Honey B and Father, Kwam 1. |
Singer, Honey Zainab Marshal also known as Honey B, is the daughter of Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal. She tells Ademola Olonilua of The Punch Newspapers about her music and relationship with her father... [continue]
What was growing up like for you?
Growing up in London was very nice. I
lived with my mother who worked hard to provide everything I needed. She
gave me unconditional love, support, and constant encouragement. My
real name is Honey Zainab Marshal. I attended Vauxhall Primary School
and then Charles Edward Brooke School in Lambeth. I later attended The
BRIT School of Performing Arts in Croydon where I studied Music.
How did you discover your musical talent?
My mum said I used to hum along to songs
on the radio well before I could speak, but my talent for singing was
discovered in primary school. I sang at a show in aid of keeping the
school open and remember all the excitement my performance got. I later
received an Award Certificate signed by the local MP and our school
stayed open, from then, I was encouraged to carry on.
Your costume during the Notting Hill Carnival caused some buzz. Who designed it for you and what reviews did you get from that?
I designed my outfit at the Notting Hill
carnival as a last minute option because as there was a malfunction
with the original outfit planned for the day. I had great reviews on the
costume based on the fact that it was very appropriate for the occasion
and the heat it added to my performance. Watch out for my clothing line
soon, we are about to close the deal.
How was the experience and acceptance level of your performance?
The experience at the carnival was great
being my first time performing at the Nigerian corner. As for my
performance, I felt it was well received. The majority of the audience
seemed mesmerised.
How would you describe your kind of music?
My music is RnB/Afropop and I describe
it as ‘real music’, I write from experience and everyday happenings. I
am mastering my song writing skill day in day out, so as to push my
boundary as an artiste.
You did collaboration with your father, KWAM 1. What was the experience like?
It was an amazing learning experience
for me. Not only did I get the chance to remix a very well known song,
but also the chance to be in the studio with a legend and learn
firsthand how hits are made.
Whose idea was the collaboration?
The idea was actually an assignment to
see how well I could cross from RnB to Afrobeat. So K1 said I could have
a look at his collections and Sempe caught my eye as a
challenge. I decided to take a playful song and turn it a bit more
serious, relating to all generations. K1 heard it, loved it and there we
had 21st Century Fuji.
Has being KWAM1’s daughter influenced your career in any way?
Being the daughter of a legendary
musician adds a lot more pressure and greater expectations. But I try
not to focus on the negatives but work harder so I can continue the
legacy by building a great name for myself. I treat all obstacles as
tools to make me better equipped for the future. People and colleagues
in the industry think I have it easy because my dad is K1. Neither of
these groups have any idea. I certainly work for everything I do or get
and it is not easy being a female artiste in a male-dominated industry. I
decided to shoot and release the video to my song, Updown, to introduce
myself as a solo artiste with my own right and not a lady trying to
shine off my dad’s fame.
One would have thought your genre of music would be something like your father’s. Why did you choose to be different?
My style of music developed based on my
surrounding; I grew up in England in the era of RnB and soul music. I
was educated in a performing arts school, where eclectic music styles
were mandatory. After learning those styles of music, I now chose to
incorporate RnB with music from my origin, resulting in RnB/afropop.
Cultural infusion is magical.
Was it difficult convincing your dad that you wanted music as a career?
Well, it was more difficult convincing
my mum, but both parents agreed to support after I got my Bachelor of
Arts degree in Criminology.
Do you have any other business, apart from music?
I have my hands in fashion and female empowerment projects, but currently music is my main focus.
Are you planning to return to Nigeria?
Yes. Returning is in my plan for the
future. As for now, I only come in and out of Nigeria when I have shows
and business engagements.
How do you intend to fight competition?
I’m constantly working hard and giving a
hundred per cent attention to all I do. My main focus is to concentrate
on my craft and ways of progressing. God is involved.
Do you think you can cope in Nigeria, given its peculiar nature?
Well that’s some of the unique things
about Nigeria. You have got to have thick skin and think fast on your
feet to survive. I have a great team I am working with and I am doing it
with an open mind.
Do you think you can achieve the feat your father accomplished?
By the grace of the Almighty, with hard work, I will, plus more.
How close are you to your dad?
Dad tours round the world every time. He
is a very hardworking man. Always on the move, but we are very close.
Thanks to technology, we communicate.
How acceptable is your music in London?
My music has been well accepted; much
more than I expected. It is amazing how it has travelled through the
older generation to the younger and even non-Africans. We have been on
the road since July around UK performing from Afrobeat shows to fashion
shows in Mayfair. I thank God.
Posted by Tolu.
Source Punch.
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