Statistic With Tonye Garrick
Fabuluous, fashionable and fun, musician, Tonye Garrick discusses her personality and performance style with Genevieve Magazine.
By Tolu Falode.
Where are you from?
I’m from Edo state but my mother is Igbo and my father’s mother is Rivers hence the name combination.
Why did you decide to do music?
I can still remember this….I was about 7 years old when my mom got me four of Whitney Houston’s videos on a cassette player. I watched “How will I know” and played it a hundred times until my mom decided to hide it. Lol! I knew then I wanted to be singing like that.
How would you describe your sound?
The best way to describe my sound is simply R&B fusion. The idea is to infuse R&B with other genres of music. I just want to create timeless music that people will enjoy whether it’s in the club or in their cars.
Your musical inspirations?
I’m inspired by a lot of talented female artists from the 80’s and 90’s from Brandy, Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, SWV to Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Brenda Fassie, Celine Dion, Janet Jackson. So many amazing women out there that are the reason I decided to go into music.
Your favourite recording artiste?
Everyone knows I love Brandy. She is an outstanding performer. I love how she becomes so passionate and emotional when she sings. She also does the best runs I’ve ever heard. I had the pleasure of meeting her last year.
What are your other passions?
Fashion and Interior Design. I’m passionate about anything Fashion related. I had a side gig with Fab magazine writing their Interior Design and Destination style section, which I created for the magazine. I still want Fashion and Interior Design/décor to play a huge part in my musical career and my life once I’ve established myself as a Household name. My friends and family will also tell you I’m super passionate about health and fitness. I’m a certified Body Combat and Turbokick instructor.
What is your favourite holiday destination?
Since I was a child, I always dreamed of going to Martinique which is an island in the Caribbean considered an overseas region of France. Growing up in Paris, you come across many people from both Guadeloupe and Martinique. TV commercials also made it seem like it was the best place on earth. In 2012, I finally decided to head there on holiday and it was everything I dreamt about. It’s My Best Place On Earth.
What’s your pet peeve?
I absolutely hate when people chew their food with their mouth open. I wear my emotions on my sleeve so if you do it around me, just be prepared for my reaction.
Three things you can’t do without if you were stuck on a desert island?
I cannot live without my lip balm. I become extremely uncomfortable when my lips are dry. My Johnson & Johnson coco and sheabutter baby oil. The trick is using it when you are taking your shower. It gives you the softest skin ever. Lastly, I cannot live without my denim shorts. I can dress them up and dress them down and they are super comfortable.
Your favourite makeup product?
My favorite makeup products are my eos Lipbalm (Lord knows I cannot live without it). Soft lips are the foundation for sexy lips. My smolder eyeliner. I know it smudges a lot but I love that (raccoon/slept in my makeup) look it gives.
Your best memory as a recording artiste?
My best memories as a recording artist had to be meeting one of my inspirations; Brandy. For a long time, I just hoped I would someday meet her. Little did I know I would actually get to spend the whole day with her and I was restraining myself from going crazy. I kept my cool and just pretended like I wasn’t a fanatic but I was sweating all over.
Who are your fashion inspirations?
Ariane Davis. She is a short hair diva just like me. She has that laid back New York style that is effortless. I also have to say Jennifer Lopez’s style. Her style is very 70’s chic and most importantly she knows her body well and dresses herself with what flatters her body the most.
What is your favourite musical instrument?
The guitar is my favorite instrument. I love acoustic versions of songs so I purchased an acoustic guitar years ago hoping I would become an expert. Unfortunately, I still haven’t learned to play. It’s definitely something I hope to start learning this year.
Your most embarrassing moment?
Recently at a family friend’s gathering as I was walking into the venue, I didn’t realize there was a step right in front of the hall and I missed my step and fell flat on my face while trying to walk in, everyone immediately turned and starred at me. Oh my goodness, I felt really uncomfortable at the party.
Your favourite food?
You know I spent most of my childhood in Paris and walking around the Eiffel tower you encounter many creperies. I’m obsessed with crepes (thin pancakes). You can eat it savory and also as a dessert. I’m also an expert in making them so it’s usually my go to food.
Your most challenging experience as a recording artiste.
If I tell you I thought this career path choice was going to be a walk in the park, I would be lying. My life has had so many ups and downs in the last few years but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Being a woman in this industry is extremely tough. You constantly have to prove yourself and make people believe you deserve to be on those stages dominated by men. You haven’t been through the music hustle until you are completely frustrated in Lagos. You will however know exactly when things start to turn around. I believe I am at that stage now where things are finally turning around.
Your most prized possession?
All my purses handed down to me by my mom. Because she has taken such good care of them, I have to do the same so I can hand them down to my own kids.
Three things no-one knows about Tonye?
- I’m very much an insomniac. I always have a hard time sleeping. 2. I speak fluent French, so incase you decide to insult me in French, think again lol!
- I don’t like driving in Lagos, the “danfo” drivers give my road rage so I like to avoid that.
What are you looking for in a relationship?
I’m looking for a good friend who has no problems with me being an artist. Someone who is kind, takes care of his health, super supportive and isn’t selfish. I also want someone who wants to travel and explore different cultures. I’m pretty simple.
How would you like to be remembered as an artist?
I want to be remembered as that person with a Big Heart and a Big Voice. I want to be a role model to a lot of people.
What is your favourite perfume?
My favorite perfume is Birdie Lanvin Couture by Lanvin and Paris by Yves Saint Laurent
You favourite colours?
I love my neutrals (black, white, beige) but I also love purple!
Your favourite designers?
Gucci, Chanel, DVF, Mai Atafo, Cushnie et Ochs, Bridget Awosika, Dolce and Gabanna.
Your favourite accessories?
I don’t really wear too many accessories but I do love my hoop earrings.
Your favourite book?
Maya Anjelou’s I Know why the Cage Bird Sings
Who are your role models?
My mom. I admire her strength and her kindness. She is constantly pushing me even when I want to give up.
Your favourite movies?
I have too many from RomComs to thrillers; Grease, The Notebook, Sound of Music, Syriana, Taken, and many more.
What is the last book you read or are currently reading?
The last book I read was Nicholas Sparks’s The Wedding.
Your favourite hangout in Lagos?
I really like chill ambience so Maison Fahrenheit and Spice Route in VI and Petit Paris in Lekki.
Your favourite place abroad?
Oh My! I would have to say OYA and Jaleo in DC.
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