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SNAPPY 7: Lola Rae – Nudity in music videos is not my taste


Lola Rae, a Nigeria-born British raised recording artiste and dancer, shot to limelight with the release of her debut single Watch My Ting Go.

The song received critical acclaim and earning Lola nomination in the Most Promising Female Act to Watch category during the 2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

The 25 year old singer was in Nairobi to promote her latest song One Time and Nairobi News caught up with her for a chat.

1. Tell us in a few words who Lola Rae is? – I am a fashion student and I started doing music because it was my passion. Growing up I was extremely shy but I stayed grounded, prayed and humbled and now here I am. My father is British and my mother is Ghanaian but I grew up in Nigeria before relocating to Britain. Nigeria is all I know that’s why I do Nigerian music.

2. What was your inspiration behind your hit single ‘One Time’? – It is an Afro-reggae record. I try to fuse reggae and Nigerian feel to it. We wanted to do something sexy, something grown but also a different sound.

I was brought up listening to reggae, like Bob Marley songs which I love so much but I never had the opportunity to do a reggae song. In the song I wanted to show my versatility in writing, that I can write pop records and also write reggae records. I have a different genre of music which you will see soon.

3. Your first time in Kenya, which Kenyan Musician would you like to collaborate with? – Right now I would love a collaboration with Sauti Sol, but I have been listening to a female artiste called Dela and I think she is really talented and I would like to do something with her.

4. What is your greatest asset and what influences your music? – In life, I think that I am humble and God-willing it will take me far. I have been through so many ups and downs and it’s grounded me and I don’t feel like my head would become massive that after a year when we meet I would pretend I don’t know you.

In music, I think that my best asset is being able to understand both Western and African cultures and fusing them to make different music which will be different from what you hear.

5. Your song ‘Fi Mi Le’ with Iyanya, what does it mean?Fi Mi Le basically means leave me alone. It is about a guy I am saying, leave me alone, I have had enough of your lies, don’t call my phone and don’t come to my house.

6. How do you deal with the attention you get from male admirers? – We have gotten a few weird emails and proposals but I am not yet ready to get married anytime soon and I hope God blesses you with a great partner.

7. People say that you dress skimpily in your videos, is that true? – I think they over exaggerated the nudity. I always make sure I am covered up. I am a Christian so it is a very big thing for me. I do not agree with the rap videos were girls are completely naked, I don’t think that’s my taste. Just don’t take it too far.