Praise Adejo: Signing autographs boosted my morale a lot

I’m a Lagos-bred Igala man and the second of five children raised on strong Christian foundation. I am a pastor’s son (laughing). And before you ask, yes, I am in the church choir and started singing from there. I studied Computer Science and will describe myself as an easygoing person who is focused and loves […]

I’m a Lagos-bred Igala man and the second of five children raised on strong Christian foundation. I am a pastor’s son (laughing). And before you ask, yes, I am in the church choir and started singing from there.

I studied Computer Science and will describe myself as an easygoing person who is focused and loves to have fun. My key word is ‘moderation’. I love soccer, swimming, dancing and eating rice.

How has it been since Project Fame?

It has been great, though I’ve had some trying times, but God is faithful. I can’t complain. Project Fame put me in the limelight all over West Africa after all my years of hustling. It gave me a platform to showcase my talent, and now that I’m recognised all over, it makes me happy to share my gift with the world.

What are you doing at the moment?

I’m presently working on my album, which will be due later this year. So get ready! Expect fantastic music, a piece of Praize you can have in your car, office, bedroom, living room, wherever. I have some concerts and tours coming up, so keep an eye out; I will be coming to a city near you soon!

I am also involved in some humanitarian activities with some NGOs and non-profit organisations like the Little Big Souls, which is out to reduce the statistics of the death of premature babies in Nigeria and West Africa. This cause is very close to my heart. I visited some hospitals in Abuja recently and was amazed at how overcrowded and under-equipped these places are. It brought tears to my eyes.

How did the experience in Project Fame impact on you talent-wise?

The Project Fame experience not only made me a better singer, but also a better performer; it impacted a lot of discipline in me. Before I went into the academy, singing was just something I enjoyed. I knew I was good at it, but I lacked the vocal control and good singing technique. In fact, I was scolded more than once by the instructors to ‘stop screaming’. To me, I was good, but they made me better.

Performing for the audience was a different kettle of fish. In the past, I would just sing, bow out and leave the stage. All that was corrected at the academy; I was taught to connect with my audience, the song and use the stage maximally.

What were some of the side attractions of being in Project Fame?

I tried to remain as focused as possible throughout, but you have a platform that anyone would die for, mouth-watering prizes and a whole lot of attention from the media and other sources. You know the other sources I am sure from the look on your face (laughing).

Many people thought you would be announced as the winner of the contest or at least the first runner-up. Do you think they were right in their expectations or you got what you deserved?

Everyone goes into a competition to be a winner. I wanted to win, I intended to win, but obviously, destiny prevailed. I am happy and content that I got to the level I attained as it has opened a lot of doors for me. But e for sweet pass if to say I win sha o!

How was it doing all those performances and miming or doing other people’s music?

Many people thought we mimed a few times, but honestly, we didn’t mime at all, which made the task even more challenging. As a performer, I had to deliver the song the way it was originally or even better if I decided to make it my own. That’s not easy, and with the pressure of being evicted, I had to put my all into it.

Which was the most challenging for you?

Ah, that’s an easy one! Definitely, Tosin Martins’ ‘Olo mi’! It’s an easy song to sing, but I struggled with the language aspect. You know much of the lyrics are in Yoruba, so that wasn’t easy for me at all. Iyanya and Bisola had to help me out a few times to make sure I didn’t reorganise the language.

Did you have any scare of being evicted?

Of course, yes! At a point, I was scared; I didn’t want to go home. Actually, nobody wanted to go home. I remember distinctly these two occasions that made we sweat profusely.

The first was when we had just finished performing and the judges asked the audience to pick whom they preferred between Benedicta and I. I knew my performances weren’t top-notch that particular evening, so I was extremely jittery. I remember staring into the audience looking for my mum for a smile or nod just to encourage me.

Why weren’t you looking for your girlfriend’s face?

(Laughing) On eviction nights, my parents were brought to the academy. The only choices I had were my father’s and mother’s; and I chose hers.

Very convenient, I guess…

No, it is not like that.

The second incident was when all the contestants were put on probation. The fact that I knew my stay in the academy was hanging on the fence wasn’t comforting at all. I did not sleep well that night. I thank God I can laugh about those things now.

How did you regard other contestants and how were you able to relate with them?

Hmm, some came to fight; I’m not naming names o, but what went on behind closed doors at times wasn’t always pretty.

I regarded the other contestants as my friends and not enemies simply because in the end, it would be our voices/talent that would keep us from being voted off.

So for my part, there wasn’t any need or time frankly for negative energy. I just kept being myself and avoided putting up an act. I made some good friends on Project Fame and we still keep in touch till date.

What was the most interesting part of being in the competition?

Hmm, the most interesting part of the academy was the singing class with Uncle Ben and the early morning exercise with Uncle Kayode. They were just wonderful…

Oh, and meeting the fans, that was fun. I enjoyed signing autographs, as that aspect boosted my morale a lot, the feeling of stardom (laughs).

What did you do with your prize money?

My money?… I paid my tithes and the rest…. ask me again next week and I’ll tell you.

You have well-carved beards; do you provoke any attention with them?

Thank you. I am shy now o! We all have good hair in my family. Yes I do. People are always complimenting it and female fans always want to touch my beard and head.

How do you handle the ladies?

Ladies? God is helping me. People who know me well know that I’m not a player; I’m not into the groupies or dramas that come with them. My parents have been married for over 25 years. I’m a strong believer in karma, so I treat the ladies the way they ought to be treated…with love and respect.

You were/are a part of the Little Big Souls project; what does being involved in charity mean for you?

It means a lot to me as it’s a call to responsibility and an opportunity to touch souls. I’m glad to be an ambassador of good tidings.

Being a part of the project has been an eye-opener for me, because I never knew how high the mortality rate of premature babies is and how to prevent their deaths. By God’s grace, I will be a father one day, so sowing a seed in the lives of these babies, their families and the hospital is very important to me.

I’m also a partner of Safe Motherhood Foundation, whose goal is to reduce maternal mortality; and Hope for Survival Orphanage, which cares for not only orphans but for abandoned and molested children as well.

I was in Jos recently with my crew to give a helping hand to those who were displaced during the crisis. I implore Nigerians to do the same and do more for the less-privileged.