Stepping out of the pool in the bright Dallas summer heat , she flicked her wet hair over her shoulders , strutted to a chair to grab a towel as she prepared to bare her mind on her music journey. No longer the rookie of a few years back , she exuded the aura of a woman comfortable in her own skin , finding her voice , tracing her path in the music industry . Welcome to the world of Ijeoma Ononobi 'Ijekimora' , the Texas based Nigerian singing sensation who just announced her come back on the music scene with the banging single 'Shakara' produced by Paul Demsa.
Some find music and music finds others, in Ijekimora’s case it’s probably both as the soft-spoken singer has always loved music from as far back as she can remember. Singing in the shower by herself, in her room and all around the house sowed the seeds of Ijekimora’s present musical career pursuit. A chance meeting with Dallas based producer Demsa facilitated by her friend J Krunk finally convinced her she could sing as the producer encouraged her to make the most of her talents. That was the confidence boost for her to take music serious and she has never looked back since then.
After the release of her previous singles Osho Free ft. Kelly Handsome who also produced it and Lovey Luv produced by Young D, the beautiful singer looked set to take her career to the next level especially after visiting Nigeria to promote the single which got some buzz. Then came a rude awakening as it was a culture shock for her when she faced some unpleasant situations. According to Ije, it was like everyone wanted her body before even listening to what she offers. One of the biggest labels in Nigeria’s head honcho sold her a song and she realized the same song had been sold to three other artists. These were some of the experiences that slowed her down as she returned to the US to reassess her options and redevelop herself for another crack at the cookie with a stronger team and a proper artist structure.
Her latest single ‘Shakara’ according to Ije as she is fondly called simply means someone, could be male or female posing, showing off, or playing hard to get also known as fronting. Ijekimora is Shakara. All the women all over the world are shakara. Ijekimora believes that we must remember, as a woman, that we hold the key; the key to a man's success through Christ. Like they say, "behind every successful man, there's a good woman". #Shakara. The single was also inspired by the Late Afrobeat Legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti who has probably influenced more artists than can be counted all over the world.
Ijekimora opines that African music has evolved with a lot of creativity and diversity, crossing boundaries with the likes of Wizkid & Davido leading the way and building on the efforts of people like D’banj, 2face and P-square. For her it’s amazing to see how far African music has grown in a short span and the current influence on world music. Ijekimora however feel, more women should be encouraged to reach the highest heights, ‘my message is simply equal opportunities for all ‘she said, as she hopes to be an inspiration to other young girls wishing to pursue a career in music.
jekimora’s musical influences includes Omawumi, Brandy, Michael Jackson, Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston and of course The Late Femi Anikulapo Kuti who inspired her current single “Shakara”. Like they say, " it takes a village to raise a child”. Ijekimora would like to work with artists like Flavour, Yemi Alade, Waje, Wizkid, Davido and every great artist in the industry that is willing to grow and represent the African Music the right way.
'Shakara' marks a new beginning, the prophetic second coming in the Ijekimora story and she plans to relocate back to Nigeria to grow her music career and build her image and brand. Like they say, " it takes a village to raise a child”. Ijekimora would like to work with artists like Flavour, Yemi Alade, Waje, Wizkid, Davido and every great artist in the industry that is willing to grow and represent the African Music the right way.
To learn more about Ijekimora, Follow her on all social media platforms @IjeKimora. You can also listen to her music on all music sharing platforms.
IJEKIMORA
