Sade Aboderin popularly known as Shady Blue is a multi talented artiste. The half-caste who is set to bring her music home to Nigeria spoke with SEYI SOKOYA on her experience staying abroad, and how she was convinced that her music will be widely accepted by Nigerians as well as other sundry issues. Excerpts:

YOU are a woman of many talents, how have you been able to combine them together without any clash?

I am a singer-songwriter, an inspirational writer, entrepreneur, fashion designer, and founder and CEO of Shady Blue Jeans Ltd & Shady blue Inc.

I have always been a singer-songwriter, every other talent I have got has been an extra gift from God; music & fashion link together, so it’s easy to combine both. These two major things have always been a passion of mine.

How has it been staying abroad?

I moved to London, UK in 1996 and have been there ever since. It’s been a rollercoaster ride living abroad as I had to re-adjust to the system and way of living but I thank God for the opportunity that my mother and her family also live in the UK.

You are a Nigerian, why did you decide to stay away from home?

I am Nigerian and also British. I was born to a Nigerian (Yoruba) father and bi-racial mother (half Ghanaian and half English). I didn’t decide to stay away from Nigeria but I had to come and join my mother in the UK immediately I completed my secondary education.

How would you assess the Nigerian entertainment industry compared to what you have overseas?

Nigerian entertainment industry compared to what it was when I left Nigeria in 1996 has really progressed and grown and presently, the industry is now known and well recognised world-wide. From the information I got and the look of things, it has really taken a new shape in terms of the face and voice in the world-wide entertainment map.

How many music have you produced so far?

I have written so many songs and co-produced a few. I currently have a 20-track album on iTunes and other online music stores called ‘Until the End’.

I also had a live concert with my 12-piece band not long ago and the live album and DVD should be released soon.

When did the music thing start?

Music started for me from birth. My father Anjola Aboderin is a musical legend, I grew up in a house surrounded by musicians and talented singers. I remember my first concert and performance with a live band at the Cultural Centre, Ibadan in the early 80’s with my cousins whom I formed a girl-group with. We also performed at various venues under our uncle’s (Moses Aboderin) umbrella company Mosatabod – Talent Push show. Later, I moved on and became a lead singer at my church choir, where I had more experience of touring and performing.

When I moved over to the UK, it was a great challenge for me finding my way into the music scene. I started by auditioning regularly for various groups and also recorded some demo. The first group I joined was a 10-piece dynamic gospel group called ‘Citizen K’ whom I toured with and got so much exposure and experience from. I got to perform at top venues in London like the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Opera House, the MOBO Awards, etc.

Then, I joined an Afro Hip-Hop group called JJC & 419 Squad and Backbone Music who Don Jazzy & D’Banj were also members of. After about four to five years, I decided to move on and form my own girl-group called Quali-tee. After a couple of years I went back to concentrate on my solo career.

What kind of music are you into?

I have always been a great lover of all good music from Soul to Jazz, Afrobeat, and Gospel. I love music and I love live music more.

What is the idea behind the concept ‘Shady Blue’?

Shady Blue is my stage name and I got the name from my real name ‘Sade’ and favourite colour ‘Blue’. My style of music is fusions of various styles which brings you a unique sound that I call ‘Afro centric Soulful Jazz’, my music is Inspirational.

How many awards has music earned you?

I have been nominated for a few awards but won four awards so far.

What has trend got to do with you and your music?

Trend is the general direction in which something is developing or changing but it does not affect me or my music as I always stay true to myself, my style and my uniqueness and I do not follow the crowd. I actually prefer performing live with bands than studio. There is nothing like real live music. I never try to fit in as God made me unique, so I was born to stand out.

What was your parents’ reaction when you chose music as a career?

I didn’t choose music as a career, music chose me and I believe I was born to do music as it’s in my blood. I was born to sing and I love to sing, write and perform. Music is my first love and my passion. Music is a natural part of me and my parents have always been supportive.

How will your kind of music affect Nigerians ?

My music is inspirational and I write from my heart, my kind of music also includes real life experience and I ensure I write to encourage, motivate and inspire. I write music that has meaning and always positive.

What is your greatest challenge in life?

Life in general comes with various ups and downs, so many challenges, but what matters is the way we deal with them as they come. Staying positive, thankful, prayerful with lots of faith in every situation is the best way to handle challenges.

The challenges that come with being a black female musician based in the UK are so much that I have been on the verge of giving up so many times. However, I thank God for my faith and my passion for music. Music makes me happy and through God’s grace I have been able to face the many challenges and stay thankful, strong and continue to follow my dreams and continue my God-chosen career as a musician, singer-songwriter without having to conform or settle for less and do anything that will make me lose my pride or self-respect.

Which album and live concert really brought you to limelight?

My debut single 'Permission to Please' went straight to the charts and was play listed by major radio stations. This was the song that actually created a bigger buzz for me. This single was from my debut album.

What was the relationship like when you were with Don Jazzy and D’banj ?

Don Jazzy & D’banj were like brothers to me. Don Jazzy was always very quiet. He is full of creativity and very talented and I knew he will go places with his amazing talent. Also D’Banj had his uniqueness and together they create something special and unique.

It has been observed that musicians are prone to scandals, how have you been managing yourself?

God’s grace I guess and also scandals usually come with the way one carries herself, but as for me, I make sure I always stay away from negativity.

As a woman of multiple talents, would you say you have achieved your set goal?

I would say I am nowhere near achieving my goals. I have so much more work to do and I believe it’s just the beginning for me. My plan is to bring my music back home to Nigeria as soon as possible. I would like to share my music with my people.

You are the busy type, how have you been managing your career and your home?

I have always been a workaholic. I try my possible best to work to time (time-management) and analyse what my priorities are at each stage. I am a project management professional so I use my skills from that.

Has your hubby ever told you to quit your music for the home?

I am very blessed to have a family that supports my dreams and passion. Music was what I was born into and born to do and is a part of me for life and music is a part of who I am and can never be taken away from me. I have a work-life balance and always make sure I make time for my family even when busy with music.

Do you subscribe to the insinuation that female musicians do not go far in this field?

The music and entertainment industry is definitely more difficult for females especially in Africa but with God's grace many females do go far. It all depends on one's approach to it. Carry yourself with pride and self respect and you will be respected.

Anyone can do well in any business as long as they deal with it professionally.

Your hot legs, hips and voice are not different from Shakira’s, does that mean you want to take after her?

Shakira? Never been compared to her… My role models are Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Sade Adu, Yolanda Adams, Michael Jackson, and Ella Fitzgerald.

Are you saying you and Shakira do not match?

No, Shakira is an amazing singer but her style of music is different from mine.

You often wear skimpy wears, why crave for that?

Skimpy wears? No, I don’t and never crave for skimpy wear. I love fashion and wear nice outfits. Jeans are my favourite but I always prefer to perform in smart wears. I also love the African print and love to improvise and customise my dressing with a lot of accessories and bangles.

How do you ward off male admirers?

I stay polite. I also always try to make them know what I am about; I get the wisdom and direction on the best way to approach such situation.

Since you rose to stardom what has been your regret?

No regrets at all. I just thank God for giving me the chance to fulfill my dreams in music and entertainment.

Do you like to wear a tattoo and why?

No tattoos and I don’t think I would ever get one.

What will be your demand to pose nude?

I will never pose nude as it has nothing to do with my music or creativity.

Even  half dressed?

I would never consider it.

What is the secret behind your hot looks?

God’s grace, Positive thinking and good rest when I get the chance to.

Your background in brief.

My name is Sade Aboderin popularly known as Shady Blue. Born to a Nigerian Father and Bi-racial mother (Ghanaian- English). First child of both parents. Always had a strong passion for music, influenced by musician father. I have Bsc. in  Financial Mathematics which developed my mathematical and statistical skills - I was able to apply these skills to working in the financial services and also to my business ventures in music and fashion hence, my entrepreneurial side.