If not for showbiz, I’d have been a farmer

Weekend Magazine: How has it been like being a judge on a mega-popular TV show like Nigerian Idol?Yinka Davies: Challenging and mind-boggling. The flood of talent we have in our country is really interesting and any serious-minded entertainer would have a huge concern for growing it. We are yet to have schools or institutions to […]

Weekend Magazine: How has it been like being a judge on a mega-popular TV show like Nigerian Idol?
Yinka Davies: Challenging and mind-boggling. The flood of talent we have in our country is really interesting and any serious-minded entertainer would have a huge concern for growing it. We are yet to have schools or institutions to support and protect young talents. The youth will grow up and become persons of great importance someday. Being a judge has been very challenging, but in a positive way, as we have a lot of talents out there.  
WM: You’re naturally energetic on or off-stage. What keeps you going?
Davies: I can’t take credit for my energy; it’s a gift from God. These are inherent blessings that one must actually nurture not to lose one’s self, you know. I agree I am very active but the energy comes naturally.
WM: As a mother of two, how has motherhood impacted on you?
Davies: I won’t lie, it has required a lot of patience and understanding and a desire to learn from them. They have a different approach to a lot of things, especially the current generation, but we’re doing very well.
WM: You’re a household name, but are yet to release an album. Why?
Davies: Art has its own potency; you have to allow it to decide when it is ready to be birthed. You know some people are blessed to be able to turn our albums consistently because they have the capacity and that is the way they are, but some people are different. Some people may take years, like how Sade Adu releases an album every ten years, or Anita Baker’s one in five to seven years. These are great people but they allow the art to decide.
WM:  You were part of Alex O’s band in the 90’s. What was your role in the band?
Davies: In 1990, I remember, about ten of us were part of his band, ‘The Caution Band’ it was called and it was great. Now-famous Sammie Okposo was our second keyboardist. It was a beautiful experience to be on the band and great fun always being on the road. We were always going on tours from the North to the South down to the West and the East. Back then, Coca-Cola would sponsor the tour.
This is what the youth are missing now, as we do not have the structure on ground anymore.  
WM: Going by what you just said, what do you think is the way forward for showbiz in Nigeria?
Davies: To put up a solid structure that we will all abide by.
WM: All through your years as an entertainer, have you ever thought of quitting?
Davies: I wouldn’t call it thinking about quitting but instead would say just going to the farm. Being a farmer is a desire I’ve always had if not for showbiz. You know, allowing the breeze, the wind, the trees, the forest and everything to give you another kind of emotion and an ability to express it. Nigeria is great and rich from the depths of it to the height of it.
WM: If you weren’t an entertainer, what would you have been?
Davies: I would have been a farmer, because it’s beautiful seeing things grow. It is a miracle that happens every day. Some go green, some go brown while others falls off the tree and another one comes out. These are beautiful things we need to concentrate on.
WM: Then there is politics. Is it something you would get involved with in future?
Davies: I am not a politician. I’m an entertainer and would always remain one. Those entertainers who have the capacity to do politics should do it. If you don’t have it, just leave it and let those that have, do it. I am not against people doing that, however.
WM: Back to Nigerian Idol, how well have you bonded with your colleagues?
Davies: They’re just crazy fellows and I love them. We talk at length and travel a lot together. The ones we have now are Dede Mabiaku and Dare Art-Alade and are quite fun to work with. It is easy for me to communicate with them and give life to our dreams. At the moment we’re having a ball!
WM: Would you say you have made an impact on showbiz in Nigeria?
Davies: In my own little way, I think I have done so.
WM: What is your favourite food?
Davies: Amala and Ewedu with goat meat, Akpu and Ogbono soup, Ofe Nsala and Tuwon Shinkafa with Miyan Kubewa. These three are my favourite delicacies from the North, South and West. I also like Kunu, the drink, very much.
WM: After taking all these kinds of food, how do you manage to stay in shape?
Davies: I’m blessed.