Veteran Nigerian singer behind 1980s hits like Oko mi ye and Arigo Samba, Stella Monye, speaks with Naomi Chima about her long leave from music following her son’s life-threatening accident and her remarkable return to the spotlight
Can you tell us how your journey in music began and the breakthrough with your first album?
Like everyone, there is always a beginning. Some say it starts from church or even the bathroom. In my case, it manifested naturally, and I followed the path before my first album. My 1983 album, Mr Right, took me into the limelight.
The first time I appeared on television was at age 14. I went to the station and said, “I can sing, sir,” and the man replied, “You can sing? Okay, I’m going to put you on my show.” He told me to return the following week, and that was how I made my first appearance. Oko mi ye later became a hit and gave me more visibility.
What inspired your hit songs, including Kiss Me Now and Nigeria Go Survive?
My first hit was Oko mi ye, then Arigo Samba, which earned me the title Samba Queen from the media. Experience and the environment inspire us. I bore my heart in those songs, and it shows in the lyrics.
Tell us about some of your memorable experiences.
There were many. We went to Germany for the Horizons World Festival and toured Amsterdam, Switzerland, Bremen and Frankfurt. It was amazing. We were not paid but received allowances. We also went to the Caribbean for the abolition of the slave trade anniversary. Mariam Makeba, the legendary South African singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist, also known as “Mama Africa”, was there. The newspapers called me the Bombshell from Nigeria. It was fun and memorable.
At that time, what was your drive?
It was exposure and passion, not money. I did not value money the way it is valued now.
What prompted your long break from music?
I never left music. I only took a long break after my son had a near-tragic accident while I was away on a national engagement. I needed to give full attention to his medical procedures. I am back to work now.
How did that experience influence your career, and how is he doing now?
My son fell from a water tank at age nine. The first surgery was done incorrectly, and since then, we have become regulars at hospitals. He went from one failed surgery to another. We went everywhere, including India and Tbilisi, before ending up in America, where a systematic medical plan was created because previous surgeries had caused damage. They said the treatment would take years. I have to work because his bills are in dollars. My colleagues rallied around. Omawumi, Daddy Showkey, Ras Kimono and Mono helped. We even went on the streets to raise funds. People like Kwam 1 gave money.
He is an adult now with serious kidney issues. There are things he cannot do for himself, so I have to stay on my feet. He does not talk much, and his silence means a lot. I know he is proud of my comeback.
How do you stay connected to music?
I stay connected through social platforms, and I have just released a single titled He Prepared Me. It captures my experience. I hope to perform during the yuletide. I know the kind of shows I can take on now, and I have the energy. I hope brands call me. I can package shows for weddings, marathons and other events. I have a band and a team.
What challenges did you face in your career, and how did you overcome them?
Every profession has challenges. You take them as they come. Criticism was difficult for me at first, but I later realised it was part of the package. I adjusted. Now I am busy promoting my new single and enjoying it.
What inspired He Prepared Me?
The song was written by Far Cry Song in America based on my pain at the time. It speaks about my experience. Natural stories are better told than things that never happened. I initially refused to record it for two years because I wondered if I would have time to promote it while still handling my son’s issues. I eventually recorded it, and it did well. I am doing a lot of media sensitisation to let people know I am back.
How do you feel about your legacy in the music industry?
I still need more active years before thinking about legacies. I do not stop until my body says so. I am naturally hyper, which helps me stay fit.
How do you prioritise self-care and wellness?
I really do not. I have a busy family life because I have never been married. Family is important in Nigerian culture, so I try to look back at my past mistakes and address them.
With the evolution of music, can you still compete with today’s stars?
Music is evolving, and we must strive harder. My fans should be ready to receive the prepared version of me. I did not come back to compete with younger artistes but to make positive and inspirational music. I want to get better and higher. That is the position I want to occupy.
What is your view on the global rise of Nigerian music?
It is amazing. I remember when Makossa dominated from French-speaking regions, then suddenly Nigeria came to the forefront. We were present in the past but not this visible. We are moving.
What advice do you have for people facing challenges and trying to find their way back?
Keep going. Do not give up. Challenges will come; handle them as they come. For the younger generation, make more positive songs. A lot is happening in the country, and music should correct things. Do not emphasise sex too much. For those who have faced difficulties, as long as your voice is still there, there is no limitation. Music evolves. It is their era, and I cannot sing like them, but I can keep getting better, higher and deeper.