‘Misfortune made me stronger’ -Jerrilyn

How is it that Nigeria is now your base? I moved here due to the 2003 civil war in Liberia and have gone to school here and obtained a diploma in Information Technology and a certificate in Broadcast Presentation (Radio Television) from the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Training school. I do intend to […]

How is it that Nigeria is now your base?

I moved here due to the 2003 civil war in Liberia and have gone to school here and obtained a diploma in Information Technology and a certificate in Broadcast Presentation (Radio Television) from the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Training school. I do intend to further my education.

What have you been up to since your Idols performance?

I’ve been discovering myself more as a person as well as other talents I possess. I co-hosted the Celtel hit Zone (Zain hit zone) alongside three of Nigeria’s finest presenters: Bigtyme of Rythme, Sdot of Soundcity and Gbemi from Beat FM) as well as Atlanta’s very own DJ fourth World. I also did voiceovers, presented a Fashion Segment for Dynamix on TV. In relation to my personal experience growing up in civil war Liberia, I joined the United Nations Missions in Liberia (UNMIL) along with Stephanie Okereke and other West African stars from Sierra Leone and Ghana in the Anti Rape Campaign, back home in Liberia.

It was also a process of finding the right team of supportive visionaries to work with in terms of my music career.

Could you tell us about your upcoming music/album?

I have two singles out titled Molejo and Mr. Dj. My music is R&B with a mix of African elements and sounds (afro fusion). My songs are about inspiration and hope, encouraging young women and any other person who has gone through some challenges in life.

I am living my dream today through my record label, Miss Dynamite Entertainment. The Videos for Mr. Dj and Molejo will be out soon but the album will definitely be released this year.

What is special about the video?

The video is a big budget project, with an elaborate sequence of high energy dancing. Its planed shoot will take several weeks and over ten different locations. It will be like having over ten different parties. I am very excited and can’t wait for the final video.

You are from Liberia. Why did you decide to work in Nigeria?

I am African, which is most important, aside being Liberian, wherever I find myself in Africa, it’s also home to me. I am first and foremost in love with Nigeria, the people and the versatile culture. When it comes to entertainment we all know Nigeria is the giant of Africa. Since the Idols competition I decided to stay here and work on the platform given to me. I knew at that point Nigeria is the place to be.

What is the music landscape like for young and growing artistes in Liberia?

The industry is growing gradually, new sounds are being heard, and young artistes are expressing themselves far better now, taking sounds from the past, and merging them to make new and different kinds of music; which is encouraging. It shows there’s hope for the Liberian music industry and that we will definitely get there.

You seem to be having a good romance with Nollywood. Could you tell us about it?

So far I have only acted in a soap opera, Paul Igwe’s Clinic Mattaz, where I played the role of a young doctor. Nollywood has made a lot of impact in the movie industry around the world. In 2008, I did training at `Film In a box’ with P.M.O Global (AMMA) in film editing. There are so many great actors and actresses, movie producers and directors whose works and performances I admire.

You had a large fan base on Idols. Did you feel you let them down when you were eliminated?

The day I was eliminated I felt bad for everyone who voted for me, but that night I had the best sleep, like I hadn’t had in the months of the show, because it was my best performance where I did The Voice Within by Christiana Agruilera. For me, it was about what the next step would be. How to make my fans proud after giving me the push I needed; and today Molejo and  Mr.Dj are the evidences of my work in progress.  I hope my fans are happy and pleased with what they hear.

How did you get into music?

I started singing at the age of seven. When I was sold and away from my mum, I was taken to live with my new family, who took me to church. I started singing in the children’s choir as their lead singer, it was such a wonderful thing to see the young and old respond to my singing. This was very instrumental in helping me be reunited with my mother.

Have you found fulfillment in the entertainment industry?

I am at peace knowing I am doing what I do and love best. Fulfillment is a gradual and a process which comes with a lot of prayers, hard work and determination. When I’ve received awards both nationally and internationally, appeared on CNN, appointed as a United Nations Ambassador, and impacted lives, through empowerment and education and someone to share that with, then, I can say I am fulfilled.

In Nigeria, as with many other countries, artistes are greatly instrumental to the development of the people up to the grassroots. Can the same be said of Liberia considering the fact that it is basically in its ‘formative’ years?

Our youths (artistes) are doing everything in every way they can to lend a hand in making a difference, I am certain that it will get better.

How did the civil war and the challenges of being in Liberia in that time impact on you?

The negative effects of war have made me stronger and more appreciative of life. I’ve learnt how to take something positive from every negative experience.

What was your motivation to rise up against the odds?

My daughter was my motivation to rise against every odd, because I want the best for her in life. In order to do that, I need to work on myself as a person. As well as serve as an instrument of hope to other women who are going through the same struggles.

What is it about your story that has made a difference in the lives of other women and given them inspiration to live?

I was sold when I was seven, sexually abused when I was twelve by my step-dad, and fell for the wrong man who left me with his child without support. I also lost my mum four days before my baby was born. I was left to fend for myself. Despite all these things I’ve managed to live above hurt, fears and failure, and I have been given an opportunity to live my dream. If God can do it for me, He can do it for anyone. Just believe in yourself, pray hard, work hard and the rest will fall into place.

Your music is said to inspire young women like you. How effectively have you been able to achieve this?

I have worked with United Nations Missions in Liberia (UNMIL) on the anti rape campaign, which looks at issues concerning women who are rape survivors and the effects it has on them, as well as saying why it needs to stop. Very soon, my work as an NGO will be all about young single mothers and their kids, empowerment programme and education through scholarship schemes.

Is the Nigerian entertainment industry just a ground for you to take a leap from or you plan to be a part of it full time?

As an African and a mother to a wonderful Nigerian child, Nigeria is where I am right now, I love it here, but I don’t know what the future holds, I can only hope for the best.