When Joy Odiete, popularly known as Jodie, dropped her single, Kuchi Kuchi (Oh Baby) about three years ago, her name instantly soared high on the wings of that soulful tune. The song was most welcome by music buffs who were already tired of listening to lewd lyrics that had almost become a fad. With her signature African hair, the petite singer has evolved over the years. In this interview with MERCY MICHAEL, Jodie speaks about her personal style and relationship, among other issues. Excerpts:
YOU look absolutely stunning… Well, I’m wearing Baron by Wendy Samanti. I saw the shoes at a shop and I liked it. I honestly just want to do something different tonight. I’m still wearing my 100% virgin hair; I just combed it out.
How do you define your style?
I’m still African, just a little touch on it. You know, I was a lot more conservative. I decided to spice it by adding a little more colour. So, I’m still African. Besides, Africa has a lot of colours, so I decided to add that part of it.
How long do you intend to keep your natural hair?
I don’t mind fixing, braiding and all that, but I do not ever want to perm my hair. I love the texture of African hair. I think everybody should embrace it (laughs). It’s just that a lot of people don’t know how to take care of it. But now, there is a movement or a sort of revolution and people are getting more educated about African hair; so, it is beautiful.
What is that clothing item you won’t be caught wearing?
I have not thought it through. Honestly, I don’t know. I can’t even think of one thing I can’t be caught wearing right now. This is because change is a constant thing. What you think is not cool today might be so cool tomorrow. When I started carrying my hair, I cut of my perm. I was then at the University of Lagos, Akoka and everybody was like, ‘What is this?’ And at a point, I was ashamed as well. That was because at that time, it wasn’t a fad, so to say. It wasn’t fashionable; but now, it’s fashionable. I’m not sure I want to nail it yet, maybe when I’m 70. The truth is I’m very young and I’m still learning much more about myself.
You said when you started, it wasn’t cool. But what spurred you to continue?
Even then, people loved it. Yes, my schoolmates found it strange. But more people are embracing the look now. That is because it’s beautiful. It’s something that people have gradually come to embrace. And I think it has come to stay. In the next 20 years, maybe more ladies in Africa will wear their natural hair.
Would you have been carrying a kinky hair, if it wasn’t for branding?
Actually, when I decided to go kinky, it wasn’t a brand thing because I was in school then. I had not even decided to be a professional singer. So, my kinky hair is more of my lifestyle, even before my life on stage.
Musically, what’s happening with Jodie?
I just came out with a new single titled Season, which is two weeks old. It’s gaining ground. People love it, when they hear it; it’s mid-tempo. It gives a sense of hope. Although people still want me to do a party song, I will do that soon. But Season is doing really well. It was trending on Twitter in Nigeria and the UK a few days back. And I know there is a lot I can offer.
When you released Kuchi Kuchi, it was an instant success. So, when are we going to have another Kuchi kuchi?
I don’t know. The truth is music is something you can’t really predict all the time. Sometimes, you can try to do all the right things, but it may not be accepted the way you want it to be. So, I didn’t plan to make Kuchi Kuchi become a hit. I just wanted to taste the waters with a song, so I chose Kuchi Kuchi and it blew. So, I’m just hoping, believing that God will drop in my heart songs that people will love. I’m still here and I pray for long life. While I’m still here, I will keep singing.
There is this glow about you; does it have something to do with someone in your life?
You mean there wasn’t a glow before (laughs). Okay. I know what you are talking about. The truth is we learn every day. I’m sure five years or 10 years ago, you were not like this. I think things happen, good or bad, and they culminate and make you who you are in the present. I think a few things have happened in my life and I’ve learnt a lot. I’m still learning. And this glow, I believe, is just the beginning.
You once said you were not in a relationship. Have you found someone now?
Honestly, it’s like life has just begun for me. And I want to really calm down first. There is so much good out there and I mean it in the good sense. It is not because I want to just be some loose person out there, but it is because I’m learning a lot. I’m sure if I settled for what I thought was the best yesterday, maybe I won’t have been satisfied today. So, I’m actually taking it easy; and with God’s inspiration, prayers and everything, I’m sure I will make the right choice.
Do you consider being in a relationship a distraction? I mean could that be why you’re taking your time?
I don’t consider a relationship a distraction. I consider a relationship with a wrong person a distraction. Certainly, you can’t ask for anything better if you are in a relationship with the right person.
Who is your ideal man?
When I was in the primary school, my idea man was tall, yellow-I didn’t say fair, but yellow with curly hair, perhaps, half-caste. But now, my idea man is someone whom I have some connection with. And this is much more than physical. I still don’t mind a fine guy. In fact, I like a fine, comfortable guy who will support me, love me and support my career. In fact, I still pray for a fine guy. But much more than the physical, I want someone who I believe that when we are in the relationship and when we get married and have kids, I keep saying, ‘Oh! God, thank you!’
What informs the kind of clothes you wear to an event?
For now, I just know that I want my dress to be fitted. I want it to be comfortable. I normally would wear a long dress, but I like to experiment sometimes.
What kind of clothes do you like to wear?
I like to wear clothes that have African touch to it, but not totally African. I still want some contemporary things around it and I still obviously love my hair.