Women should not allow anything limit them- Artiste

Although she studied Medicine in the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where she obtained a B.Sc degree in Medical Laboratory Science, with specialty in Haematology and Blood Serology, Mrs Nwachukwu Judith popularly called Lady Judith ended up a gospel artiste.

She is not just an ordinary artist but has carved a niche for herself in the academic, social and economic strata of the modern world. She is a woman who stands for peace, justice and equity, a rationally minded personality. 

In an interview with Medinat Kanabe, she talks about her life, her latest album and used the platform to talk to young women. Excerpts...

Tell us about your latest album 

I am doing an album titled "Thankful", the whole idea of the album is that my life is a testimony of God's faithfulness, that when we do our part, he is sure to do His part. Also for his faithfulness and goodness in my life I decided to call the album thankful.
Everything we have we must glorify God. I think it is time we all tune our hearts back to our creator. I am thanking God for the voice he has given me that has brought me before kings in that album. 

I got saved quite early, I have gotten encounters with God and I know that his word is true that I have had personal experiences with him. I had accidents many times and each time I call on him, he was there. So I want to tell the world that there is a saviour. He can do anything for you. 

What challenges do you face as a gospel artist?

One of the challenge is that once you are a gospel singer, it is like you are in a box already unlike the circular artiste, what the others can do you cannot do it and that is what the world wants. But because the bible says we are in the world ad not of the world, despite the challenges, we must show the world that there is a gift in our lives. Music is my first love and singing was given to us by God as an avenue. We must all not do the same thing to get the attention of anybody. Our uniqueness is our greatness so I would rather stay in the world because everything I have and I am is from God. 

For everything we do, we cannot reach out to everybody, we are sent to different set of people and I think my music will reach out to everybody. 

Another challenge is that they would not want to sign you on because you wouldn't want to sing what they want but it is okay, God is in control, he leads us and that is the part he wants us to follow.

Why didn't shoot your videos abroad?

We have got something in Nigeria. If you watch my videos you will see that we have wonderful places in Nigeria. People all over the world are calling to say where did you shoot your video? I think we have something in Nigeria to export to the world.  Apart from that, I don't like doing what every other poeple are doing. My uniqueness is my greatness, so what I am saying is that we have everything here, in fact people should be coming here to shoot. We have to market the brand called Nigeria because that is what we have. No matter what, none of us can change the colour of our skin to that of an American so we should celebrate it. 

Are you affiliated to any church?

There is a grace over my life. I am not affiliated to any church, I have been in Redeem, and sang in different churches. I worship now in Church of God Mission but when I was here I was in Day Star. The word of God is one all over the world so I don't need to restrict myself to any church.

How do you balance music, the home and other business?

It is quite challenging, I have to take care of my children; I have to play each role in my life. But because I went to the Lagos Business School, LBS I learnt time management and how to package myself. I also have a supportive spouse and staff so it has been easy.

How much did it cost you to put the album together?

We have spent over N80m to put the videos together. The quality of the video tells it all. I hope to get some of the money during the lunch of the video. We have a lunch coming up and I have a lot of support from people. The Delta state government and people of Delta are proud of me so they are giving me a lot of support. 

. A lot of people are wishing me well. Although I am doing this alone, I am inviting the Delta State Government and senators and many other people. I am also bringing in my friends who are artistes to come and support me.

I want people to know that God has been supporting me from where I used to be to where I am now, so I am so thankful. 

What do you have to say about the fights in PMAN?

I really try to run away from PMAN because after we left there has been a lot of issues. When I was there with my president, we had stability but these days you have everybody trying to do their personal thing and there is no common front among the musicians in Nigeria. I think it is time we put our differences behind and be one so that we can have a common touch. I am sure we have grown a lot now so we have learnt from our mistakes. We can put the past behind us, our selfish pride, personal interest, and work together. 

After this what next for you?

I am going to come out with more songs to make a difference in our lives. I also want younger women to see that yes they can. Don't allow anything to limit you because you have something on your inside and you need to push it out, nobody is going to pull it out for you. I feel that my life should count in my generation and add value to the lives of young women. 

Compare the music industry of old and now?

We are not where we used to be. We have more international presence now, we have been more recognised but we are not where we should be. I think we should work more on the content of our music so that after many years our songs will still be relevant and make sense to people just like the Ebenezer Obe and other musicians of old. 

These days you just see people hit the studio and sing one song that doesn't add up and before you know it they are out and forgotten. 

What is your advice for upcoming artistes?

My advice is that you don't jump up, you grow up. Growing up takes time. If you want to jump the gun, you may likely crash. It is good to grow up in the system. Be humble enough to learn from those who are there already and pray because except the Lord builds a house, the labourers are building in vein. You don't want to just fizzle out so pray and be consistent, and have standard. I didn't get here once; I have come a long way. 

Tell us about your growing up and yourself

I didn't come from a very rich family but modest. I grew up in Sapele. My parents made sure I had everything as a child. That also helped me to make the right choices. Another thing is my meeting Christ early in life which helped me to get my values.

My full name is Nwachukwu Akpomejevwe Judith, fondly called Lady Judith. I hail from Jesse community in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State. I was born into the family of Late Sir Samuel Deniran, about four decades ago. After my elementary education, I attended the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. I had a stint in the medical Department of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Lagos, for ten years. 

I was 2nd Vice President of Practicing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) in 2007.

In 2012, I decided to incorporate the company, Judenith Nigeria Limited, which among its portfolio is one of the fastest growing indigenous energy, oil and gas firm in Nigeria.

Tell us how far you have come in music?

My passion for music made me pursue an active carrier in music where I produced a gospel album titled, ''There is a Name'' in 1998. 

I featured as a soloist with Ovation Red Carol night, organized by Dele Momodu, in 2007, as well as the NTA world music day organized by PMAN and NTA in Lagos, in 2008. I sang at the Goldman Sach dinner for 10,000 women in Nigeria at the Pan African University. I also led prominent musician across Nigeria, to the burial of the mother of the Executive Governor of Imo State, Chief Rochas Okorocha. I have organized so many shows too numerous to mention, and I have hosted dignitaries, captains of industry, governors and season politicians across Nigeria. 

In 2009 I did the theme song for Delta State, ''The Finger of God'', which had in attendance of its launching the Governor of the state as well as other distinguished personalities.

I am the Founder of Association of Female Musicians in Nigeria (AFEMN), with other stars including the likes of Onyeka Onwenu, Esse Agasse and Salawe Abeni. I was chosen as lead singer at the epoch making Benny Hinn mega crusade, titled, ''Heal Our Land'' and that of Reinhard Bonke both in 2005. The title songs for my album are''Value For Life'' and ''Thank You'' which hit the air wave in 2007.