"I’ve Been Given Many Boyfriends, Yet I'm Single" — Chidinma

Ever since Chidinma Ekile rose to stardom after winning the third season of MTN Project Fame West Africa in 2010, she has become unstoppable in the Nigerian music scene. In this interview with PM News, the 23-year-old MTN ambassador is not resting on her oars as she relives her Project Fame experience and why she is taking her time before releasing her second album. See excerpts from the interview below:

If Project Fame West Africa hadn't given you the opportunity, do you think you will be where you are today?
I don’t think so. I won’t even be anywhere close. It is simply because I had never wanted to do music. I never thought of music. As a matter of fact, that year’s Project Fame was my first ever competition. I have never taken part in any competition in my life.

It has been a while since you released your debut album, why is it taking you so long to release the second album?
Many people have been asking me that question too but just expect my album very soon. My last album was in 2010 so it has been a while. But the wait will be worth the while as it is all for good. I always want to give my best and that is the reason I had to slow down. But the good news is that the album is ready.

What should your fans expect from the new work?
They should expect the good and everything nice that Chidinma has to offer. The album will be a different part of me. It has about 12 tracks. In it, I was just pouring out my mind but trust me, it is going to be a bomb. It is going to be better than Emi Ni Baller.

What is the title of the album?
I am yet to give it a title. I am always very experimental with titles. I always look for the best word to suit my album. I want something weird. Something that will sound odd and people will ask what kind of title is it.

How true is the story that you and Adams of Soundcity are dating?
I think the public has given me so many boyfriends. The truth of the matter is that Adams is my friend. We have been friends for a long time and it is normal for people to attach something to it, most especially when it is a relationship between the opposite sex. I have so many other male friends. Dammy Krane is a very good friend of mine and so many others I can’t mention. But I have realised that all these stories are part of what we deal with in show business. It is what I have signed up for and have to live it.

But are you seeing anyone now?
No, I am not. I am not even in any relationship except you are going to match make me with someone.

You were at a time a student of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism. Why didn’t you complete your programme?
I didn’t run from that school as I have heard some people accuse me of that. Yes, I started a programme there, but at a time, it became very hectic for me as lectures were always clashing with my other activities. Let me just say I wasn’t ready then. I have always wanted to do broadcasting and of course that dream is still there. I will definitely go back there but right now, I am a student of the University of Lagos. I am in my second year.