Win Gist: Afrima 2016 Nominee, Naomi Achu celebrates birthday by answering questions that everybody wants to hear

How do you handle marriage, motherhood and being an artist?

Communication is key. Being open and supportive of each other as a couple. I'm grateful for the patient and loving husband I have who appreciates my artistry, gives me meaningful advice and keeps me grounded. Dayo is an author and illustrator. His book "Leopard Killer" is available on www.amazon.com at http://amzn.to/2d5klnl

As a dark skinned female, have you considered bleaching your skin to make yourself more marketable as an entertainer ?

- That's ridiculous. What is wrong with my color? I still don't understand this question.

As a married woman, what is your take on decency and skin exposure?

A fan had asked me that question recently after I posted my bikini picture on whatsapp. I cannot answer for others but I can answer for myself.
Yes, I am a wife and mother; however, I am also an artist. And with artistry comes creativity and risk taking. This past year was very challenging for me with the birth of my child, breastfeeding and going to the studio to record my album. I am 5'3" and I was 200 lbs+ when I gave birth to my first daughter and I almost had pre-eclampsia. My feet were swollen like balloons. I have had my emotions go up and down like a roller coaster.
So, today I celebrate my birthday with my daughter walking and running, my husband by my side, an album in distribution, nominations and awards, and most recently, my two afrima nominations. It has not been easy but I'm grateful to God and my loved ones by my side.
I would like to empower every woman to put themselves first. Because if you are not happy within yourself then you cannot be happy with anyone else. And if you are not at peace with yourself, the negativity will spread to your child, your spouse or your loved ones. So put yourself first no matter what and let God lead the way. I am learning to be one with myself and my being , it may reflect in my dressing, but it is in no way to distract anybody from my music or artistry. I'm simply celebrating myself as a mom, wife and entertainer. Let me have this one.

Why are you called "Queen of Bamenda"? Who gave you the right?

I merely claimed the town that I come from because I'm a die hard Baforchu girl who is proud of her heritage. What if I had said Queen of Cameroon or Queen of Africa? I'm sure they would have crucified me.
A big mind will see that I am on a mission to make my town and country internationally known and to make my people proud.
A small mind will ask why I would claim that title. Its a matter of how we view things. I mean no harm

Who would you consider your competition as an artist?

My biggest competition is myself. To be better than I was yesterday. I'm a work in progress and I strive to only get better. Shout out to fellow artists all over the world who have the same undying passion for music. Music is such a beautiful language that we should use to make love, not war.

Why do you change your hairstyle so often? Don't you think it will confuse the fans?

I don't switch my hair up for my fans, I switch it up for my husband, so he can feel like he's with a different woman all the time. I owe him that much...

Why didn't you marry a Cameroonian. You married a Nigerian.

I have suffered! I had no idea that there was a law that Naomi must marry a man from Cameroon. I must have missed the memo. Anyway, where I come from, a man must propose to a woman not a woman to a man. Lol. So to cut a long story short, I did not get a proposal from a Cameroonian man. Why didn't they stop me. Anyway. If you snooze, ...well, you know the rest.

Why is Naomi no singing fully Gospel Music? We forsee you being a potential force to reckon with in this genre.

I am a work in progress and God's work will be done. I'm open to what the future holds.

What keeps you going?

Knowing that there are opportunities in front of me that could and should be exploited. That there are songs that need to be written and that there are people that need to be moved. So help me, God.

We don't see your husband often at your performances. Why is that? Well...my husband actually gets free shows and sees my performances before anyone else. And my home performances are more entertaining than outside performances. lol. So no need.

How is Naomi giving back to your community.

Through "International Nurses for Africa"of which I am an ambassador. INA is state registered NGO focused on addressing health issues all over the African continent and making it possible to get international aid.

How do you handle negativity from online as well as around you?

When it comes to social media, I try to ignore and stay focused. Or I try to either laugh with or see the humor along with my fans. As long as you put yourself out for the public in any way, people will always have something to say.

Around me, I keep my circle small. I have no energy to go back and forth or make enemies. My efforts should be going towards giving back to my community or doing something constructive like writing a new song. So I channel my energy to my creativity and new projects.

Have you ever had cosmetic surgery

No. I'm all natural. I've considered it and made jokes but its never happened.

Tell us something interesting we don't know about Naomi Achu

I have never smoked weed; never smoked a hookah or cigarette. I drink socially and my favorite liquor is baileys. However, my recent encounter with Angelique Kidjo may change my drinking habits to no drinking at all for the sake of being a professional artist.