Amobi Chinaza Elizabeth popularly known as Nazzy drums is a Nigerian Congalist, Drummer and Vocalist. She has been in the game for about 4 years. To her credit, Nazzy drums has inspired many younger talented ones. Nazzy drums is planning to establish something new in the music world in order to register her name in gold in the creative industry.
The Drummer speaks to Sunday Oyinloye, Publisher, Green Savannah Diplomatic Cable
Excerpts:
How did you become a drummer?
I started drumming from the church. I was born into a Christian home. My parents were also musicians. My dad was a choirmaster and my mum a chorister. So I started playing at a very young age but I was only performing in Block Rosary Crusade, a children’s department of the Catholic Church. However, they didn’t give me the leverage to do it more because they felt drumming was a male thing, so they usually chase me away whenever I came around it. But I’m this kind of person that doesn’t give up easily. That was how I started playing until about four years ago when a DJ introduced me to the pattern of first drums because he saw me playing that Block Rosary style. When he introduced me to it, he said I could play it. I started listening to other drummers and how they play. In addition, I approached some people to teach me how to drum. However, when I watched their way of life and discovered that it doesn’t align with the way I was raised up, I told myself that If I continue with them, I might not get what I wanted so I had to drop everyone and listen to the beats they had already played . So, in that sense, I can say no one taught me. That’ was how I started my journey as a drummer.
What were the initial challenges?
The first challenge was getting a Tutor. Most people thought I was joking, they didn’t believe in my dream. A lot of people advised me to stop playing it and that I should look for more feminine thing to do. I grew up with a strict father and it was a bit difficult convincing him to see the vision. Getting my own drums was a challenge because I lost my mother at an early age. We had to struggle with a lot of things. It was difficult saving up money to get my own drums and other equipment to do my personal rehearsals and go for performances. But with time, people started appreciating my talent and aligning with my vision. I must confess, it was really difficult at the initial stage to get recognition in an industry dominated by men.
Drumming is for both male and female, but most people see it as a male thing. How are you coping in a male dominated profession?
It is not easy at all; I keep challenging myself every day to be better in what I do, and doing it in a grand style so that I can be unique and outstanding. Most people don’t take ladies serious. Many will want to take advantage of you because you are a lady and it got to a point that I started wearing male dresses so that I don’t get much attention. But now I think I’ve grown up to a stage where I can handle the pressure. But I must confess, it’s not really easy, but we keep surviving. I believe I am building a strong fan’s page. People now see the uniqueness in what I do and they appreciate it, unlike before when they saw it as a joke. I get accolades from people nowadays.
Tell us your plans?
My plan is to see myself at the international stage. I want to build a great brand that will travel around the world and do great things. I’m working on a project that I might drop very soon. I’m kind of creating a masterpiece, making a good album with drumming. I believe I’m a big brand on my own with the vision I have now. It requires time and finances, but I can see myself on international stage very soon.
What is your big dream in this New Year?
My big dream for the New Year is to also go into DJing. So, I want to combine both of them. I have a big vision; I’m seeing things that I would do, great things and great performances. But the challenge is getting equipment, it’s not an easy one but I see myself scaling great heights this year. I plan creating a masterpiece of the cultural piano beats, and other stuffs that I will infuse my drumming into it, and it will become my own sound.
Do you see yourself becoming an Actress soon?
I have passion for acting and to also be a presenter and broadcaster someday. I think I’m talented in that area too. With time, I will be unleashing them one after another.
What is your advice to young ladies who have passion for professions that are male dominated?
My advice to every young lady out there is, if you want to do something, pursue your dream. Most men see ladies as a joke because of the way we have made ourselves vulnerable in some ways. Once you are focused, once you have a target don’t listen to what people say. Just develop a thick skin, don’t allow anything to distract you. When I started, people thought it was a joke carried too far, but I was focused. I knew my target, so I was not distracted with their talks. Once you’re focused, build yourself and carry yourself with poise. The way you dress is the way you will be addressed. Once you have a target, stick to it, have your principle and don’t be easily influenced. Also pray for divine direction at all times and God will hear your prayers and take you to where you didn’t even imagined.
