Music in Paradise: About to Blow with Hope OpaiQ

On Music: About to Blow with Hope OpaiQ…

“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.” Anon

The Diva in Paradise: Ms. Hope OpaiQ

Hope OpaiQ ~ About to Blow (Promo Video)
*See Video Disclaimer Below

If you spend any time on my blog, you should check out the musical notes section which features songs from performance artistes from around the world; particularly divas from the African continent. I love music and always look for new talent and songs to share with others. So, I was thrilled to connect with Hope Opaiq on Twitter especially because she is a talented, fresh face on the music scene and deserves to achieve mega success for her special brand of music.

The beautiful, super-talented singer/songwriter, poet, actor, writer and all around creative artiste, Hope OpaiQ is a bright star on the rise. Hope has always loved music and her musical blend of urban pop, R&B, afro-beat, jazz, and hip-hop with a large dose of soul is reminiscent of music from another Naija talent; Sade Adu.

Born in Nigeria and raised in England, Hope has created her own unique music by infusing her afro-beat tunes with an edgy euro techno-pop sound. Hope has a solid relationship with BudaBless Records and is ready to gain more exposure and take her music to the next level. Do stay and enjoy Hope’s interview, listen to her music and leave us your feedback.

“Dare to Dream: You never fail until you stop trying.” Hope OpaiQ

Pop Artiste: Where there is Hope, there is Music

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*Listen to Hope OpaiQ performing the fabulous song Paradise above.

**Also Listen to Hope’s mix of urban techno-pop on RadioPalmwine: Paradise, Got to Know, Look Down There.

*See Video Disclaimer Below

Foundation Questions:
Tell us a bit on your background: Who are you? Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
My name is Hope Opaiq; I’m a Singer/Songwriter currently working on my debut solo album. I was born in Port Harcourt Nigeria, and moved to England as a young child.

What do you do for a living?
I’m a Singer/Songwriter, Author and Humanitarian

Why did you choose the path you now follow?
I chose this path as a Singer/Entertainer because music is in my blood. It has been a part of me from as long as I can remember; Shakespeare was on to something when he said “If music be the food of love, play on!” I have always had music around me; from my Mum singing around the house, to copying the songs I would hear on the radio as a small child in Nigeria, then moving to England and being surrounded by 80’s Pop and popular culture. Music has always been in my life. I suspect it also chose me!

When did you decide to make key changes in your life?
I continue to make key changes in my life, it’s a constant as I am always challenging myself to be a better person in every moment of my life, and pushing my artistic boundaries. I enjoy writing a lot as I find it very therapeutic, this has helped me to keep an account of my life, and I always refer to past entries as a life lesson learned. Change is inevitable whether we want things to change or not, it’s going to happen, so the key point is to be ready for when change occurs.

Share your world view: How do you live your life and manage your household?
My world view is based on probably one of the oldest adages in history, and that is to treat others how you would like to be treated. I work well under pressure and this helps me face my day to day life of performing on stage and dealing with the stress of deadlines that can go into putting on a great show. When you treat others with respect, it mainly comes back to you tenfold, from the CEO of a large company to the toilet cleaner; I always try to treat people how I would like to be treated.

“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” Victor Hugo

Hope OpaiQ: A Diva in White...

Hope OpaiQ – Shake Up! Featuring King of Afro Hip Hop
*See Video Disclaimer Below

Reflective Questions:
What motivates you to get out of bed?
I have had various jobs, from working in an office doing a 9-5, to retail work; the one thing that was consistent in all of these jobs was my passion for music, singing and writing.
The love of what I do and what I am motivates me to get up in the mornings. And I get up because I am able to. Not everyone is fortunate enough to wake up in the morning, let alone do a job they love, so, in that respect I feel very blessed.

What makes you happy/laugh?
Life makes me laugh. I think Mother Nature has a very warped sense of humor and sometimes you can’t help but laugh at her organized chaos. Also, seeing people work well together in unity makes me very happy. It sounds so clichéd, but laughter really is the best medicine.
I am a Piscean and, true to my birth sign, I am a big dreamer and creativity follows me around. I love to make people laugh, and I’m a bit of a practical joker. My family and friends know me as being a bit of a nerdy geek which I now embrace with open arms. This alone puts a smile on my face.

What makes you sad/mad?
I try not to get mad as I think it’s a waste of energy, unless you use it, and turn it into something positive. I’m not too keen on injustice and believe that there should be no such thing as a poverty line. Everyone should have the right to basic human necessities such as food, water, and medicine; education is also very important. I’m talking about third world countries where basic human rights are denied. I’m lucky that I live in a country that caters well to these human needs. We must abolish poverty!

“Music is God’s gift to man, the only art of Heaven given to earth, the only art of earth we take to Heaven.” Walter Savage Landor

About to Blow: Hope in the house...

Hope's way: Music is in her soul...

What would you do differently with your life if you had the power? With the world if you had the choice?
Honestly, I wouldn’t do anything differently if I had the choice, because I believe I always had the choice in the first place, even if I was not conscious of it all the time. My life, so far, has been a carefully crafted plan from birth and beyond. I wouldn’t change a thing as my experiences are what shaped me to be who I am; everything that’s happened, happened for a reason.
Do with the World? I’d give equal rights to all if I ruled the world. I would make it essential for there to be more holidays, give an equal footing to all, and for those that wish to progress further, they will have the choice. There would be no such thing as starvation, sickness or homelessness. I’d also make it the law that everyone would smile at least 6 times a day! And of course, I would abolish all taxes! Ahem…

What guiding principle(s) do you follow to make your life meaningful?
I love to meditate as this helps me to remain calm in most situations; especially for my highly charged shows! I believe in the law of natural karma, not the mixed up version society seems to be stuck with. Natural karma is a natural law of probability and the chance that something positive can happen in every situation.

What word(s) of advice would you give to others today?
My advice to people is simple: Dare to dream: You never fail until you stop trying. It’s my life’s philosophy, and one which has yielded exciting results for me.

How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as someone who brought a smile to people’s faces, and whose songs touch generations of listeners… And also as someone who was a bit wacky, different from the “norm” and a loyal friend. That would mean the world to me.

Happiness is…..?
Happiness is a lifesaver gloriously entangled in a maze of confusion. Live. Life. Love.

“Music fills the infinite between two souls.” Rabindranath Tagore

Hope is a focused, ambitious and talented singer/songwriter who is ready to launch her music into the stratosphere. She is open to bookings and opportunities to showcase her creative talents. Hope can be reached via her OpaiQ website, Facebook page, MySpace site, Twitter handle @HopeOpaiQ, and on YouTube.

Do you have questions or comments for Hope? Are you a creative talent with a great story to share? Tell me. Do share your feedback with us. Thank You!

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER FOR VIDEOS***
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

PHOTO CREDITS:
All Photographs of Hope OpaiQ ~ courtesy of Hope OpaiQ
Hope OpaiQ Music ~ Courtesy of Hope OpaiQ and RadioPalmwine
Hope’s Way ~ via Andreas Jonsson

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank