Emotan’s music within the box, outside the box… without limits..no chains attached. Freedom of creativity, freedom of speech… freedom to live life as a free spirit. With a genre of her own influenced by her African roots, Emotan is a singer-songwriter and poet from Benin Nigeria.
1-When and why did you start playing?
As far back as I remember, I’ve always loved singing as a child. I joined the church choir when I was very young when I was 11 though. I can say that I officially began music professionally at the age of 16.
2-Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?
I’m attracted to good music that cuts across genres. My early musical experience was with country music. Gosh I love lots of different musicians because I love all sorts of music. Some of my biggest inspirations in terms of the musicians I grew up listening to are artists like Dolly Parton, Anita Baker. My mom was a big country music fan throughout my childhood so I was listening to Don Williams, Dolly Parton and other good music creators: Anita Baker, Jill Scott, Beyonce etc.
3-Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?
Classic jazz, Doris Day, Country Music. I’m influenced by good classics with good vibes.
4-Who are your favorite musicians? Groups? CD’s?
My musical appreciation cuts across phases of music influence. From the days of Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, and Mariah Carey
5-Have you been in competitions? Fleadh’s? Any prizes?
No. I’ve been too busy with other personal musical projects
6-Do you perform in public? Describe those occasions? Concerts, radio, TV
Between 2007-9 I had a viable band and we had performances around the country (Nigeria), most notably the French Cultural Centre. I’m currently putting together an in-house band for gigs and life performances.
7-What makes this kind of music “good” to you?
I really don’t have a particualr brand of music. I generally enjoy and make music based on my current mood, and inspiration. My music at any particualr point is based on where I am psychologically and emotionally.
9-Letís Talk about your music and your last work
I’m currently working on a compilation of albums in various genres with particular attention to my works with sound engineer Jack from Nashville.
10-How do you feel about the internet in the music business?
It’s simply amazing, the endless oportunities it provides to young artists. The internet provides an hitherto non-existent level playing field for creatives to showcase their talents. A good beat/song can be heard everywhere and adequately appreciated. However, the issue of piracy has made the internet both a blessing and a curse to artists.
11-What are the plans for the future?
I intend to officially release 4 albums this year, and live performances are top on the priority list with venues across the African continent and beyond.
12-How has your music evolved since you first began playing music?
From my very 1st album – Ameh released when I was 16, I have evolved as an artiste into writing and producing my own music working with a lot of great sound engineers from being produced. I have built confidence as an artist and as a person as appreciation for my music continually grows.
13-Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
My music making process largely depends on the free flow of musical thoughts and inspiration. My Poetry, Melodies and Abstraction is purely spiritual and traditional. However I do work with other producers occasionally when they send me a beat I like and and I add my lyrics to the track. I worked with a French Producer on my song Survivor, and a Russian Producer for a track called Coral island. Iím constantly evolving, so there is not set process
M.T.V.rock 