Multi Award winning powerhouse singer Onos was featured on the cover interview page of the Guardian newspaper on the 25th of January 2014 where she spoke about her collaboration with Jamaica’s Chevelle Franklyn on the hit track “Dance” which both artistes performed on stage at the experience 2010 and the upcoming 2nd edition of “For the Love of the Season” concert.
Onos has also revealed to SelahAfrik that she will be releasing two singles in this month of February. Titles and release date are still under wrap while she conclude plans and arrangements.
The article written by Chuks Nwanne reads:
UNLIKE most entertainers, who would prefer a loud party to announce their arrival in the showbiz industry, Onos breezed in smoothly without much glitz and razzmatazz. Armed with just her powerful vocals, she was convinced that her music would surely pave the way for her when the time comes. Beyond being a profession, music to Onos is Life.
Though her sight gives you the impression that there’s nothing more beyond the looks, yet, in the dark skin is a jewel with a voice so rich and strong. And with influence from music greats such as Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, Fred Hammond and Onyeka Onwenu, it was clear the French graduate had already chosen a path to follow; she’s not your regular gospel act.
In February 2009, when she dropped her debut single, Dance, the picture became clearer on what to expect. Produced by Flo, the groovy track got favourable airplay on radio stations across the country. By the time the video was released in January 2010, keen observers predicted a bountiful future for the young talent. Directed by Clarence Peters, Dance was popular on TV station in Lagos and on MTV Base.
Keep Moving, her 10-track debut album has great tracks such as Tomorrow featuring Lara George, Keep On Moving, Gidigba ft. Jay Lyricist, Na Your Love featuring Mike Aremu, Try Am featuring Kefee and others. With seasoned producers such as ID Cabasa involved, the album is a collector’s item.
Since the release of her debut album, Onos has brought great dynamism into the music industry, especially the gospel genre. A great motivator, she sang for hope, peace and restoration to millions of lives out there. From Laff for Christ Sake concert hosted by Julius Agwu to Pink Pearl Foundation for breast cancer concert held in Asaba, City People Easter Fiesta and a couple of other concerts in Nigeria, Onos engaged well with her audience. In Istanbul, Turkey, she proved to be a showstopper, moving the crowd to the dance floor.
Aside from the arrival of her baby girl, 2013 was a busy year for Onos, especially outside the country, where she treated her fans with her latest recordings.
“2013 was quite a busy year for me; I shot the video for Keep On Moving, which was directed by frizzle and styled by Byge collections. Of course, the video got several nominations at the Nigeria Gospel Music Video Awards and the Best R&B video of the year; it has been on rotation in various stations as well. Last year was an opportunity for me to do a lot of restructuring with my management company, Ark Entertainment,” she said.
Gradually, Onos seems to be reaping the fruits of her labour, with awards already trickling in.
“I had several nominations for my music in 2013; f I was nomination for Best female vocalist in the Crystal Awards 2013, which I won. I also got three nominations in the African Gospel Music awards, which takes place in the UK. I also won Best Gospel Act at the City People Awards and also nominated in the Gospel Act of the Year for the Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA), the Nigerian Gospel Music Awards… the list goes on,” she enthused.
While in the United States last year, “I played a concert in Houston, with other artistes such as Pastor William Murphy and Sammie Okposo. And I also had several ministrations in several Churches in Houston and New Jersey; it was a great opportunity to meet with my fans over there.”
Not a novice to the music scene, Onos has been around for a while and sang with several choirs and groups before starting her solo career. Presently, she is a lead vocalist at the House on the Rock Church, Lagos.
“The Gospel music scene in Nigeria is evolving; this is not how it used to be years ago. If you observe carefully, you will notice that gospel acts are striving for more excellence with their works. I know Rome was not built in a day, so, I believe things will definitely get better.”
Even with their efforts and achievements so far, Onos feels Nigerian gospel artistes are yet to be given their place in the mainstream industry.
“I don’t think they’ve gotten the kind of attention they deserve, especially in the mainstream; that’s when you are looking at the face of the music industry at large.”
Done with the euphoria of 2013, Onos is back in the studio making fresh songs ahead of her next album. Already, High, her latest single, has dropped.
“We are promoting it at the moment; it’s a dance track that will get you praising God. It has a blend of English and Urhobo in it. I’m also working on a video for the track as well; I plan to release other singles this year before the album finally drops.”
In case you missed the maiden edition of her live music concert, For the Love of the Season, which was staged at the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, an opportunity is here for you to see what went down at the gig.
“While we will be putting out the DVD, we have started plans for the second edition of the concert; details will come soon.”
As for her latest collaboration with Jamaica’s Chevelle Franklyn on Dance remix, Onos said, “it was an amazing experience; we are still putting things together. However, the collaboration with Chevelle will surely be part of my sophomore album; it’s something to look out for. I have other projects we are working on, but we will unveil them at the right time.”
Read complete article on The Guardian Newspaper
