Popular singer, Ego Ihenacho-Ogbaro, was a member of Lagbaja’s Africano Music band. She tells Ademola Olonilua about her fashion and why she left the band
Back then, you were always on dreadlocks, what inspired that look?
I was tired of going to the salon. I came to know my style eventually. I am bohemian and that is how I express who I am. I did a lot of research about it because I heard it was spiritual. It was what I felt would represent my personality at the time. People were telling me that I should not wear dreadlocks because of its spiritual connotation but after I read books, I ignored them. Eventually, I got tired of it after wearing it for 11 years.
After wearing dreadlocks for 11 years what other style do you think can fit your personality?
I am on low cut and I am confused on what to do with my hair. I think I was to cut it very low like Chidinma’s style but I easily get tired of going to the salon. So, I would rather just do a hairstyle and leave it for a while instead of going to the salon frequently. I don’t even want to go to the salon.
How come you dye your hair to different colours?
I have always done that since my secondary school days. The only time I had dark hair was when I cut my dreadlocks and I had this huge black afro. I just feel black hair does not suit me, even my dreadlocks then, I used to taint it.
How come you have no tattoos?
My first reason borders on religion. There is a part of the Bible that is against writing anything on your body. I feel if I do it, I am the devil’s child. At a time I wanted to get it, I went to the tattoo parlour but for a weird reason, it did not happen. It was like a phase and after a while, I got over it. I actually wanted to choose between tattoo and my dreadlocks; I could not have them both.
What kind of clothes are you comfortable wearing?
It is funny, I have phases, and I like trousers, jeans. I can have my dress phase and sometime my jeans and shirt phase could kick in. I like comfort and I don’t compromise my comfort to look good. I don’t wear too short dresses or things that show my cleavage. I don’t care about fashion trends and I know I look good because I have not been on any worst dress list yet. When I have an event, I know how to put things together and dress up but for my daily activities, comfort is key.
What is your fashion weakness?
Shoes; a girl can never have enough shoes. I don’t care about clothes or handbags, just my shoes. I love unique shoes, I don’t see any of my shoes on people’s feet and that is why I said I don’t follow trends. I also love wristwatches. I would spend anything on a wristwatch.
What are the things you admire on your husband?
His wristwatch and I also love it when he wears jeans and shirt. He always looks smart in it. I like the way he puts them together.
You often wear African beads, why do you love them so much?
They are very unique. I have only one silver chain but a lot of African beads in different types and colours. I am crazy about them, it is my style. I love the way you can combine them. I also love African print and when you combine them both, you look elegant. I like it because it is unique.
What is your thought on Nigerian designers?
They are wonderful people and very creative. They have made people appreciate our print and local fabrics. I like the way things are going with them and they keep improving.
Countries like China and India have succeeded in showcasing their fashion to the world; do you think Nigeria can do the same?
Yes and we are already doing it. You see our designers in international fashion shows and you see celebrities around the world wearing Ankara for example. People are beginning to notice us.
What is the most laughable fashion mistake you have made?
I wore yellow pants with a suede jacket and a horrible looking shoe for a show years back. When I think back, I laugh. I have made a lot of mistakes but I was younger and I did not know better. Again, I did not have money so it was what I could afford that I bought and wore.
Your face has been scarce on the entertainment scene, what have you been up to?
I have been working with my band and promoting my new album. I am trying to do other businesses apart from music but I cannot disclose them now. I have also started work on my second album because I don’t want it to take as much time as the first one did.
Why did it take you so long to release your debut album?
I am close to being a perfectionist and I wanted something that people would listen to and would be highly impressed. It was already taking some time, so I decided to work on it well so that when people listened to it, it would be worth the wait. I have been getting very good reviews.
Why do you still play with a band in this digital era?
I am a live performer; I cannot stand using a disc jockey. I think I have only done that once in my life and that was during a tour for Globacom. It was so bad that I did not even know how to communicate with the disc jockey. Some people are so good at it but they had to teach me how to flow with the disc jockey. I was so uncomfortable because I always had this fear that the compact disc would skip. I like live music because you can do anything.
After you left Lagbaja, it took a while before people recognised you as a solo artiste. What were some of the things you went through?
I had to prove myself and so, I worked harder than before. I noticed that people who knew me when I left his band saw me differently. I had to prove myself as a solo artiste. It was a lot of work but now I have that respect.
You had gained so much fame with Lagbaja, why did you leave?
It was because I wanted to be on my own and do my own kind of music. I wanted to have my own band. There were no issues; I just wanted to go a step ahead. I could not be with him forever; I was in his band for 12 years. I felt there was nothing more for me to do there, so I decided to move on to the next stage.
How did music start for you?
I have always loved music but I actually thought I was going to be an actress. Singing was something I took for granted because it is a natural talent. I did not even know I would make a career of it. In secondary school, I had a book that I wrote lyrics of songs and I would always sing in class and make noise. I wanted to be everything but a musician. When I was done with my secondary school, I did some jingles and back-up for some people. It was a hobby to me then but when I started with Lagbaja, (because he was the main band I worked with), I figured I had potential. My family encouraged me and that was it.
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