It’s been 12 years since Benita Okojie first graced our TV
screens and melted our hearts with her hit gospel single, Osemudiamen.
Now 24, the cute singer met with a national newspaper, to talk about growing up in the public eye,
she also relives the experience of stardom and adulthood.
All grown up, Okojie speaks briefly about a wedding around
the corner to a man she claims is not from the music industry but she’s
seriously keeping mum about his identity.
“As a young lady, boys will seek one’s attention but one
should learn to have a great relationship with guys while setting boundaries
with them at the same time,” she said.
Yes, yes, she’s always been one of the smart ones. See full
interview below:
Child stars face a
lot of pressures while growing up, did you experience such?
I did but the winning factor for me was the close
relationship I had with God and my family.
I did not shut my loved ones out of my life. They are the ones who can tell
me the truth about anything, no matter how big it is. I have a good
relationship with my parents and I talk to them about everything. My mother,
especially, was a pillar of strength for me and I was able to tell her a lot of
things and she helped me through all the changes. I am a very spiritual being
and I pray a lot.
How did you handle the superstar treatment in school?
The early stages of the job were very harsh on me. I had
friends who just had issues with my person, not necessarily because I did anything
wrong but because they felt that I was going around with a larger than life
image. I do not think that was the situation but because I am out there,
everybody wants to judge me based on what they don’t even know. I thank God for my parents and my siblings
who helped and supported me all the way. I made very good friends also. Now, I
am a graduate. I have friends who I hook up with once in a while and we hang
out and attend functions together.
What lessons have you learnt as an adult?
I have learnt about growth. As a young lady, boys will seek
one’s attention but one should learn to have a great relationship with guys
while setting boundaries with them at the same time. Your parents should always
be people you respect, no matter how big you are and how much money you make.
You would always need parental love and support. Mine have been there for me
all the time. Sometimes, when the youthful exuberance in me crops up, my
parents would always make sure that I stay grounded. They always remind me of
where I am coming from, where I am going and what I have done. That has kept me
balanced. Guys would come and go but your parents would always be there.
What has been happening to your music career?
I am working on a couple of singles and a talk show but
while I am still waiting for all of that, I am having as much fun as I can
have.
Are you limiting yourself to gospel?
I do inspirational songs. Whenever I go for concerts and
they tell me they have a mixed crowd and would like me to mix songs that are
not purely gospel, I would get songs like Whitney Houston’s Greatest Love of
All, Mariah Carey’s Hero. These are songs that inspire and motivate. The most
important thing is that you pass a positive message across to people.
How old are you now?
I am in my 20s. I am
sure you know that women have an issue with revealing their age. I am enjoying
my 20s.
What are your favourite accessories?
I love rings a lot. They are very fashionable to wear. I
like wearing them until the real ring comes.
When?
Very soon. You should get an invitation when the time comes.
Is the man also a musician?
No.
What does he do?
No comment!
What is a typical day like for you?
I wake up, pray and blog, but I have not blogged for a long
time now because I have been investing money in a song we are working on.
Sometimes, I rehearse. I am learning to play the guitar and I check how far I
have gone in perfecting my guitar playing skills. Then, I go on social network to see what
impact my project is making in the lives of people. I also try to answer as many messages as
possible. I do house chores. My parents
don’t let me go out without doing my portion of the house chores. I clean my
room and wash the plates. I have to do all the things that I should do in the
house because I will become a wife some day.
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