I’ll never stop singing – Esse Agesse

Her song, ‘Back to the Basics,’ ruled the airwaves back in the 1990s. Esse Agesse dared to be a pop singer when most of her peers took to reggae or highlife. The Delta State indigene spoke to Weekend Magazine from Ireland on her career, her music and what she’s up to today. Weekend Magazine: The […]

Her song, ‘Back to the Basics,’ ruled the airwaves back in the 1990s. Esse Agesse dared to be a pop singer when most of her peers took to reggae or highlife. The Delta State indigene spoke to Weekend Magazine from Ireland on her career, her music and what she’s up to today.

Weekend Magazine: The name Esse Agesse is one that is reckoned with in the music industry, especially in the early 1990s. What have you been up to for the past 20 years?
Esse Agesse: Wow, it has truly been up to 20 years now. How time flies. I thank God for keeping me and my family. I have been in Europe, working and mostly doing things that I believe I should be doing at this point in my life. Like my women empowerment activities, under our NGO, ‘Women of Love International.’ I have also focused on working in my local church where I am assisting my pastor in whatever capacity I am needed.
WM: Since you left the industry and now, do you see yourself still being able to fit in, especially with the new trend of music?
Agesse: That is a big question. The trend is great in the sense that young people nowadays have different platforms to express themselves. The Internet has been a huge help as well. The truth is I am a bit worried about content but the grove and rhythm make people want to get up and dance. So I suppose for now if people are happy then that’s fine. My focus now is gospel music, so I have to have a message in my songs whether it’s a danceable song or not. So yes, whatever the trend time or season, Lady Esse Agesse will always have a place.
WM: You just released a new single, ‘Oghene Migwo Do,’ what is the meaning of the song and what inspired it?
Agesse: It is a song I did some time ago but never promoted and I am just doing that now. I have a few songs like that. It means ‘God thank you’. However, it literally means ‘God I am on my knees’. I have reached a place in my life where I realise that God is the reason I am alive and still have hope. On my own I probably would have given up, but God has kept me continually and I am grateful, hence the song.
WM: Is your new single an official comeback for you to the music industry?
Agesse: Well, a lot of my fans have been asking if I do not sing anymore. The truth is I do, just in the church and at church programmes. However, I need them to know that I would never stop singing as it is part of my life. I am going to release another single from the songs I have which I didn’t promote. I am working on other songs as well.
WM: Tell us about your project ‘Women of Love International.’ Is it still in existence and how much impact has it made?
Agesse: It is very much in existence. It  hasn’t been easy as we do need sponsors to help us help women and girls who need it. Our focus has been on girl-child education. We have been very vocal about that. We have an annual award event which is purely to encourage men and women who have contributed to humanity in the areas of supporting/empowering youths and children. It is also the time we hammer on the need for girl-child education. It is a pity that in this time and season our lawmakers cannot pass a gender equality bill that will encourage and protect women.
WM: From your perspective, how would you describe the music industry today?
Agesse: Huge, it is great, way bigger than when I first started. In fact, I feel lost sometimes when I see all that is going on. I would like someone new to take me under their wings and guide me, I am not afraid to ask for help, as I don’t want to drown in this huge situation. I do want to continue singing. It is a part of me that will never die. So I may perhaps work with new people by doing collabos again this will be in the gospel line. I am open to working with people who would give me the opportunity to share their space as well as learn new things from them and maybe they can learn some old things from me (laughter).
WM: You have a history with television, are there plans to delve into that again?
Agesse: I do. However, I don’t want to talk much about it for now.
WM: Aside music, what other passion do you have?
Agesse: Writing and reading. I haven’t written much lately. Regardless, I have something small I have written; a compilation of thoughts called ‘Life as I see it,’ Volume 1. It’s on Amazon.com.
WM: Being a mother, what would you say is your greatest joy of motherhood?
Agesse: Watching my children grow, it’s a blessing. I am grateful and I do not take the gift of motherhood lightly.
WM: What would you say distinguishes you and makes you unique, especially with your style of music?
Agesse: Unique, I should say that I write my songs from the heart. I am hoping though that I would sing songs written by other people for a change though.
WM: What should your fans look out for from you?
Agesse: A new single, which is also something I did some time back. But eventually I will release a full album at some point down the line and I pray that I will get the full support of my fans, family and friends to promote it when it comes out.
WM: What would you tell a younger you?
Agesse: Believe more in myself. Don’t doubt your ability to be great and never allow someone else to determine your path in life, the best source to seek help from is the Holy Spirit.
WM: Any advice for aspiring singers?
Agesse: Never give up on your dreams. Keep singing no matter what; someday it will pay off. Integrity and character are good in the mix as some people think being an artiste is having loose morals. It is hard unrelenting work. With God all things are possible.