Emmanuella Eberechi Chilaka, popularly known as Ella Baby or Da Rap Goddess

Emmanuella Eberechi Chilaka, popularly known as Ella Baby or Da Rap Goddess, may be new in the Nigerian music scene, but she sure knows her onions when it comes to doing what she knows how to do best – Rap. We recently caught up with the young Ghana-based Nigerian rapper and she let us into her world

Can we meet you?

My name is Chilaka Emmnuella Eberechi. I am an artiste. I do everything entertainment, actually. I rap, sing, write movie scripts, write my own lyrics, act and do some modeling. I am from Mbaise in Imo State. I reside in Ghana but I am gradually moving back home. I am a graduate of Statistics, an Air hostess by profession, but I just veered into entertainment which I am enjoying.

You are a graduate of Statistics, and Air hostess and now a musician. It seems you didn’t really…

(cuts in) Let me just say I am jack of all trade and the master of all. They are all God’s gifts. It’s not my fault. I keep realising new things about me and I give God the praise. I have always loved showbiz and I knew I needed to do it at the right time when I know I have achieved the basics. I didn’t want to be a drop- out so I had to go to school.

So, when did you go into music?

I went into it in 2008, that was also when I came out with my first album which was Hip-Gospel. I decided to dedicate it to God because it was my first attempt in music. It’s not as if I was coming to the industry to do gospel, but I felt I owed it to God. I am a full musician and can do any kind of music, but I am more into secular (music).

Did you ever fly as an air hostess?

Yes, I did, but not long though. After the training, I was with IRS Airlines where I flew a little before I relocated to Ghana.

Why Ghana?

I just needed a change of environment because I grew up in Nigeria. I went there on a visit, fell in love with the environment and decided to stay.

So you started music in Ghana?

Yes. I have been in the country for four years now, but I started music two years ago. I only released the song in Ghana because I couldn’t get a good marketer for it here in Nigeria. I also didn’t bother because I didn’t really want to be known as a gospel artiste. I didn’t even promote the song in Ghana – not even a video for any of the songs. Those who know me with that album now have a change of mind because they see me from a different perspective now. Just the way they should.

Don’t you think they may have a wrong impression about you?

It doesn’t matter. What matters is that I know myself and God knows who I am. I don’t have a problem with how they may want to see me, as long as they don’t tarnish my image and relationship with God. That is where I will have a problem, but no matter how they see me, I don’t have a problem with it.

Tell us about your new album?

I’ll say it’s a dream come true. I dropped it here in Nigeria on June 19. It was more than I expected as many people were in attendance, even artistes. It was a thing of joy because they liked the songs. I am yet to release it in Ghana though. Although the first video for this album was shot in Ghana, I still feel there is no place as home. I want to give the love to people here in Nigeria before I take it anywhere else.

You are known as the rap goddess. Why do you call yourself that?

It’s because I believe my talent is divine and I also believe my style is very different and indeed unique. I don’t do what you’ll see every other female rapper do and I have this thick voice God gave me. I believe I am the best in what I do.

So, what is that ‘thing’ you do that is different from what other female rappers are doing?

Well, I love where I come from. I am a proud Igbo girl and in all my songs you’ll hear me speak Igbo. In addition, my voice is different. I have a deep voice. It’s from God and not a computer effect. When you hear me rap, you’ll think it’s a guy rapping.

Coming into the Nigerian music scene as a rap goddess, how easy do you think it will be to upstage other female rappers who had been
around for years?

I believe the carpet is big enough for us all to stand on. I am only trying to differentiate myself from others. I am dedicated to what I do and I am aiming high.

Would you ever relocate to Nigeria?

As we speak, I am already on it. I am not saying the atmosphere back in Ghana is not conducive for artistes like me, but no matter how you see it, Nigeria is still the bomb. If you are anywhere in the world doing well, especially in music and not known in Nigeria you are nobody. It doesn’t make sense.

You have a unique look: low- cut hair painted blond with heavy jewelries. What informs your look?

I am an African and love being one. Naturally, I would have loved to carry my hair natural but since I have a small stature and may be mistaken as a primary school pupil, I decided to colour my hair golden to differentiate myself. Also, it is not a style popular with female rappers. I like creating my style, looking different and standing out in a crowd.

Tell us a bit about your family.

I’ll say I have the best family in the world. We are seven children from mum and dad and I am the last child. My parents are civil servants and they were thrilled when I released my last album. When I released the first, they were not aware of it. They didn’t feel bad though when they learnt it was gospel. Surprisingly they are happy with this one. There is nothing like supporting one’s kid – it goes a long way.
Tell us about the album.

I have 12 tracks in the album and it is titled Unleash Divinity. I have a video making waves now, but I’ll be shooting like eight musicial video because I want to put the CD out.