21 questions: Nigerian female rock artiste Clay

Recently, a Kenyan rock band, Parking Lot Grass, released a single titled Turn Around featuring Nigerian female rock artiste, Clay. Yes, Nigerians can rock too.  ZuQka caught up with Clay online and sought to know how she chose this genre of music.

 was born in Nigeria, the first of three kids. I come from Imo State in the south-east. I am currently studying business administration at Lagos State University.

Is Clay your real name or stage name?

Clay is my stage name. My real name is Bianca Adanna Okorocha. I adopted the name Clay when I was a teenager.  My friends and I wanted to start a pop band and I came up with the name Clay. It sounded artsy back then. Sadly, the band never made it.

Your collaboration with Parking Lot Grass has received a lot of praise from your fans; are you pleased with the response?

Yes, I am glad. In fact, I am willing to work with more Kenyan acts.

How did you meet PLG?

We met online. Amazing, right?

What is the current situation of rock in Nigeria; is there a ready market?

Rock isn’t new in Nigeria, but it’s still finding its feet. There are many rock bands and artistes  in  pushing hard. Give it five years and rock will be the most sought-after genre.

Why rock when most of your country men and women do Afro fusion and Afro pop?

I don’t know, honestly. As an artiste and music lover, rock music is my comfort zone, my way of expression. I like to say rock found me!

Are you a solo rocker or are you in a band?

I am a solo rocker, though I have my own band that plays instruments only.

What kind of rock do you do; soft, hard or metal?

I do soft, pop and alternative rock.

Is there any colourful piece of cloth you own, because in most of your pictures we see you in black, and mostly leather?

(Laughs) I’m sure I do. But then again, I feel comfortable in black.

What kind of music did you listen to while growing up?

I used to love classical music, soft rock, rhythm and blues, pop music and Nigerian old school. I still listen to them today.

If you were not a musician, what would you have been doing?

I would probably have been a dancer or a painter.

How old are you?

A lady never tells.

Who or what inspires you?

Life and God are my inspiration.

Any genre of music you don’t like?

Haa! Probably jazz and the original Afro beat.

Which is your most memorable performance and why?

Metal and Romance 2 rock party held last year in Nigeria because of the rock ambience.  The second gig was at Lotus in Pattaya, because it was all acoustic and I could really hear myself sing. It felt surreal for me.

When you’re not writing and performing, what do you do?

I look for ways to be a better artiste and  make more money.

Did you study music?

Only if you call Google a college (laughs). No, I didn’t study music.

How did your family react when you told you’d them that you’d be pursuing rock music?

Surprised and disappointed at first but after hearing me on radio and seeing me on stage, they feel differently now. They have accepted me the way I am and my music.

Is there another favourite rock band you’d like to collaborate with?

Ah, yes! Creed, Switch Foot and Avril Lavigne. A girl can dream, right?

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Living in hilltop houses and driving 15 cars (Laughs). I’d like to be recognised as a big Nigerian rock star over the world.