Life and Work with Rebecca Oderoha

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Oderoha.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Rebecca. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
At the tender age of 4 or 5, I found my voice listening to “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5. Not much of a surprise, I loved what I heard in my ears and knew that I could only get better and better. As I got older, and my life got harder for my family I would have my dream crushed for the first time. With divorced parents who also happened to be arch-nemesis, it seemed like their focus was more for each other than the beautiful children they created. During these times, Nickelodeon and Disney stars were on the rise more than ever before and I knew I could fit right in if given the chance, but that chance was never given to me. By the time I was eleven years old, my voice had blossomed into a sultry tone that only my family and close friends knew of. It was until one day at church that my sister and I had to perform a song by Mary Mary titled “I Just Can’t Give Up Now”.

After the performance, people were crying and hugging us as we walked off the stage which was a first for a little girl like me. I didn’t know what I did that day, but I soon realized what took place. With the reassurance of my Nigerian church performance, I knew that I must act on my gift ASAP. I would then sing the “National Anthem” at my 8th-grade graduation and just perform wherever and whenever I could for the practice. My mother has seen my drive and knew the power my voice had and decided it was time for “The Voice”. Due to being only 13 at that time, they denied my admission when we arrived and it broke my spirit. I remember not singing for along time after that. High school approached and I joined the basketball team on the first day due to the rumor that freshmen get fat due to the new freedom they have. I was terrible at the sport, but with practice every day (literally every day except Sundays due to CIF regulations) I got better and better.

As I got better, I became more comfortable around the girls and we eventually created a sisterhood. We would sing together, I would sing to them, and sing to their families and every time they would always “gas me up” so I knew I had to sound decent. With high school basketball taking up all of my free time and my home life being unstable, I knew it would be impossible for me to pursue my deferred dream now, so I waited. In my wait, I practiced, I prayed, and I made a plan. I began posting weekly music videos on my Instagram to things like covers, freestyles, and originals which the people seemed to love and wait on weekly. With the positive reactions I got, it built my confidence and I knew it was only a matter of time that I would have to take it to the next level. I took a 5-month hiatus from Instagram and got focused. I made a script and came back and followed it like the late Great Nipsey Hussle did. With my family seeing my drive, they had no choice but to support.

Spring of 2019, I began following my script. I saved my money and I made connections. I found a studio with reasonable pricing for me and would take two trains and two busses religiously to get there. I went on YouTube and bought the beats that I knew I could do damage to. I recorded myself on my phone so I could have a blueprint for the studio sessions. I linked up with videographers and compared prices. I did everything I needed to do and what I said I would do and I’m just getting started.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been smooth and I knew it wouldn’t. I don’t think I would have went so hard or even been so dedicated if it was easy because I’m so used to the struggle and getting it out the mud. I faced many struggles and some artists are probably able to relate to them. The unprofessional producers and musical engineers who don’t take themselves seriously so there’s no chance for you. The lack of resources due to money. The business part is sticky. Some advice I would give to young women who are just starting just like myself is to get focused. Shut down the fun, make a reasonable script and budget, and never lose sight of what you came to do.

Please tell us more about your music.
I am a singer-songwriter specializing in making music with quality lyrics. My voice is sultry, smooth, clear, and can get a little deep. I am most proud of my artistry and brand because I live to promote love, self-expression, and peace. Also, I’m proud of the things that take place behind the scenes such as my ability to write it down and make it happen. In addition, my need for choosing “Quality over Quantity” when it comes to everything related to my brand such as the lyrics, beats, videos, snippets, promotion tactics, and the list can go on. With all that being said, I would have to say what sets me apart for the others is my practice of patience. I don’t want anything overnight and I don’t want anything I didn’t work to get. Timing has been on my side so far so I must continue practicing patience and diligence and I truly believe I will end up where I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be.

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
My mentor is my older sister so it was pretty easy to find her. When it comes to networking, the face-to-face encounters I find myself more of an introvert, but when I’m around the good-spirited I freely show my extroverted side. I’ve always been fairly shy and private and as I meet more people I find myself staying the same. When it comes to my social media page, I look at my page from a business standpoint. To when I post and what I post and the time I post. Despite my spontaneous personality, I try to be very strategic when it comes to my social media platforms.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambeccabadazzz/

Image Credit:
@vibrantvisualsmedia & @_spheres_

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