Chimamanda Calls Asa A Goddess, Says Teni Is Gifted

Anyone who is an ardent follower of award winning writer Chimamanda Adichie, knows she isn’t a stiff necked intellectual who thinks she has better taste than many or poses to have “elite taste” by not absorbing Nigerian art. She has constantly shown her love for Nigeria by how she appreciates and enjoys Nigerian fashion, music, movies, writing etc. The writer who has been busy accepting awards, honorary degrees and more from several prestigious institutions all over the globe, helping actor Lupita Nyong’o assimilate the Nigerian culture in preparation for her role “Ifemelu” in the TV adaption of her award winning book Americanah; took a break to speak about women in politics, feminism, literature and music recently. Don’t fret, she doesn’t plan to start another career in music.

When asked in the interview with Sunday Punch if she listened to Nigerian music, the renowned writer let us in on some of her favourite artistes. “Falana is multi-talented and original. Yemi Alade, Waje and Omawumi all have fantastic vocal power and a beautiful artistic aura that is hard to imitate. Teni is so refreshing and gifted. Asa is a goddess. I think Phyno is extremely talented, and there is a unique and edgy quality in his ability to bridge modern high life and rap. Flavour’s music has a lovely nostalgic quality that is contemporary but has its roots in the past. There are songs by D’Banj, 2baba, P-Square and 9ice that I consider modern classics. Burna Boy is interesting because he seems keen to create an unorthodox body of work. Umu Obiligbo is my most recent discovery and I love their song, Culture. But as far as eternal favourites go, I always return to the queen, Onyeka Onwenu; the inimitable Fela Anikulapo-Kuti; and Celestine Ukwu, who I consider a philosopher-musician.”

From legendary Pop/Folklore singer Onyeka Onwenu to Soul/RNB queens Omawumi, Waje, & Yemi Alade to Afro-fusion star Burna Boy, one thing we’re taking away is that Chimamanda has an ear for highly talented artistes and we are here for her diversified, inclusive and great taste in music