Monicazation: Music Is My First Love

Monicazation

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Monica Swaida, popularly called Monicazation is a multi-talented artiste. She is a musician, actress, movie producer and CEO of an insurance company. Having left Nigeria for America few years ago for academic pursuit, hardworking Monicazation took the bold step of returning to her father land to make a positive impact in the entertainment industry.

She is the producer of the much anticipated culture-rich movie, ‘Esohe’, parading both Hollywood and Nollywood stars. In this interview, Monicazation shares with ABIOLA ALABA PETERS, her journey into music and movies.

Apart from producing this work, Selebobo also did background vocals and some leads. I thank him and his brother so much for turning my sad story to a lovely one. I have been having a great time here promoting my music. Monica Swaida called MonicazationI’m hoping that Nigerians will embrace me again like they did when I was a child artiste.

I left the shores of Nigeria over 20 years ago and it’s been great returning to my home land. I was also in Benin shooting my new movie titled ‘Esohe’.
To start with, what’s happening to you right now?

Currently, I’m in Nigeria to promote my new music video and new single titled ‘Under Your Influence’, produced by Selebobo. This video was shot in Nigeria with an all Nigerian cast. I was very excited coming back to Nigeria to work. I am amazed at the professionalism of our people here in Nigeria. I was given 110 per cent of their time and talents.

This video is one of my most exciting works yet. What makes it so special to me is that I initially came to Nigeria just to shoot the video. I had already produced the music in America with an amazing producer called Amara Freeman. When I arrived in Nigeria, my bag containing my hard drive got stolen at the airport! I was devastated. I was already going to shoot my video with award winning producer and director, Okey Oku.

I told him what happened to me and he told me about his younger brother called Selebobo who was a producer in Nigeria. He promised to talk to him to see what he could do for me. Selebobo agreed to work with me after he listened to the demo I had saved. We worked all night. We didn’t leave his home studio until about 5.30am in the morning. The final outcome was great.
The movie is co-produced by me and Charles Uwagbai. He also directed the movie. The movie is being shot both in Nigeria and America. Some of the movie casts include: Jimmy Jean-Louis from Hollywood and Misty Lockhart, also from America.

We also have big stars here in Nigeria in the likes of Desmond Elliot, Bimbo Martins, Ufuoma, Oghenekaro Itene, Chris Attoh from Ghana and a lot of other stars. This is an amazing movie because it talks about the rich Benin culture.

Most of us including the Americans spoke some Benin in the movie. There is a lot of singing and history in the movie. I played the part of Esosa. The plan is to come often to Nigeria to work. I see myself pushing our works to the West like they pushed theirs down to us.

What inspired your stage name ‘Monicazation’?

Monicazation is composed of my many companies. Apart from being in show business, I am also the owner of an insurance company in America. I specialise in property and casualty insurance and also own my movie and music production company.

I thought of a name that would represent me and all that I do. I came up with ‘Monicazation’ in my sleep and I woke up and wrote it down. It’s like saying Monica’s world, Monica’s nation. I changed Nation to ‘Zation’ and came up with ‘Monicazation’. It is also a way of saying, my zone, my path or Monica’s world. I educate folks about insurance and more. I talk to the world with my music and movie.

Tell us about your single, ‘Under your Influence’?

It’s just a love song inspired by no one but my imagination. It’s a story about a woman under the influence of her lover. The man is so captivating that she is overtaken as if under the spell of his love.

Which would you consider your first love, movies or music?

I am not sure; this is a tricky question. I started music first and later found myself doing soundtracks for movies and slowly got into the movie business. I guess music is my first love. Good thing is that with movies, I also have the opportunity of singing or doing soundtracks. In all we do, music is all around us.

Tell us about your experience with the late Sunny Okosun, Majek Fashek and others and how it helped your career.

As a teenager, I met Majek Fashek at Aibitonia Studios at Anthony in Lagos. He was introduced to me by late Arakatula. At that time, I was part of a group called ‘Sound on Sound’ with an American called Scratch and three other singers. We released our first album with Poligram Records.

Things didn’t go well with the group because when I went to school, they thought I left and eventually took my picture out of the album. During those times, there were no emails or easy access to cell phones. I was heartbroken at that young age and decided to leave the group. Majek knew all about the situation and told my dad that he wanted me to join his band a n d go on tour. I was blessed to play with Majek Fashek.

He took me like a daughter and treated me like one. He taught me so much in my musical life. I toured all over Nigeria and West Africa.

He taught me a lot about song writing and eliminated my stage fears. I didn’t play as much with Sunny Okosun like I played w i t h Majek. I met Sunn y Okosun during ‘MAMSER’ tour with Majek and became friends with his backup singers. When Majek was taking breaks from long tours, I decided to go with Sunny Okosun. Anytime I was on break with Majek, I went with Okosun and I also learned from him.

He too influenced me in a lot of ways. He played in many different languages and loved all Nigerians equally. He promoted unity among us all; may his soul rest in peace. Evi Edna taught me about humility. I learned a lot from her as well.

What are your worst and best moments?

My worst moment was when I broke up with my first group, ‘Sound on Sound’. I was a child artiste and had so much going for me; a great singing career and signed up with Poligram Records.

I felt untouchable until my life became shattered because I felt betrayed by those who taught me so much. I was a child among many. I thought my music career was over when our music was released and I didn’t enjoy the success because of the trouble with the group. My best moment was being on ‘MAMSER’ tour with Majek. I toured the whole of Nigeria. I saw every part of my dear country. Nothing has beaten that yet. Those were my best moments yet.

Tell us about the man in your life.

I’m married to my husband, an American. He is an engineer by profession.

What is the most cherished part of your body?

Every part of my body is cherished, but if I could choose just one part, it would be my lips. I’ve full African lips.

If you weren’t in entertainment, what would you be doing?

Right now I own an insurance company. I enjoy interacting with people. I am a people’s person. I wouldn’t mind travelling round the world and being a food or wine taster.

Your favourite perfumes and jewellery?

I love different kinds of perfumes. As for jewellery, I love all types of gold, pearls and traditional beads. These days, I’m more into African fashion. Coral beads are in for me.

Describe your style when it comes to fashion.

I create my own fashion; I’m not a follower. I can wear a buba with jeans and a wicked head tie. Depending on my mood, I love simple clothing; nothing too flashy or complicated.

What are your words to your fans and followers?

Please watch my new music video, ‘Under your Influence’ on Youtube. You can follow me on most social media by searching for Monicazation.

About the Author

Michael Onas
Africa - Online Founder & Senior Editor Africa - Online.Com was founded by Michael Onas in 1997, in the years since the site has grown to become a world leader in African news sector, with millions of readers around the world and followers on social media.