Sefiya Ibrahim
Background
My name is Sefiya Ibrahim, but my stage
name is Sefiya. I am a musician, actor, video vixen and model. I am from
Abia State, but I was born in Kano State into a Muslim family. I am the
first daughter of my parents. Growing up was a bit boring because my
mum rarely let us out of the house.
Music
Growing up, my voice was a bit husky and
cracked and I never knew I would be a musician. My journey into music
began after secondary school in Cross River State when I joined a male
rap group called Nightfall. I moved to Lagos and joined yet another male
group, and later a female group but they all did not work out. I
decided to do music professionally in 2013. I just released a new single
titled Nwayo Nwayo, under the management of Purple Ice Entertainment.
I started acting when I was in Calabar. I
used to act on stage. It was something I did on the side. After I moved
to Lagos, I auditioned for ‘Tinsel’. That was my first audition as an
actor. My brother got the job and I didn’t. I went back and was casted
as an extra. After ‘Tinsel’, I starred in a soap opera titled ‘Dear
Mother’. My first feature film, ‘Saint Mary’ has been premiered in
London and will be released soon in Nigeria. I played the lead role.
Modelling
I always wanted to be a model, but did
not know how to pull it off. I loved the models I saw on television and
wished I could be like them. I met my agent by chance and she asked if I
was a model. When I replied in the negative, she asked if I was
interested in becoming one. I agreed and that was it. I felt fulfilled
standing in front of the camera. I have worked with corporate
organisations like MTN, Globacom, Virgin Nigeria, Isuzu and a lot more. I
was also a vixen.
Career
As an artiste, I believe I am a brand. I
still model, sing and act. I am a total package. The most difficult of
all is being a recording artiste. Performing on the stage or shooting a
video means acting and passing a message across to people. Singing comes
first and every other thing follows. In addition, I will like to go for
a salsa class to enhance my performance as a musician. It is also a
good body exercise. Singing, acting and modelling are enough stress and I
will just focus on them. I can’t be a presenter because I am too shy
for that. It is easy to perform in front of the camera when you have a
script.
Parental Support
My parents have been supportive. When I
joined my first group, my mother let me sleep in a studio and she has
been an encouragement. She knew it was what I liked but did not know
that was what I would love to do. She is a lover of entertainment.
Challenges
One of the challenges I had was not
being accepted by people. It took them a while to understand that music
was what I wanted to do. Also, it was not easy for female artistes in
the industry, but there has been some change and progress for them.
Influences
The first person that made me believe I
could be successful as a musician was my elder brother. I sat with him
one night as he wrote his first song. I was happy that I contributed to
it and helped out with the lines. He made me believe I could do it. I
was also influenced by Mariah Carey and Toni Braxton.
Competition
I would stand my ground by being me and
doing what I do well. My music is about what is happening around. My
style is different; although we all do Afro-pop genre, no one sings like
I do.
Ideal man
He must be hardworking and God-fearing. That is precise because it covers a lot of things and that is good for me.
Fame
I would not say I am famous yet, but I
am working towards that. I know I have male fans, but I am still who I
am. When that time comes, I will handle it, but I am prepared for it. I
would still be myself, there will be no changes. There is no
distraction; I work with a strong team and they know how to handle
things. My job is to record songs, go for performances and interviews. I
am not the type of girl that is seen everywhere.
Style
My style is simple, funky and sexy. My
personality influences the way I dress. My brand manager thinks the
fringes make me look different and should be my signature look. I do not
want to look like anybody.
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