The first time I heard Evelle’s voice was her sound track in the movie Lotanna. In her usual fashion, the songbird created a master piece for the movie’s sound track.
Zibili Evelyn Ibhade fondly called Evelle by her fans, won the 2014 edition of the Nigerian Idol. Since then, the soulful singer armed with a voice that can calm frayed nerves has continued to soar against all odds.
Evelle clinched the ‘Best sound track’ award for the movie ‘Tatu’ at the 2018 edition of African Magic Viewers Choice Awards
In this chat with TheNewsGuru, Evelle opens open on her passion for music, why the Nigerian music industry isn’t conducive for reality TV show winners, among other issues.
Four years after Nigerian idols are you satisfied with how far you have come?
No I’m not satisfied with how far I have come. I am happy to have the experience I got so far. Now I know what to do and how to set my priorities right when fame comes.
Would you say the Nigerian music industry is conducive for reality TV show winners?
Not really .I don’t think it is totally conducive yet. Reality TV shows winners go through too much pressure to please people that voted while they were in the competition. They literally sign their lives away when they win. Nigeria is gradually getting to that point where they just let people be themselves.
What is the secret behind your amazing sound tracks for movies?
My passion for giving people an experience through my music .that’s my secret.
Was there a time you wanted to give up on music?
I wanted to give up on music on several occasions. The love I have for music is too deep to have me let go.
What keeps you going?
What keeps me going is God , my family and love.
Do you get intimidated by the success of female acts like Simi and Tiwa Savage?
No I don’t get intimidated. .I love the fact that they are where they are right now.It just goes a long way to make me believe that whatever I want to achieve with my music is very possible .I love them and i listen to their music
How would you define your style of music?
I’m an Afro-Soul singer. I’m a soulful singer. My music is very emotional .It takes you on a journey to another world .Your imaginations are expended beyond limits and it gives you freedom to feel.
What did winning Nigerian Idols do for you?
Winning Nigerian Idol gave me a platform to start my career. It gave me a name .I came up with my stage name while I was on Nigerian idol.
Has social media been a blessing to you or a curse?
Social media has been a blessing to me .I’m still learning to take full advantage of it.It is a blessing
Can you strip for a music video?
Honestly I don’t think so .But I never say never.
What new projects are you working on?
I have just shot two music videos that are dropping soon .I can’t really disclose in details. However, my AMVCA award- winning song KILIMANJARO is one of the videos .Watch out.
Whose advice has been instrumental to your career and who gave it?
My parent’s advice has been keeping me on in my career. They don’t see me doing anything else apart from music. They advise me never to do anything else aside from music.
