Doreen Ekumhen Donald otherwise known as Doreen Donalee is the daughter of Donald Osebhawe Areguamen aka Donalee who was a DJ in Lagos and relocated to Abuja in the early 90s, and became the first professional DJ in FCT, Abuja. She speaks with SOLOMON NDA-ISAIAH on her new song ‘Ojoro Bobo.’
Doreen attended the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Primary School, Anglican Comprehensive High School both at Kubwa, Abuja. She graduated in 2016 as the best Music student from the Chukwuemeka Odumegu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, in Anambra State.
Evolving impetus from the works of late Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, and Waje, Doreen polished her music skills in the University thereby fostering her popularity as a performer. While at the University, Doreen was so involved in social activities about Music performances that she earned the award of the SUG Night as the Best Female artiste in the year 2015. After her university degree, in November 2016, she went into the NYSC Orientation Camp at Kubwa, Abuja, preparatory to serving her country Nigeria. During the NYSC welcome night, she stormed and electrified the Camp by performing one of her upcoming singles “Ojoro Bobo,” which held all participants mesmerized. Doreen has many unreleased songs to her credit. Did her parents really support her musical career?
‘My parents have been in support of my music. They wanted me to be through with school before they could sponsor or see me through my musical career. Aside school shows, I had performed at the NYSC camp last year where I swept them off their feet with my performance. I believe bigger events are coming my way,’ she said.
Doreen release both audio and video of her debut single “Ojoro Bobo” during Valentine. While an ace music producer, GospelondeBeatz produced the audio, great video Director, the Unlimited LA directed the video.
This is what she has to say about Ojoro Bobo : ‘Ojoro Bobo is basically talking about relationships and the guy that was involved with me, but also had an affair with other girls. I’m just talking about how men cheat on their girlfriends or spouses. It is really comical. It is not real, it is just based on what happens in our everyday life trying to picture it in real life,’ she stated.
With those combinations coupled with the fact that Doreen’s father, Donalee a skilled DJ who hit the entertainment scene in the time past especially in Lagos, Edo, Kaduna, Kano, and Abuja alongside DJ Jimmy Jatt, Kendy Paul, Femi Oshodi, Funky J, Abbas, etc., the target audience should expect nothing less than optimal Hit songs from Doreen.
‘Like I said, it is a talent, and it is something I love doing. When I wake up, I listen to music. I decided to take it serious as a career.’
With Doreen’s passion for music, she aims at satisfying the target audience and enjoying commercial acceptability as one of the most popular newcomers into the global music scene. She also prays to God to give her the opportunity to engage in philanthropy. The mission is possible with God, humility, focus, and sustained assiduous.
‘Well I believe that through my song I will be able to impact on lots of people because most people are not aware of the truth about our country. Through my song I will like to establish that. And also give them reasons why they should do the right things and shun negativity. So that is one of my aims of coming into the industry, to impact positively on the people. I am trying to create neutrality. Trying to bring in the truth and to be real when performing. I try to make people understand the aspect of music know the reality about it. It is not about singing but also making sure that you have good lyrics and message in your song that brings hope and fulfillment to the listeners,’ she added.
The Afro-pop and RnB artiste also has aspirations in life. She said music is not just being on stage with a MIC but how well the lyrics could impact on the lives of listeners. ‘Music is not just singing to impress, everything boils down to the lyrics and how it can inculcate knowledge to the larger world. People need to get schooled in a lot of things. One of my aims is to communicate knowledge to people through my music and how they should be able to handle situation when necessary.’
Her hobbies include singing, dancing, swimming, and reading any literature that could increase knowledge positively. She enjoys playing Keyboard and Guitar.
‘I swim when I am free. I read thing related to music and i play my musical instruments the guitar and they keyboard. I just have fun with my family at home.’
Even with all the positivity, there are still some financial challenges she has to overcome to get to where she is today. According to her; ‘Finance has been the major challenge. But before we do anything we just have to look up to God because God is the provider. My dad has been the sponsor of everything I do and I have to give him all the kudos. Finance has been a barrier and when it comes to getting the right connections, it is really stressful. At times, you might end up meeting the wrong people. So you just had to make sure you get the right link and go through the right process,’ she clarifies.
She sees herself in the next 3 years? Touring Europe and making an impact in people’s lives.
‘I hope to see myself performing in different places beyond Nigeria. In fact i pray to perform in the entire continent. And I believe God will see me through.’