Itandire Adeola Adebo whose stage name is Ire D Stage Devi (an Indian fan gave her 'Devi' which means a goddess after seeing her perform) is
a contemporary Nigerian songstress who has performed in different countries
across the globe and she is gaining prominence among artistes that have changed
the worldview of music in Yoruba language. We had an exclusive chat with her;
please find the excerpt below-
- Can we meet Ire?
Can we meet Ire? Ire
D Stage Devi is an award winning International contemporary Folk Artiste, a
born chanter, rehearsal Flutist, a talented lyricist, a story teller who sings
Africa to the world beyond their imagination through her sonorous voice,
Theatrical and energetic performances.
- Where are the places that Ire has performed?
Places Ire D Stage
Devi has performed: Ire D Stage Devi doesn't perform anywhere because of her kind of Brand. Some
of her performances were at SICA International Festival Republic of Benin,
Kanilai International Festival, the Gambia, UNESCO world concert Aso Rock
Abuja, Wesley Snipes reconnect, the Dome Abuja, Abuja Carnival, Common Wealth
Spouse Day Abuja, SERAS Awards, Sun Man of the Year Awards, TAVA, Down Syndrome
Foundation Fund Raising Dinner Ikoyi Lagos, YALI Network Dinner, Broadcasters
Merit Awards, Intercontinental Hotel, Metro FM Fyn 0.2 Concert, Muson, World
Music Day Alliance Francaise and the list is endless.
- Why is Ire standing by Yoruba language and culture?
A river that forgets
it's source will soon dry up". Being an African not an AfriCAN'T, image is
everything. if we don't tell our stories, others will definitely tell it
in a way we might not approve. Culture is our Pot of Gold and preserving it is
the first port of duty of a true daughter of the soil.
- Based on your performance in Benin Republic and the recent national endorsement of Yoruba language as the second language in the country; what do you think Yorubas in the core of the language should do?
There's a Yoruba
proverb that says "the way a Calabash owner calls his Calabash is the same
way foreigners will call it". If we price the language cheap, nobody will
up the price. We need to stop the stigma of 'localism' and start embracing
and appreciating the beauty of the Language, then we know we are on the
right path of coming to terms with our True identity.
- Tell us about your new single?
My debut album is
still being cooked. What you see are my experimental works over the years and
you can get them on virtually all online stores as seen below: http://smarturl.it/IDjAM Soko my new single
will be launched online on Friday, 18th March 2016
- Describe the single in 3 words?
It's an Album in
process but permit me to talk about my new Single in three words. It's
Inspirational, the word Soko is Cliche and Unique.
- Your manager is of Igbo extraction, you are Yoruba, how have you been able to stay together all these years.
My Manager being of
Igbo extraction: Humanity came before Nationality. Our relationship is based on
TRUST, not TRIBE. In our diversity is our unity, our differences complement
what we do. Music also is a universal language that makes our language barrier
a bond.
- Any advice for youngsters?
The world is not designed to make you happy so find your Muse. Your
starting point is not a problem, your stop over is not an issue, buy your
destination is KEY. The world might not believe in you but never stop believing
in yourself. Above all, God is irreplaceable. Never be too occupied to leave a
space for Him. Ajose wa oni baje! Ire
ooo!!