Q- In one sentence who is LUCIA?

Ans: 

Okay.

Lucia is a 23 year old Nigerian violinist passionate about music and eating pasta.

Q- Can you tell us about your journey with the violin? When did you start playing, and what inspired you to choose this instrument?

Ans

I began playing the violin officially in my second year in the university. We were asked to choose instruments to major in as musicologists and no instrument made any sense to me apart from the violin. It was like it was designed primarily for my use. When I started, it was so tough. I cried on so many days. Sometimes, I questioned my purpose a lot because music was all I had or so I thought. I was lucky to get acquainted with the Hope Waddell society of music in my first year of learning and I met remarkable individuals who understood the language better than I imagined. So I dedicated time to unlearn and learn and so far, it’s been awesome. I clenched unto them like a nail driven into a piece of wood because I needed to know. I’m so grateful for the journey so far because without that society of music, I wonder where I’d have been. They taught me patience, resilience, perseverance and above all, hardwork.

Q-  Wow! Nicki Minaj, tell us how that moment felt when she reposted your video and what it meant for you to be part of the violinists on stage for her pink Friday 2 tour?

Ans 

I have been a fan of Onika Tanya Maraj for the longest. I feel like she’s unreal. Back in the day, I used to download lyrics on my Asha 200 just so I could rap along. She really is the one of the greatest to ever exist. Before I posted that video of falling 4 U, I anticipated the release of her album on the 8th of December. When it was released, I listened to every track with an open mind and the song “Falling 4 U” was my best track. I belong to a Nigerian twitter community called Nigerian barbs made of up of like minds. They encouraged to record the song and I told them that I had it in mind as well. Before then, I recorded two of her songs already but she didn’t acknowledge them.

On the fateful day being the 19th of January 2024 that I was to post, I was so doubtful but I decided to put it out anyway. I reached out to my producer friend Beatoven who encouraged me that it was good to go and I should put it out anyways, so I did. Shortly after I put it out, I received a notification from twitter now X and it read “Nicki Minaj quoted your tweet” followed by “Nicki Minaj liked your tweet” and then, “Nicki Minaj followed you.” I needed to be certain it was her because of so many fan pages bearing the same name. When I confirmed the blue tick, I screamed and beckoned on my brother. I almost passed out! I couldn’t believe it.

Do you know the most amazing part of it? She loved it and she didn’t hesitate to let me know how. It was imperfect but it didn’t matter, it was the effort that mattered. She asked for my handles and posted everywhere. I couldn’t believe it, my dms were blowing up!

After that, I didn’t hear from here until 3 weeks later. When she reached out. When I tell you that this is the most important aspect of my career and the craziest part is that, this is only the beginning. She’s the most amazing human being on this planet. She gave me hope! I almost gave up but she came along. I never fail to let everyone know that there’s always hope, don’t ever give up, you’d be a fool to. People who barely spoke to called me to congratulate me. My parents are so proud, my mother never stops smiling.

I’ll never forget the bright eyes and wide grins my siblings gave me, it’s as if they knew my time was coming. I am still struggling to adjust with the reality. Truly, my life has changed for the better.

Q. Do you feel a personal connection with your violin? Does it have a name or story?

Ans

Yes I do. Sometimes, I’m sad and other times, I am just as excited. Her name is yet to be discovered. Perhaps, when I look inwardly, I’ll find a name but for now, no; she’s just mine.

Q. What is the most meaningful piece of advice or comment you've heard throughout your career

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No pain, no gain. For every success story, blood and tears flowed. Keep at it and you’d be surprised at the outcome.

Q- Where and when was your most memorable performance

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Pink Friday 2 world tour. Seeing my face on the screen gives me chills. For now, nothing tops that.

The best of part of it is that it isn’t restricted to one location. I’m literally seen in almost every city. I’ve had people send in clips from different cities in the United States.

Q. Can you describe your personal style or approach to playing the violin?

Ans

This is actually harder than I thought, finding and creating your niche. Originally, I love classical music a lot but I’m shuffling between pop and Afro for diversity’s sake. Don’t get it twisted, I love Afro and pop, but Classical music makes my heart beat a little faster. I’m still a walk in progress.

Q. What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a violinist, especially as a female violinist in calabar and how did you overcome them?

Ans

Overcome? There’s no end to obstacles or challenges. Infact, it gets worse as you get better. The only difference is experience you gain in handling them. It is the obstacles I have faced that has kept me. Primarily, it’s mostly the fact that the kind of music I do is not appreciated in this part of the world.

Oh, and of course, the financial setbacks I’ve had to face while coming up.