0 
0 <<Entrevistamos a Love Itoya is a Greek Nigerian singer, dancer, performer and vocal producer. Her choreograpfhy and her powerful soulful voice captura the crowd whenever she steps on the stage. Love Itoya has won “Best Diaspora Artist” at the Nollywood film festival awards in Germany in 2016. She has worked with numerous local artist and has performed in various of 2021 her first debut single “Pepper Dem”, which is about empowering black women in genera. She´s here to represent and speak her truth, her story and hopes to touch a lot of people all around the globe through her music and to make her a big dreams come true.>>
Who is Love Itoya for those who don’t know her music?
Love Itoya: Love Itoya is a 24 year old Greek Nigerian Artist my parent’s are Nigerians both come from Edo state but different tribes my father is Esan (Uromi) and my mum is Benin (Edo). My music is has a combination of sounds cause I’m a multi-genre artist. I like mixing different genres together whether it’s from my Nigerian roots or otherwise.
You are from Greece, but you are considered a Greek Nigerian singer, how do you feel about it?
Love Itoya: Yes, I feel proud about it, having that kind of identity also representing two different countries that I’m from. It’s special , I always wanted to make a difference as the first Greek Nigerian female artist cause they aren’t anyone to look up too. Also it’s nice speaking two different languages.
Let’s start with your second single song “Party” which is related to parties. Is music for you a party?
Love Itoya: First of all I wrote party long time ago around 2018 and I’m a very party person myself , I like going to a party and dance till the end and not just standing with a cup in my hand. Music for me is a party sometimes it depends what story you want to put out there and how good you want others to feel but at the same time music is a therapy for me to write things I can’t say.
What message does the song “Party” have?
Love Itoya: Leaving the Bad energy aside and dance. Live your life.
You are a singer, songwriter, performer and vocal producer In what facet do you feel most identified?
Love Itoya: I’ll say all cause I can do all of them but most especially I love creating melodies before my songwriting cause I just want something different and original from me with different influences. I’m really trying to let people know my sound and get to know that whatever I write is my true life experiences.
In your themes and philosophy of life you defend a lot the empowerment of women in general, but also that of women of color. You talk about this in the topic “Peper Dem” What can you tell us about it?
Love Itoya: I’ll say all cause I can do all of them but most especially I love creating melodies before my songwriting cause I just want something different and original from me with different influences. I’m really trying to let people know my sound and get to know that whatever I write is my true life experiences. Yes I do like empowering Women especially Women of Colour like me cause we’ve been through a lot as women. Just because of our gender we get discriminated, downplayed and that’s frustrating. I believe in equality that whatever a man can do women can also do it , so I just try through my music to tell my story and sending a message to every woman Pepper Dem by doing better what they say you can’t do. Don’t get back at them physically but by proving them wrong and being the best in your field.
You have won the “Best Diaspora Artist” at the Nollywood Film Festival awards in Germany. What memories do you have of that award?
Love Itoya: Well I didn’t even expect to win something , but my brother was so sure I would. I was short of words when my name was called hahaha I was shaking cause I was so nervous and didn’t believe it. It was the best feeling seeing my family and friends there , being witnesses to my achievement at such a young age.
You have just released your first EP “Introduction” How has the reception of the audience of the first EP?
Love Itoya: The response is incredible I was so anxious how the world would receive it. It turns out a lot of people have been waiting to hear my sound and I’m so grateful to God for that.
Under what musical rhythms is Love Itoya?
Love Itoya: A lot , like I said earlier I’m a multi-genre artist and I listen to a lot of different genres. Today I can listen to afro next day I listen to indie , rock sounds.
Is There a talk of many collaborations between artists, with whom would you like to release a song?
Love Itoya: Oh my dream collaborations are a lot but I’ll name a few from females are Sza , Lauryn hill , Beyonce , Rihanna , Ari Lennox , Teni , Kiana lede , Kehlani , jhene Aiko , willow smith and from males Bruno Mars , Anderson Paak , Kendrick Lamar , Tobe Nwigwe , chance the rapper.
When are we going to be able to find in a live show of yours?
Love Itoya: Hopefully soon I hope , whenever I have an announcement of an upcoming show I always update on my social media (Love Itoya).
Do I hope to see you sing in Spain?
Love Itoya: I really hope to perform in Spain it has been one of my dreams favourite locations.
Any concerts in sight?
Love Itoya: Hopefully soon.
Finally Love Itoya What can you tell us about your next projects?
Love Itoya: I’m still in my Ep zone but the next project by God’s grace would be more interesting. I’m excited for people to be in this journey with.
<<Para finalizar la entrevista, desde AfondaresCultura damos las gracias a «Love Itoya» por su tiempo y dedicación y sobre todo disfrutar de su nuevo álbum <<Introduction>> y estaremos atentos de esos próximos proyectos.>>
