Project Fame Winner Monica Ogah Talks About The Challenges Of Being In A Male Dominated Industry..

Monica Ene Ogah is the 2011 winner of the fourth edition of MTN Project Fame West Africa and in this Interview with SDK Blog,she talks about the challenges she has faced after winning and what inspired her to go into music...

Have you heard Monica sing?Her voice can raise the dead!!!  

Tell us about your experience as a Project Fame alumnus.

As expected, life for me was no longer the same after Project Fame. A lot changed. I mean suddenly; everything around me needed my attention at the same time. I started getting calls from people I didn't even know. I literally couldn't drink water and drop the cup in peace without being reminded of my new status and the need to keep up with expectations. The changes were all too sudden and could have been overwhelming had I not quickly adjusted; thanks to the caring support of the people I had around me at the time.



 How did this experience influence your life and career?

In the simplest terms, I would say the Project Fame experience was a bakery. I went in raw and unprepared but came out baked and equipped to take on frontiers. Project Fame gave me the much needed platform to sell the brand called me, and to glitter among the stars.



 What are some of the memorable moments in your life and your career?

One of the most memorable day in my life was the day I was announced winner of the MTN Project Fame. Being nominated for the 2014 Headies best female vocalist was another remarkable period in my life and career in music. The nomination was an indicator that I was headed for the top. It was really reassuring.

 What lessons did you learn from the Project Fame experience?

Courage, patience, hard-work and commitment are all the pillars of lasting, meaningful success.

 Who or what inspired you to go into music?

My mom. As a girl, I used to accompany her to choir rehearsals. It was always a thrill sitting by and watching her sing and conduct the choir. My biggest dream at the time was to be a choir leader when I grow up.

 Tell us about other current or future projects you are working on.

I've being extra busy lately. I'm currently working on my debut gospel album which will be out by the end of this year.

What are some of the challenges you have experienced in your career so far, and how have you been able to overcome them?

Acceptance is key to whatever you are selling. Same applies to music. You need extra push to sail through in the male dominated industry like ours. As a lady, your talent and gift don't really count as much went it comes to becoming and staying relevant in our entertainment clime. To get to the top and sustain your spot, your have to have a huge dose of drive, focus, resilience and positive energy.



 How do you relax when you are not working?

I am an indoor person. I mostly play soccer PS4 with friends. Other times, I go play football with my area guys.

 Who are some of the people you look up to?

I learn everyday, and from almost everybody of worth. God's however, my single, biggest guide and hope. He's the only one who's always got my back, and has never, and will assuredly never fail me, because He neither sleeps nor slumbers.



 What advice do have for the ones who aspire to be like you.

Take time to know and accept yourself. Be willing to from failings and feats. Sacrifice today for a better tomorrow. Never compare yourself to anyone else - 

we all have different pathways to our different destinies. Feed your strength, starve your weakness, and by all means, don't compromise on your faith, values and principles.

 Where do you hope to be in the next five years?

I hope to have touched and impacted millions
Of lives across the world through my music.

Tell us three fascinating things about you.

-Rice is the only food I know... I enjoy eating any form of rice. It's like an addiction.
-I am scared of the Nigerian police. I literally palpitate whenever I see a policeman approach me.

-I'm actually the last child of my parents and being a girl child comes with extra icing on the cake. Everyone treats you specially; especially my mum. I grew up with my brothers and they had so many friends who were always around the house. My mum always made sure there was something for everyone to eat no matter how late they stayed out. I remember crying so many occasions especially at nights when my mum would come to my room wake me up just to warm food for my brothers and their friends, trust me it was totally frustrating at the time but I eventually got used to it and started doing it on my own. I got to love taking care of everyone around me all thanks to my mum... 

Did I also mention that I'll be featuring her track on my next project?



 If you could change something in the industry with a magic wand, what would it be?

The Nigerian talent/entertainment industry generally has come along way and I'd say it's getting better by the day especially the music industry. A Lot of Nigerian artistes are actually taking over the center stage on the international platforms and making us proud. However, over the years there's been a number of issues that seem to impede the desired growth of the creative industry. Issues like: Piracy, Copyright and lack of government involvement in terms of funding and industry policy formulation etc. So if I had a magic wand, definitely formulate policies that project and protect the creative industry so that every artiste's intellectual property is properly harnessed and managed.

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