OUR WCW, Sonia Ebhota

• Let's meet you

My name is Sonia Ebhota and I am from Edo state, Benin city in Nigeria. 

•  Let's start from the very beginning? How was growing up?‎

Growing up for me, was bittersweet. I am the seventh child of nine and I've got five brothers and three sisters. So it was impossible for me to escape being a tomboy. And yes! I say bittersweet because there were times where even though I was my brothers' sweetheart, I couldn't have friends especially boys say hi or come over to our home. 

But every bittersweet story has a bit of sweetness on the side. And that's the part where my brothers had every invitation to every party in the neighborhood cos there were the cutest. I wore their T-shirts, had dreadlocks and baggies. 

One of my brothers would turn on the CD player just before it's 9pm and it could play up until 9am the next day with reggae music and blues. We were known to cause neighbors insomnia for music sake. Lol... 

• Educational background?‎

I Had my primary and secondary education in Delta state at St Charles group of Schools, 2008. And went on to college to get a diploma in music at Tenstrings musicians institute, 2012. Got a certification in Journalism at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, 2014.

• When did you start music?

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I started music professionally in 2010.

•  What inspired you?‎

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For some reason, I can't say exactly what inspired me. But the only thing I remember is, everyone who were my friends at the time, had one thing or the other to do with the art. I had singers, musicians, writers, poets and the list can go on. So basically, I would like to say my environment and the people in my life.

• What musical instrument do you play?‎

I play the guitar. Looking forward to starting a new journey with another instrument. Maybe a wind instrument this time. 

• What inspires your music?

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Firstly, my life as a person, as a woman. My family. My environment. It's funny when I say this, but it's true. The songs and life of some of my mentors. For example, India Arie, Lauryn Hill, Etta James, Mike Okri, Fela Anikulapokuti and the list can extend. 

• How well would you rate the music industry in Nigeria?‎

How well? *Scratches head* The Nigerian music industry has in time experienced revolution no doubt. And I would like to start by saying I'm a huge fan of change. But, when change begin to journey backward, I am thinking questions should be raised. Rating the industry is me giving it a 5 out of 10. 

There is more room to expand to explore and to develop. But I just think the industry now is rigid. Unlike what we had in the old-school Nigerian music. And that's why you can pick up a CD of any of the musicians from way back, and get the message still while you enjoy the rhythm. 

• What do you think about live band music?‎

I grew up playing live music. And I think it's the best way of expression. And that for example, that comes from the connection with the pianist, the percussionist, the guitarist, the background singers and the whole band. I think is beautiful! It's where the soul lies.

• Any collaboration with anyone yet?‎

No.

• Future collaboration?‎

Honey! Who wouldn't like a collaboration?  I would like some with Ty Bello, Nneka, Asa and 2Face now 2Baba. I adore and have great respect for them and their works.  And of course some very exceptional up and coming artists. 

• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

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I see myself in the empire built by music currency. I see myself still feeding the world ageless music. In 5years, I want to be Nigeria's biggest thing, Africa's Toughest thing and World's greatest thing musically. 

• What's your philosophy?‎ 

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My philosophy is be happy but, get "ANGRY" It doesn't just take you being tired of a situation to change the situation. It takes you getting angry with the situation, not settling for less, not compromising and not feeling sorry to change a situation. My philosophy is Love, Live Lead. You should Love what you Live for and Lead in the path you've chosen. 

• If wasn't music, what would it have been?‎

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It would be music! 

• Have you been a part of any music reality show?‎ 

Yes I have. Star The Winner Is.... 2014 edition 

• How do you relax?‎

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I love it at the beach with my strings anytime. 

• What do we expect from you in the new year?‎

Newness! I think is sour to recycle. 

• Advice to the young talents...

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I would say, stick to your guns! That is... you should first know you have a gun. And a gun needs a bullet for firing... Simply put, find yourself, know yourself and put yourself out there. The sky is where you begin!‎