Golden ICONS interview with one of the few African Opera Icons “Abiodun Koya”. She is currently based in Maryland, and emerged from the Southwestern part of Nigeria.
Abiodun Koya Interview:
Golden ICONS: I understand that you have sang the national anthem for the first ladies or the president at one point, could you please remind us of who you sang for and the type of event?
Abiodun Koya: I think the one you are probably refering to is my recent presidential performance; it was for President George Bush last November during the Africare honorary event for him. That performance can be viewed below.
However, two years ago I sang for President Yar’adua and four years back, President Obasanjo and other African Presidents.
Abiodun Koya’s Performance for President Bush at the Africare honorary event:
Golden ICONS: It is confirmed that you will be performing at Bishop TD Jakes’ church in Dallas; Wow! how are you preparing for that?
Abiodun Koya: It’s indeed the Lord’s doing. I am with mixed emotions right now; rehearsing, praying and practicing smartly for that.
Golden ICONS: How do you maintain your voice, or is the saying true “Once you have it as a singer, it will always be”?
Abiodun Koya: Yes, the saying is kinda sorta true but with the voice instrument, one has to practice and use it often otherwise there will be no growth. I have voice lessons at least once a week and I practice weekly too.
Golden ICONS: Why did you choose the “Opera” style, and who do you look up to as a singer?
Abiodun Koya: It is the style God has given me and i love Kathleen Battle and Sarah Brightman.
Click play below to listen to 2 of Abiodun Koya’s tracks:
EDEN: [sc_embed_player_template1 fileurl=http://goldenicons.com/audio/abiodun_koya/Eden.mp3]
OLOLUFEMI: [sc_embed_player_template1 fileurl=http://goldenicons.com/audio/abiodun_koya/Ololufe.mp3]
Abiodun Koya is an excellent opera/ lyric soprano singer. She started her music career at age six playing violin and singing at church and birthday events under the mentoring hands of her parents.
She has grown to be one of the very few African women who sing opera. She is also a poet, philanthropist, composer/songwriter who enjoys recording movie soundtracks, and writing story lines for plays and comedies. Her talent in acting has landed her roles in comedies and theater productions. She enjoys holding and monitoring musical workshops for kids and teenagers and has performed and toured with orchestras, choruses and tenors.
She has performed for presidents, senators, ambassadors, governors, congressmen, women and for less-privileged children.
For booking and more details, visit http://www.abiodunkoya.com/
Photography: Daryl Brown
Interview by Bode Ojo for Golden ICONS Inc. Golden ICONS is a celebrity, lifestyle, inspirational and entertainment magazine tailored to embrace and highlight the outstanding deeds of ICONS and Citizens of Africa, America and Europe.
