Singer, Seun Oni, popularly known as Saeon, tells Ademola Olonilua about her style and brand
Would you rather rock your natural hair or weaves?
I will rather rock weaves. It’s easier and healthier to bleach weaves, or to put a weave through harsh conditions such as extreme heat than it is for my natural hair.
What brought about your current hairdo?
It’s my new look, my significant look. In my line of business, it’s important to brand oneself. I see myself and my music as a product. So my hair differentiates me from other artistes as well as lets the fans and those watching say, ‘That’s Saeon,’ as soon as I step into or out of a building. It is part of my brand identity.
How much does it usually cost you to make your hair and how long does it take to make?
It costs quite a lot because I have to use quality artificial hair which is expensive. I also have to get it dyed and maintain it. I don’t like mentioning how much I spend on my hair but it is quite expensive.
What’s your favourite hairstyle?
Anything with a side part.
Would you rather buy a Nigerian designer’s clothe or a foreign designer’s own?
I buy whatever looks good; so whether it’s Nigerian or foreign, if it looks good, I’ll buy it.
Do you patronise Nigerian designers at all?
Yes I do. I know the likes of Chechi Arinze and TT Dalk, to name a few. I definitely patronise Nigerian designers.
What influences your fashion style?
I call my brand sexy-tomboy; I am not ‘girly’. I’ve also got a bit of an edge. I wouldn’t pronounce myself as one who oozes of sex appeal but it’s definitely in there somewhere. So, anything that is a combination of a not-so-girly-edge influences my style.
What is that fashion item you can’t leave home without and how did you come about it?
My entire ensemble; I have got to come out looking all correct.
What’s the most expensive item you own and how much did it cost?
I might probably say my computer and phones.
What is the best gift your spouse has ever got for you?
It is a very lovely gift. He gave me a locket which has his name and mine engraved on it.
What is your fashion weakness; is it perfumes, shoes, bracelets, etc?
I am a shoe freak. I love shoes.
Would you say you were fashionable as a kid while growing up?
Absolutely. My parents did a great job of making us look our best. Wherever we went, we were pretty much clothed in what was in fashion then. We were cool kids growing up and the envy of other children. My parents did not like us looking shabby so they took out time to make sure we stood out wherever we went.
What was growing up like for you?
I grew up in Lagos, Festac to be precise. I believe I had the most interesting childhood ever. Festac used to be the place to be back then till I moved to Abuja in 2001. It was fun because most of the families around were young families and so making friends was a sure thing. We related well with one another and there were so many kids to play with.
Are there days you feel you don’t look so good, something like a bad hair day?
I feel beautiful all the time and everyone should feel so too. There are days that I dress down. There are days I don’t wear make-up because I have to let my face breathe. I wouldn’t call those bad hair days. Asides that, I am always beautiful.
When stepping out for an occasion what do you consider?
The first thing is my comfort. Then my brand, everything I do is in line with it. That I give the best show if I’m performing is because you never know who is watching or whose life you’ll be touching by so doing. I guess when stepping out I consider my comfort and my brand.
What are some common fashion errors you have seen that irks you?
I hate cut out and folds. If you’re going to expose your skin, at least have the decency of exposing a great body.
What is your take on cleavage exposure and women wearing skimpy dresses?
Tricky! I’ll say different people have different style and fashion sense. Fashion also suits people in different ways. This year is about wrapping up. Times have changed. The ozone layer is depleting even as I am answering this question. For the most part, the weather in our country is hot. I believe in comfort. I wear what I feel comfortable in. And so should others. If a lady feels the need to expose her cleavage and wear skimpy stuffs, it’s her take on style or just her following fashion trends which shouldn’t be a bad thing if it suits her.
What are the challenges you have faced so far?
Apart from music, I run a company that produces jingles, theme songs, voice overs, etc. So far, it’s been going well. But if there’s any challenge I’ve faced, it’ll be getting big-shot clients. With music, my challenge is getting the right fusion of my sound and the Nigerian sound into a hit.
What are you currently working on?
I’m about to shoot a video for Bust My Brain. I’m also recording more songs.