I’m Not Dating Banky W – Niyola

At first glance, she appears reserved and naïve, but Niyola, the first lady of Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) is far from that. The likeable singer has been in the background for years, studying trends and learning all the tricks from the EME  boss, Banky W. 

Now the Toh Bad singer is ready for the big stage after winning the Best Vocal Performance (Female), award at the HEADIES 2014.The beauty, who was born Eniola Akinbo, spoke to SAMUEL ABULUDE on her music, personality and why she’s not ready for marriage yet.

Interview excerpt after the cut...

How does winning the Best Vocal Performance (Female) award at the Headies feel?

I feel on top of the world. I feel thrilled. It was a surprise to me. As long as I’m nominated among the lots of female singers in the industry, it’s still an honour. If I hadn’t won, I would still feel like a winner because it shows that I’ve done something pretty impressive to be singled out for that honour. Toh Bad made me a winner. The song was also nominated in another category (Video of the Year) but that’s for the director, Kemi Adetiba.

Is Toh Bad a narrative of a personal experience?

Well, I would say that in a way, it is. I have felt love and I actually know what it feels like being torn between a job you love and the man you love. I also know that every woman at every point in time has been in a position where she has had to deal with such a situation and that’s why you have to go back when you know that someone isn’t just good for you. You spent time thinking “Oh, he’s just being a man; I can understand what he’s going through” and all that.

What’s in the works for 2015?

2015 is here already and hopefully, I’m going to drop an album and my fans are going to be seeing more songs, more videos, local and international collaborations next year. I cannot tell you exactly what they would be like, but it would be next year definitely.

What other career would you have chosen, aside music?

I honestly don’t know because I have many talents. I love writing; meeting and inspiring people. I’m just a happy-go-lucky-girl; I get excited by the little things in life. I don’t ask for too many things and I’m very simple.

Who’s your stylist?

It depends; today I’m wearing April by Kunbi. Usually I style myself, but occasionally I have people style me.

Your posterior looks bigger, did you enhance it?

How did you know the size of my butt? Have you ever seen my butt before? I have no answer please.

What are the challenges you’ve faced in the industry?

I can’t start to count because I take challenges well. I believe that for you to succeed, you must face challenges and at the point you’re sure you’ve overcome some, that’s when you know that you’re growing.

It’s like when you are a seamstress and you want to sew, sometimes you get pricked by a needle. You’d not say that the problem you have is that you are hurt; it’s your job and you take everything that comes like that.

How did you celebrate your recent birthday?

It was just something on the low key. I spent it with my loved ones; I just had some food and drinks.

You were cosy with Banky W in a recent video of yours and once in an interview he admitted he feels some affection for you; are you two dating?

I’m not aware of that, he’s my boss and that’s it.

If he proposes to you now, what will you say?

(Chuckles) I don’t know; until he does.

What’s your ideal man like?

I don’t think there’s such thing as an ideal man. I just like a mature, very self-respecting, God-fearing and good looking man who is also intelligent enough to take me for who I am. I’m single now because I chose to be. When I’m ready for a relationship, I will know and you will also know afterwards.

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