a petite frame and I dress in a way that complements my shape.

 Relationship

I am focused on getting everything at a point where it will run at a smooth pace. I haven’t had too much opportunity to delve into the love scene. Currently, music is my boyfriend.

 Hobbies

I love to eat at every opportunity although I may not have the physique of someone that loves food. I love to read, stay at home with my family or catch up with my friends.  I also love to hang out at the beach.