She started music about a decade ago and today she has risen to become the second vice president of PMAN(T-Mac faction). She has done songs with Onyeka Owenu and many other artistes, though her own music is yet to hit main stream. With all the fightings going on in PMAN, Lady Judith explains to HAZEEZ BALOGUN on how she has been able to swim in troubled waters.
You have a big post yet many don’t know you. How would you describe yourself?My name is Lady Judith Nwachukwu, a second Vice President of Performing Musician Association in Nigeria (PMAN). Judith is an artiste. Judith is also a student now at the Lagos Business School, and I am graduating soon. Judith is a mother, and Judith loves God.
How do you juggle PMANwith other things you are into?Oh, time management. That is why I went to school. I went back to school to be able to be organised in my life and come out to be more productive. I knew I needed more information to get me to where I am going. So, I manage my time.
Your music is not really among the hits. What are the factors responible for this? Maybe you have not been watching. I have some songs which are here with me that have been running on TV for some time now. I went back and said let me be better organised. I’m sure you have heard “Value for Life’’ with Onyeka Owenu which we did for people that are suffering from HIV.
You don’t come across as someone who will be interested in all the politics going on in PMAN. How have you been coping?I believe that before you get to any position in life, you must be equipped for it. I strongly believe that everyone out there saw something in me, believes in me, and knew that I can deliver. That was why I got voted in there. It is all about the ability to be focused, and to be organised. Looks could be very deceptive, you know what I mean. Because, somebody can look full of strength but has nothing inside to deliver. One thing I believe is this, my actions speak, and who I am speak as well. Do you understand?
As a Vice President, what roles are you playing in your organisation? As a Vice President, I’m involved in making decisions, and I make sure that I use my vast experience to shape the association. I don’t think you know that I am the only female in the presidency (PMAN). I want to make sure the feminine part of me to sustain things in PMAN particularly issues pertaining to welfare of the organisation. I have been inviting people telling them about my dreams and visions.
But if the president is not around, do you have the right to act on his behalf? We have first vice and second vice, but we work together as a team when the president is not around. We have to make decisions. I am not a president but I am in the position to give him support.
You were on the cover of a style magazine some weeks ago, how fashionable are you?I know I’m elegant. So, I think I will wear things that will flatter my height . There is an image I want to portray. I will not wear just what everybody is wearing. I know what suits my figure and I go for it. So, it is an expression from my inside being displayed in my outside. If you want to go to the palace you dress like you are of the palace. So, I don’t want to come across like I’m an irresponsible person. So, the whole idea is that, you can be both beautiful and descent. You don’t have to open your private part because you are into entertainment. I don’t subscribe to that.
Is marriage and your job not clashing? It has not been really easy, and I have found out that myself. I am on a mission in this world, and I must fulfill my my mission. It does not matter if I am a wife, a mother, a vice-president or I am a friend to somebody important or I am a daughter to somebody in power, all that does not matter. I must be able to have a rounded life. Also it’s all about time management I spoke about earlier. I wouldn’t give anybody in this world right to change who I am, and stop me from being who I want to be.
What about your husband Nobody, nobody, nobody has the right to stop my dreams.
Let’s go back to your fashion and style. Where do you shop? The funniest thing is that I’m not crazy about the designer clothes. I love them, I have them. I spend a lot of money on clothes, I must confess. But, I’m not crazy about them, anything that looks good I go for it. I shop in the states (U.S.A), and when I travel around. I also have a designer who designs for me exclusively. She knows my figure, she knows my nature.
Where did you grow up? I am from Delta State. I played music in school. I schooled in Obafemi Awolowo University. I served at NACP for ten years at the medical section. I am from a family of eight, and I’m the number three.
As a Nigerian, you know some parents don’t support their children playing music. How was it for you?Yes, yes, they used to lock me up, but I stood my ground. When I eventually became a vice-president for PMAN, they encouraged me (all laughed). Until my father died two months ago. It was very sad of me.
What advice would you give to the next generation?I will tell them to know what they want in life, seek for divine guidance in everything they do, and be focused in whatever they do. Then above all, they should gather enough information about whatever they want to do, because information will keep you ahead.
Can we safetly call you a millionaire? Well, I don’t know about millionaire, but I am fine as the way God wants it. I am moving, I don’t know about being rich money wise, but I am rich in God’s way.
About the PMAN’s court case that is coming. Why is the house so much in chaos? Well, the more you realise that musicians are special people the better you understand us. Handling them is not just a work over. Anywhere you have human beings, you have different opinions. But relatively, we are more stable now, than what we had last year.
