Aramide Sarumoh popularly known as Aramide is an Afro-Fusion singer. She discovered her talents of singing and writing as a teenager and decided to nurture them. After secondary school, she learnt to play the saxophone and guitar — two instruments she is quite passionate about. As an undergraduate at the University of Jos, she participated in the Star Quest talent hunt show, making her part of a band that finished third runners-up. Her career took off shortly after she graduated. Aramide in this interview with our reporter speaks on her career and her plans for the future.
Winning the Headies and AFRIMMA in 2016 confirmed your place as a musician, how challenging has it been for you to maintain the status?
Winning those awards actually placed me on a very high pedestal; it gave my brand the voice and attention it deserved. Consequently, I’ve had to work extra hard in a bid to deliver, and satisfy the longings of everyone that appreciates good music, and what Aramide does. If there were any challenges, I believe that I’ve outlived them.
Has the demand for your music at shows increased since the awards?
Yes, it has. Prior to the award ceremonies, my music had been the toast of many people. Afro-Soul music is not a regular genre of music that anyone can perform at a go; you need to understand what it means to do quality music. Receiving those awards meant that people love what I do, and they want more of it.
We are aware that you are dropping videos of your debut album, but how soon would your fans have to wait for another?
So far, the videos of ‘Funmi Lowo’, ‘Why So Serious’ and ‘Bose’ have been released. No particular time has been set for the release of another video, but Aramide’s fans should be rest assured that they will get notified before the release of any other video.
The ‘Suitcase’ album was kick started with the song ‘Eledumare’, were you simply appreciating God or it had a deeper meaning?
There’s more to the song, Eledumare, than appreciating God. The song simply says that only God knows what the future holds for every man, in spite of the efforts we put in our endeavours daily. The song just goes on to tell everyone that the future cannot be predicted; only God knows what the future holds for everyone.
Are you living your dream, are you fulfilled with where you are today?
Yes, I’ll say that I’m on course with my dream. I’m pleased with where I’ve found myself today but, this is not the bus stop, there’s still a lot to achieve. Some years ago, I was not at this point. I really thank God for my present position and where He’s taking me.
On a personal note, tell us about growing up, what was it like?
Growing up was memorable for me. I had unforgettable moments that I’ll forever cherish. My parents gave me great care and all-round support, which transformed my life and helped me to turn out the woman that I’ve become today. My parents were not strict, and as such, I did not get many strokes of the cane. Growing up was just fun.
Can you tell us about your foray into music?
I started as a songwriter at the age of 12 and as I grew older, I fell in love with music so I decided to develop my talent. I was really exposed to music as a young child because my father was a music lover who really loved listening to Jazz, Afrobeat, Soul music and other good sounds. Along the line, I picked up the guitar. When I started playing the guitar, singing and song writing became easier for me. All this while, I was in Jos because that’s where I grew up. My father was the one who made me to love music while growing up. He would listen to practically anything. He listened to a lot of Fela’s music, Ray Charles and a lot of reggae songs. I sing about love, betrayal, friendship, trust, and the attendant joys and aches of womanhood. My musical influences include Erykah Badu, Miriam Makeba, Sade, Angelique Kidjo and other greats. My approach to song writing and my soft but deep and powerful voice are some of the things that stand me out.
Marriage must be slowing you down. How are you juggling your career with keeping your home?
My husband is very supportive and he wants me to succeed. I am still trying to balance my role as a singer and a wife but so far so good, it has been great. When I got married, my career took a different turn; I became more focused and knew what I was doing. My marriage has not affected my career as my fan base keeps increasing. As a married woman, I am more focused and I have the desire to do good music and make more money.
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