We had a moment with the super talented singer evelle and she is indeed a vibe, she is so full of energy and positive vibes.

Here's how it went down.

rayscorner: yay.... thank you so much for making out time for us. We are so excited to be doing this.We always like to start out with a talk about the name...yours is unique. So is it your Birth Name or a Nick Name.?

Evelle: Hi thanks for having me here... So Evelle is my stage. I used to have it as EVE L, but during Nigerian idol. A friend of mine trying to write my name wrote it as EVELLE and it felt right. So I adopted it. But Evelle was coined from my name which is Evelin

rayscorner: So... Nigerian Idol brought you into the limelight. What was the experience like?

Evelle: Nigerian idol for me, was quite an experience, it was eye an opener. Before Nigerian idol , I was everywhere doing anything I could, to get by. Sold phones, made hair, did background vocals in the studio and so on.
But as soon as I got to Nigerian Idol it felt like home. It felt like I was finally doing what I was made for.

rayscorner: Did you think you would win while the show was going on?

Evelle: No... (Laughs out loud) I didn't know I was gonna win. In fact, I was persuaded  to audition. Cos I had been to other competitions where I never got past the first stage. I started to feel maybe these guys already have the contestants picked out. But I was given a shocker, I got on. One level to the next and I won.
Before Idols I was doing a live band at Radisson blue in Eko Hotel so I had garnered a lot of experience that finally came in handy. I guess it was just the right time. Things happen at the right time.

rayscorner: I remember playing  "Time to Shine" on repeat mode. I still love it.
Did you write it, and what inspired those lyrics?

Evelle: Oh thank you, I actually love that song myself, it has a strong motivation to it. It was written by a friend of mine, and at the time I was struggling with finding the right words to my feelings, so the writer did a great job at it. 

rayscorner: Do you write all your songs?

Evelle: Oh No I don't write all my songs myself. I write some, co write some and just have other people write some for me. If the song is good and feels good. Then let's do it! No sentiments.

rayscorner: So, the new indomie Ad for mother's day, how did you bag that?

Evelle: Oh yea, the indomie song. Love that song!
I got a call from Oscar of EMJ and he was like there's this new project from indomie I'd like you to get on.  I got there, and I loved it. 

rayscorner: So, many people feel like very few of winners from Talent shows go on to become established stars, what's your take on that?

Evelle: So I'm gonna use my experience as an example. When I got on Idols , I didn't think about anything else apart from making my parents proud. So, as a contestant It is your responsibility to find out what sets you apart. Cos there's a whole lot to learn, and you can't skip classes. It's important to have a plan for during and after the show. So it is important to find and own your light. I feel like a lot of people who win shows need mentoring after cos it's a big deal. Paying attention to yourself and silencing every voice around. Cos to have won, you must have something special so own it and groom it.

rayscorner: you have been off the radar for some time, is there any particular reason for that?

Evelle: Yea, I've been off the radar for a while. It is actually intentional. I've been working on projects and working on myself.  My craft, my dance skill, drum skills, so that when I come out, I'm a lot more confident. Yo! You need to hear my new project. Even I surprised myself.

rayscorner: I think I speak for many when I say we thought by now you'd have at least 3 Albums

Evelle: Yea.. I know right. But then again, those are expectations of people and it is only natural. I mean I've been with a label for 8 years and I didn't have a single song. That should already say a lot. But I'm not one to come out to tell my businesses per time. But I'm ready now, I'm ready! I have enough materials to put out, and I'm gonna clear your doubts soon.

rayscorner: Obviously you are an excellent performer, but do you bring the same energy in the studio when recording your song?

Evelle:  Of course I do. I was saying to someone that I should probably start inviting people to be part of my studio sessions. I'm very expressive in the studio, sometimes I even cry in the studio. When I'm in the studio I'm in my most comfortable state. So yea, I bring the same energy to the studio, even better. 

rayscorner: Which of your songs is your personal favorite?

Evelle: These are like all my babies. So I can't choose. I understand that there are some songs you may like better than others but I mean they are all special. I wish I could mention them now, but they are in the new album, so you may have to wait.

rayscorner: you were a Co judge on "Golden voices" what was that experience like?

Evelle: Yo!!! In fact as I speak I re-imagine the experience and it was such a big deal.
It made me realise how appreciated I am as an artist and in my craft. It takes a lot to be a judge on a pan African show. I got to realise that I had a lot more to offer, other than singing. I was able to give helpful advice based on my own experience. And it felt good.

rayscorner: Did you have a personal favorite on the show?

Evelle: Even though we were not allowed to have personal favorites on the show, I had "121 sellah" on my mind. They were really talented. Also the south African group that won were really talented, I'm not even gonna lie.

rayscorner: I know some Artist find it difficult being a judge, because it's so hard to see talented people sometimes walk home.
Did you have that feeling at some point?

Evelle: Oh yea, i can totally relate. It was so emotional every time someone had to leave. But I think it's important not to come with the mind set of winning, what we should do is to come with a mind set of leaving the show as an evolved version of ones self. Cos really what is meant to be, will be.

rayscorner: In your opinion did the "best man" win? Golden voices

Evelle: I think it is only a competition and someone should win
 
rayscorner: What has been your most memorable event so far, since you've been in the industry (Good or Bad)

Evelle: that would definitely be, being recognized at the AMVCA for best movie soundtrack for the song Tatu. That was so surreal. I can't forget that feeling cos it was the first award I ever received as a creative.

rayscorner: Not to start a feminist movement, but I always ask female artists in the industry. Do you think the industry is fair on ladies? You as the case study.

Evelle: I really really, do not think the industry is Fair on women. We have to work twice as hard.
I mean guys attend meetings and get along fine. But a woman can not do that without being looked at as a snack. You then always have to walk around with an entourage, and that is expensive.

rayscorner: Who and who do you look up to within the industry?

Evelle: Beyonce, Rihanna, and Angelique kidjo. It's her voice and what she stands for. Rihana cos she is an excellent business woman. Anjeique kidjo because she's been doing this for so long and it only keeps getting better.

rayscorner: Are you currently signed on to a record label.?

Evelle: No, right now I'm an independent Artist.

rayscorner: I saw your little piece about acceptance a while back and boy was I inspired, especially by the last few words, do not sell your uniqueness for Mediocre.
I can tell it was personal, so at what point did you realise you were struggling with acceptance and how did you overcome it.

Evelle: This happened during the 2020 Lockdown, I had enough time to think about my life. And it was from little things, like not even having the drive to go live on Instagram and communicating. I realized that I struggled with accepting myself for who I am. Through that journey I rediscovered myself learned good things about my self. I'm Talented, I'm funny, I'm jovial and the list goes on . so what's not to love. The moment I did that I realised I had a fresh dose of positive energy. And energy don't lie.

rayscorner: thank you so much Evelle, we can't end this without mentioning how lovely we think your voice is, I know you hear that a lot, but you have got an excellent voice.
How does it feel to be so blessed?

Evelle: Thank you. (smiles) it feels really good to be blessed and it feels even better to be aware of it. Because if you don't know what you have then you take it for granted. If you take it for granted then you can't take it to the world. And that would be purpose demolished ( Laughs out loud)

rayscorner : Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! we really enjoyed having this chat.

Evelle: Alright, thank you guys for having me. (Chuckles)