Dencia is the African version of Lady Gaga. Crazy and controversial, she opened up to YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine on a lot of issues. Enjoy…
How did you start your music career?
It actually started in October 2011. That was when I released my first single, Beri Beri and its video in Nigeria. It was a monster hit. First saw it on Soundcity.
What were some of your childhood dreams?
To be a top entertainer. I’ve always been that ambitious girl and people think I am funny, which is true anyway. Singing has been the main thing for me, although I didn’t start until last year. But I think I started at the right time. God’s time is the best.
Would you say you have been able to achieve your dreams?
Yes, I have. God is amazing. You know I grew up in Cameroon with my maternal grandparents. Now, when I talk to my childhood friends, they remind me that I always told them I would be hanging out with Hollywood stars and all that, which is true and I have worked so hard towards this dream and I can’t stop thanking God. The best is still to come, I know it.
What were you doing before you discovered your talent in music?
I have always known music was it for me, but I needed the right time to get it out. While preparing for my big break, I was a designer, student, stylist, model and actress. I was doing them all. I did a lot of behind the scene work and got a lot of experience, which is amazing. I co-direct my videos, style myself and my dancers.
How did you arrive at the name, Dencia?
My name is Reprudencia, so my DJ friend, famous DJ Syncity and I were picking names and since my younger friends while in school always called me Dencia, it was just a nice name. Plus it’s been part of me forever and DJ Syn who’s been in the business in America for a while knows more, so I trusted her.
From California with the likes of 50 Cent and Chris Brown, how was the experience like?
It’s just normal for me. I have literally hung out with everyone I have met, from Bill Gates to Oprah. Where I had a humbling experience was when I first met Christina Milian and she came to my house, we hung out, chatted. It was like wow. I used to watch her on TV and now she’s in my living room. I went to a Clive Davis’ party and he singled me out and told me I am supposed to be on a stage. George Clooney told me I look super hot and so on. Chris Brown is amazing, so is 50 Cent. He is so funny. If you hang out with him, you will literally laugh all through. It’s fun. It’s normal, it’s chill, you know.
Outside Nigeria, who was the greatest musician you worked with?
Depends on what type of work. I have designed for Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Christina Milian, Keyshia Cole, the list goes on and on. I have featured in major videos with the likes of 50 Cent, Chris Brown, the list goes on.
How many tracks have you produced so far?
I actually have over 10 tracks, but it’s a strategic thing. Releasing music is strategic, you know? It’s like when I need to do my American debut, it’s a different type of song; my French debut, different and so on.
Which of the tracks brought you to limelight?
Beri Beri was my first single. I think it is my weakest song, but people love it. It was my first official African release.
How was it like working with Ghana-born Sarkodie on your new single, Me & U?
I think Sarkodie did an amazing job on Me & U. It’s actually my favourite. I love it.
What was going through your mind when you wrote it?
The song was done when I was in a place where I was planning on things I’m going to do with someone (Laughs). I think music is good when it’s something you are feeling. I really appreciate Sarkodie and I love it.
People believe the work was dedicated to Ghanaian footballer, Michael Essien who showed public affection for you. How true is it?
The person knows himself. I won’t drop names, but I think he knows because I told him and thanked him for being an inspiration and for putting me in a position where I created a record that a girl can let lose and have a great time with her man (Covers face). Unfortunately for me, I never practised it. I just sang it while preparing to do it! Which never happened and it doesn’t mean it isn’t gonna happen.
How true is it that you snatched him from actress Nadia Buari?
Snatched who? What? Huh? Really? Besides, who’s Nadia and who did I snatch from her? Me and she, who ain’t no snatcher? (Laughs). I got snatched up, seriously! I didn’t snatch nobody and no one gets snatched if they don’t want to be snatched.
What is the truth about your romance with Banky W?
Excuse me, ain’t got time for that. That rumor is so throw back like it came when Abacha was military president. No comment really on it.
Why have you found it so difficult to settle down with a man?
This question should be directed to men, not me, Dencia . Hello!
What should we be expecting from you later this year?
I am releasing new music. Been working on different genres of music, exploring different things, new producers, co-writing with others. I think it’s going to be amazing. I sing in French too which is exciting. I am doing Coupe de’cale, straight up pop, like House Shit, Afro Pop, Makossa, then I do a little listening session to pick my new singles. I haven’t dropped anything since Me & U.
What happened?
Been sick, been performing. I am ready to drop hot new music, sexy new videos; it’s long overdue. The year can’t end without me giving you all some good Dencia music and video. That’s my main focus. I need to take over.
You’ve got your own fashion label and you always look amazing. Would you say you are fashion-obsessed?
I live for fashion. In fact, I love it. My line comes out soon. I will venture into different things fashion-wise. I just want everyone to look fabulous, I want them to look amazing. You can’t catch me not dressed up in my heels and fab clothes. It’s like it just happens.
Why do you always like to flaunt your sexuality, most especially your well rounded breasts?
How do you flaunt something that’s right there on every woman’s chest? How do I hide it? Why should I? I’m a woman, meaning I am sexy naturally. Like every woman, I don’t need to flaunt it, I just do me.
What attracts you to men?
Great question. Well, let me name a few guys I have a little tiny bitty little tiny bitty of an ounce of a little crush on or had on and you will tell me what attracts me. Balotelli and Cristiano Ronaldo.
And I like Mikel Obi’s little smile. I know I am going to hell for this and I will be the locker room conversation, but who cares? And having a little crush doesn’t mean I wanna date them though; don’t get it twisted.
At what age did you lose your virginity?
This is personal and for the young girls reading this, it happened when I was independent, living on my own, out of my parents’ house. It’s important to be ready. I was an adult; so take your time, don’t rush. You are not missing anything at all. As a matter of fact, December 2013 will be two years since I have been practising celibacy and it’s amazing. I have got no worries. I have dated, but never got sexual. So, you know you can date, be in love and be happy without sex.
What has the experience been like?
The experience is personal.
How did you eventually lose your virginity?
(Laughs) Same way you lost yours. How everybody does it. When you let someone put their Ding Ding in your Pim Pim. Well, that’s what I know. Maybe there are other methods I don’t know.
What would you say is your unique selling point?
I will definitely say me. I can’t be anyone but me. I am Dencia, I am unique, that’s my selling point.
What is the craziest thing you ever did?
When I tried to commit suicide. Looking at it, I feel stupid and dumb and I laugh at myself because there’s no living worse than trying to commit suicide and you didn’t die. I took pills, I was 14, I was sick for a month, my head was feeling heavy, like I couldn’t even get off my bed. But I realised we have a purpose on earth and life is too sweet to die.
What actually happened that made you attempt suicide?
The stupid reason somehow was just because I had to go and stay with my uncle for the summer-for being too stubborn. I just consider myself a crazy teenager then.
Who is the man in your life?
God is the one. I love Him. I’m in love with Him.
How do you feel being compared to America’s Lady Gaga?
I feel honoured. She is a legend, I admire her, although I don’t see the similarities between us. She’s an amazing person.
Which Nigerian artiste do you still intend to work with?
Definitely, Dbanj, 2Face and Flavour. I’m in love with their music, style and personalities.
NB: First published November 2013