Annette
Cookey, a graduate of physiology from University of Port Harcourt,
Rivers State, is a singer, song writer, model, TV host and actress. In
this interview with TAYO GESINDE, the third runner-up winner of Project
Fame West Africa 2008 edition, speaks on her passion for music, how she
handles her male admirers and her fashion preferences. Excerpts:
Growing up
I grew up in a very artistic home. My dad was a lover of all genres
of music from reggae, blues, pop, afro beat, highlife, afro juju, jazz
to hip-hop and r & b. My mum was a choir leader and a soprano
singer. I am the second of four children. It was a lot of fun as we were
a bunch of talents. While growing up, I had lots of fantasies. At a
time, I wanted to marry Michael Jackson. Later, I wanted to host my own
television show and also be a music sensation. I had my nursery and
primary education at Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)
Staff School. I attended Federal Government Girls College (FGGC),
Sagamu, Ogun State then proceeded to the University of Port-Harcourt,
Rivers State where I studied Physiology.
Foray into the entertainment industry
Music came first. I started singing when I was barely five years
old, but professionally, it was in 2001. I was doing back up vocal for
several artistes but in 2008 after emerging third runner up in Mtn
Project Fame West Africa, I decided to go fully into music. Acting, I
would say, came naturally. From my childhood days, I had always wanted
to act. I loved imitating my favourite actors on TV. Apart from that, I
did a lot of drama in primary and secondary schools as well as in
church. I always say that musicians are actors in a way, portraying
different acts in their different songs. Modelling on the other hand
came by association. The truth is I never thought of myself as a model
but interestingly, people would always want to use my photos for one
advertisement or the other while in the university. So, a friend of
mine advised me that I should start charging them for the pictures.
And that was how I started modelling. From campus magazines to
calendars, TV adverts and billboards. I am also a fashion television
host and that takes lot of my time as well.
ADVERTISEMENT
Project Fame experience
Project Fame was fun, hectic and enlightening. It was an eye opener
and that was where I decided I would make music as a career. It was
drilling, but I learnt to multi-task and accommodate others in my field.
Most challenging of the three (music, acting and modeling)
Hmm! That is a tough one. They all are uniquely very challenging but
I’d say music is the most challenging. If I were to pick one out of the
three, I would choose music over the rest.
First experience on set
My first experience was exciting. Acting was not as easy as I had
anticipated but I loved every bit of it. I started out with a soap opera
titled Sabaabi which aired on Star Times from 2010 till early 2012. I
have done mostly comedy skits and soaps. Love Notes is my first movie
and the most challenging too.
Most embarrassing thing a fan ever did to me
I wanted to shake a fan and she suddenly picked me up like a baby and
dropped me. She didn’t mean to though, I guessed she was very excited
as I sang a few lines of her favourite song to her.
Pains and gains of being a celebrity
The pains are that you become a public person, you lose your freedom
and can no longer be yourself. You are always under scrutiny and
criticism. The gain on the other hand is having people acknowledge you
and what you do. The most satisfying gain for me is when someone says to
me, “Annette, I love your songs, you are great and are going places. It
is an awesome feeling, then, there is money too. There is nothing like
doing what you love most and making money out of it. Some even say thank
you for this song and that song. It is humbling.
Coping with competition
For me, there is really no competition because I don’t see it as one.
There is no bigger, better or more talented musician. We are all
different and uniquely gifted.
Philosophy of life
Always do what is right, be yourself and treat people as you want to be treated.
Description of self
I am sassy, unpredictable, energetic, sweet and reserved.
Sexual harassment
I experience it everywhere. In the industry and the society in general.
Coping with advances from men
Just fine. I’m used to it. I guess I am becoming a professional at it.
Definition of style
Style is what uniquely stands you out in a crowd. It is originality
and class. I don’t follow fashion all the time. I wear what fits me,
the occasion and weather condition. In fact, I do not necessarily follow
fashion trends. I only use them as a guide sometimes.
Cost of looking good
It costs a lot o! I take at least two showers every day. I don’t like drinking water because I have a sweet tooth.
I don’t sleep with my make- up on. I scrub my face and body at least
twice a week. I eat fruits a lot too. Also, I have started taking food
supplements to balance my diet because I sometimes skip meals when I am
very busy. I can go on and on but those are my basic beauty routine. I
dance a lot and swim too. That is how I exercise.
Fashion obsession
My fashion obsession are shoes. I love shoes the most.
Fashion icons
I have none. However, I admire a few people like Rita Dominic and Beyonce.
Choice of accessories
I use any accessory that complements my dress.
Accessories I can’t do without
I can’t go out without a bag and my sun shade.
Favourite perfumes
I have quite a lot. Fantasy by Britney Spears, 5th Avenue by Elizabeth Arden, Heat by Beyonce and Glow by Jlo
Favourite colours
Green in all shades, black and white.
What I can’t be caught dead wearing
Nothing really. As long as I am properly dressed, I can wear anything.
Opinion on toning
I honestly think it is a personal choice. If you must tone, just do
it right or don’t do it at all. So many people condemn others for toning
but in their hearts they want and wish to do the same. Some people like
tattoos, some piercings while others like to tone. Whatever it is you
wish to do, be modest with it and do it right.
What I will like to change about myself
Absolutely nothing. I only want to be a better person every passing day.
Opinion on cosmetic surgery
I have mixed feelings. It is scary. There are so many dangers in it
but if it is for a good cause, especially when it has to do with
accident, health issue, deformity, and so on, then, it is okay. But if
it is because of the quest for more beauty, I don’t particularly like
that. However, in the end it is a personal decision and if it makes you
happy, go ahead. If you die in the process, too bad.
Special treat
I go to the spa, get a steam bath, go for body wash and a full body
massage. After that, I will go and shop for shoes and clothes.
Opinion on provocative dressing
Some times, the showbiz part of me wants to show off and be
provocative. That doesn’t make it right but as I grow as a musician and
lady, I believe you can be attractive without being over the top and
provocative. Modesty is the key. When I am on stage, I can be anything
without overdoing it but once I am off stage, I am a decent African
woman.
Greatest physical asset
My lips.
My hair and nails
I love my natural hair because it is quite long so I maintain it
properly but because of the harsh weather conditions, I cover it with
nice weave-on once in a while. My nails are regularly manicured and
pedicured. I hardly wear artificial nails
Secret of beauty
God! I don’t do anything special. Maybe when I am getting older,
after child birth and nature is changing things then I might start doing
something. For now, it is quite simple. I take regular baths,
moisturise my skin, drink water and eat a lot of fruits.
My selling point
My music is deep. It always has a story that people can relate with and I am very versatile.
Strength and weakness
My strength is my versatility, while my weakness is not being able to
write songs in pidgin English and our local dialect but I am working on
it so, it won’t be a weakness for long.
Role models
In acting, Nse Ikpe Etim, Rita Dominic, Angelina Jolie and OC Ukeje.
In music, late Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson,
Beyonce, late Aliyah, Don Jazzy because he is super creative, Waje and
Omawunmi. In presenting, Dolapo Oni, Juliana Ransic and Jinnie Mia
because they are effortless. I love Funke Akindele too and Liz Benson
back then.
Where I get inspiration from
From almost everything. Nature, true life experiences of mine and others
SOURCE: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Anne started feeling pains in her right breast. Initially she thought it was just something small that would go away.