Golden Girl Susan Oluwabimpe Harvey is the real name of Nigeria's reigning pop queen, Goldie. The Business Management graduate who is now a musician hails from Ekiti State and in this interview with, she speaks about her life, growing up, her interest in music, among other issues.
Tell us about yourself.
I'm the first born of my parents. I hail from Ikole, in Ekiti State; I attended Green-springs Montessori Primary School, Saint Johns College and then went on to get a degree in Business Management at the University of Sunderland, United kingdom.
How did it all start, your journey into music?
I came from a very religious family; my parents are very strict and academic. Though, I was a member of the junior church choir when I was younger, I was never encouraged to take it to a professional level.
I always knew I had a flair for the arts though, even at a very tender age; I was always part of the cultural dance groups in school and stuffs like that. Music for me started in Nigeria not by chance but by God's design, who ordains all things. I released my first video "Komole" in March/April 2007.
How rewarding is the business and what are you doing against your works being pirated?
It is quite rewarding, I thank God for every penny I make, no matter how small and pray that it gets more rewarding, as time goes by. The fight against piracy is not and cannot be a solo effort, it would take my fellow artistes, industry bigwigs, and the government to help combat this problem. Right now, I leave it in the hands of my record label, KennisMusic, to deal with it on a small scale as they deem fit.
What other business do you do?
Music is a 24/7 business for me, I have little time to focus on anything else.
What was your parent's reaction when you decided to go into music and who are your role models in the industry and the artistes you wish to feature in your album?
My parents were like, you can do whatever, but please make sure you go to school and get a degree, so that, not only will you be showing your younger ones good example, you'll also have something to fall back on in terms of getting a job if the music doesn't work out. My dad still has problems with my music, but, its not as bad as when I first started out though.
My mum is my role model, hardworking, highly intelligent, kind, generous and very loving. I really don't have any artiste in particular I'd like to feature, I'll record with any artiste that is in the same frame of mind with me, especially to add value, so to speak.
How many albums have you now? When is your next album coming out?
I have no albums for now. I released a limited edition (CD) compilation late 2007, but it wasn't a full album released for commercial purposes. I'm working on a commercial album now, scheduled for release later this year, hopefully before October, God's willing. I'm going to be expressing myself more in this album, talking about my personal perception of inter-human relations as I see it. I already have tracks with ElDee the Don, Ruggedman, Magnito, Banky W, to name a few.
How will you rate your music in Nigeria, what is the acceptance level?
Oh! So far, so good, I thank God. In the beginning, it was like I was hitting my head against a brickwall, an unyielding mind-boggling surface. Now though, people have come to accept me, my style and my sound. Its great and I feel good about the development.
How has your chosen profession lifted your life?
I've never been proud or snobbish. As a public figure, I owe it a duty to my fans to be polite and sweet even on my "off" days. And oh yes, I've performed in a couple of places in the UK. I learned new things everyday; by and large, I think my fame has made me more of a people-oriented person, I think, where I was more introverted before.
You are no doubt beautiful and I'm sure men will run after you. How do you curtail the rush, the passes? Are you engaged?
I'm flattered if you consider me beautiful. I think I just clean up well. As per the men, I really don't go out much apart from social or entertainment events and I don't get hassled. I literarily don't. Sometimes, I even wonder if there's something wrong with me and I keep asking myself "why don't men toast me sef? na wa o! " As per when I'm going to the altar, don't worry, everything will reveal itself in time, you will surely be in the know when the time comes.
If you see a guy you are fascinated with, can you make a pass at him?
Is it wrong or abnormal for a lady to make a pass at a man? Ah! That's my job oh! I make passes all the time. Yes! I'm a shameless flirt! Its embarrassing, I know, but I can't help it. Making a pass at a man is like going to the market and seeing a dress you like! If you walk by without pricing it, you'll go home and feel bad the rest of the day. You'll never know if it would have been your size, if it would have been available, etc. But if you make a pass and he doesn't accept (meaning the dress wasn't your size or it was too costly), then at least you'll know you've tried and it wasn't meant to be. In my opinion, I see nothing wrong in a woman making a pass at a man. Anybody that says otherwise is old school. Come on, either of the sexes can make the pass.
What dictates your fashion sense, how do you get your clothing because you dress like the Madonnas, Mary J Bliges etc, why?
I think Zizi Cardow isn't doing a bad job. I believe everybody should wear what they are comfortable in. If you like ankara, adire or lace, feel free to wear what looks good on you and what you feel comfortable in.
In my case, I dislike patterns! Too many colours and patterns on a fabric give me headache. My mood and the occasion of course dictate my dressing. Yes I like leather; simple, shiny and strong.
I also feel my stay in the United Kingdom influences my fashion sense; coupled with the fact that when I was growing up, my parents always got us ready-made clothes. I don't remember ever having any native clothes as a child.
A lot of my dresses are Karen Milan dresses. Leather wears. You will find shoes from four to six inches high heel shoes. I prefer wearing shorts. When I wear shorts, I am extremely comfortable. I can do anything in shorts, you feel very free. Naturally, I love shorts because I could go to the market, to the movies or clubbing in shorts but in dresses, one is really restricted. You cannot really be playful and I like being playful, you know jumping around. I love lace underwear, they are sexy. I love perfumes and clothes a lot.
You expose your beautiful body a lot. What is your impression of boobs' exposure, bum and thighs?
My personal opinion is this, if you got it, then flaunt it. If I think I have it, I do flaunt it, but there are some days I think I don't have it, so I won't flaunt. I like to be sexy, comfortable and trendy. To ladies out there, watch your body shape before you follow a trend because it is not everything that you put on that would look good on you.
What is your general perception of the entertainment industry in Nigeria? Do you see known names as a threat?
I don't perceive anyone as a threat, because everybody is different. Fingers are not the same. If anybody sees me as a threat, I wouldn't know about it, nor would I care. I don't like dwelling on negativity; it disrupts my aura. The industry is improving rapidly and that's a plus.
What edge do you have over the known names, I mean what stands you out?
I'm unique I think, my music is different; I dress differently, I also reason differently. Yes, its obvious that my uniqueness stands me out.
Is there any international artiste you admire and wish to feature in you album in future?
Hmmm... I've always loved Ludacris. If God wishes, why not?
Where does Goldie wish to be in the next five years?
To have achieved all God has lined up in store for me, and also to help as many people as I can; within my capability..
What is your favourite food? Colour? Car?
I can eat French fries and peppered snail anyday anytime. I love black, creams, purples, greens, I like down to earth people; this applies to both sexes. I've always been a Mercedes cars lover. I think I'll name my first daughter Mercedes.
Can you remember any embarrassing moment?
I have so many embarrassing moments, day in day out, it's a struggle to keep up with everything. I've had wardrobe malfunctions, where I've unintentionally revealed some parts of my body in public. I sometimes forget what I'm about to say at public functions/meetings. I'm in a roll and all of a sudden, zap! My brain freezes, it can really be embarrassing, you know? It happens to me atimes.
What can you not be found doing?
Goldie can never be found fighting, quarrelling, or raising my voice in public. I made a vow to myself never to degenerate to the level of an animal in public or otherwise. Nothing is solved using violence.
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