Music turns me on —Eva Alordiah
Eva Alordiah is a hip hop artiste, who also runs Make-up by Orsela, a make-up/cosmetic outfit. Fashionable and unique in her dressing, she opens up on her style
Beyond the songstress, who is Eva?
Eva is a laid back, I-don’t-wanna-go-out type of chic. I love to stay home, cook and serve people food. I’m a go-getter, very calm but aggressive with my work. I believe in the gifts that abound from sharing. I believe in the satisfaction derived from personal worship with God. I am a strong-willed person.
How did you find yourself in the fashion business?
My make-up company was officially set up in 2011. Then, I didn’t think it would turn out this huge. We have a school extension as well. This is because I can’t stop myself from sharing the knowledge I have with others. The school has had a very successful turn-out of make-up artists we have trained. That makes me happy. Statistics over the last couple of years shows a huge percentage of women who have registered in the school. Being able to empower women to becoming bosses in their own rights with skills in make-up artistry, makes me feel like I am doing something right. When school is in session, I let go of everything and dedicate my time to teaching and helping them grow. I have been into fashion for a long time. However, what I do right now is design and I have skilled professional tailors, who obviously have more time than I do. They bring my designs to life.
You do your make-up unaided?
Yes, I do my make-up for my video shoots, photo shoots, events, etc. I also have a lot of exciting job opportunities from artistes, celebrities, magazines and a host of others.
You are one of Nigeria’s fashionable divas, what is the constant item in your wardrobe?
I love jackets! I’m planning to have a collection of jackets custom-made with every fabric I can find. A jacket, depending on the style, is the quickest way to look sophisticated. When I design the jackets, I come up with most eccentric ideas, the crazier, the better for me.
Are you as vivacious as you appear?
No, I am too much of an indoor person and I hate to go out. I don’t hang out much. If I am not working in the studio or busy with work generally, I am home all day. A typical day with me is to lay down, cook, clean, relax, or go on social media. Also, I listen to music, watch television and sleep. All my friends are mad at me because they see me as a bore!
How come you studied Computer Science, fine arts, make-up, tailoring and then music?
Prior to school, I was a very brilliant fine artist. I could draw and shade effortlessly, though right now my skills are shaky.
As I grew older, I began to express my need to draw and shade by designing clothes and doing make-up (I wanted to draw and paint on people’s faces too). My mother taught me how to cut and sew, so I was sewing my own clothes as well. I was so much in love with cartoons and animation. From the little I learned about cartoons, I realised that they were first drawn, and then transcribed to the computer to be animated. That was what I was gunning for when I went to study computer science. Computer animation should have been the perfect course but there is nothing like that in any of the schools here.
Which gets you fulfilled the most?
Music and then, make-up, writing and drawing. Truth is, I am generally very satisfied with whatever I do. I can’t exactly say this is how much satisfaction or joy I derive from doing music and performing, or compare that to how I feel with make-up artistry. Everything I do satisfies me and fills me in its own way. I’m very grateful to God for being able to do the things I do. Really they are all hobbies. I don’t necessarily treat them like tedious work. Since these are all things I love to do, finding time for them happens effortlessly. I write for a couple of magazines and blogs. That I do on my bed four times every week just before I go to bed.
How was your childhood like?
My siblings and I didn’t grow up having everything we wanted, but my father made sure we had everything we needed. I was more of a stubborn, strong willed, strong-headed tomboy. I have three brothers, and I grew up basically doing whatever the boys did–played football, video games, and table soccer; wear tees, jeans trousers and sneakers; I had my hair cut low at some point. I remember wanting to urinate like a boy when I was about six years. Unlike some girls, I didn’t have dolls and plastic jewellery; instead, I had legos and toy cars.
How has the journey in music been?
I could honestly tell you, the journey has been good so far. It is very tough but also exciting. Even when the roads are steep and bumpy, I just let myself have a fun ride. I have the most amazing management team and I have an understanding family. Also, my fans are the best in the world and I have God on my side.
But the music industry is mostly populated by men. Don’t you get intimidated?
I don’t think the business is gender specific as such. As long as you are doing the best of you and standing out of the crowd, it’s alright. I have never had a problem with my music career because the industry is dominated by men. I grew up with boys, doing what boys do. Music is just an advanced phase of my young life.
What inspires you?
Life. People. Places. I’m inspired by a will to survive, a will to live and by the simple life truths of licking honey from thorns.
That propels me. Most times, I just let go and beg God to guide me.
Do you nurse fears?
I’m really frightened about waking up and not being able to do what I love to do. If one day I picked up my pencil and couldn’t draw anymore or I began to type and couldn’t write, that could be very scary. But I’m driven by my love for a lot of things in the arts–music, dance, make-up artistry and writing. It would be creepy not to be able to do these things for any reason whatsoever.
But generally, I have learned to live without fear. I get in the back seat and let God take the wheel. That’s more comforting.
What puts you on or off?
I am put off by people who assume the position of God. It is very disgusting to see this happen because everyone wants to be the boss, domineering and looking down on the next man. When somebody begins to say things like, ‘I will make you a star,’ ‘I will make you rich,’ ‘If it wasn’t because of me you wouldn’t have that business deal,’ it leaves a sour taste in my mouth. But music turns me on.
Do you have pets?
I care for three big dogs and four puppies. They are so adorable. Also, I love cats, dogs and snakes. But I prefer cats. They are so sophisticated and clean, and they have a deep understanding of how to behave. For reasons I still cannot understand, we tend to be cruel to cats in Nigeria. They are assumed to be evil.
I haven’t owned a cat for a long time now.
Where do you see Eva in the next five years?
I try not to worry myself with tomorrow. God has taken care of that. Naturally, I love surprises and I’m looking forward to what He has in store for me. I only pray for the grace to handle what’s out there waiting for me in five years to come.
Source:Punch
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