By Editor
For delectable multi talented thespian- Clarissa Zoe Arokodare, a native of beautiful Caribbean Island of Commonwealth of Dominica, the love for Nigeria and her limitless opportunities has endeared her to drop a most talked about inspirational and patriotic single titled: ‘Rise Again’ which is currently making waves on the digital space across the globe.
Married to Ijero Ekiti- born Emmanuel Arokodare, the poet, songwriter and model, shocked many Nigerians who had lost hope in the Nigerian project that the country has the potentials and resilience to overcome her present challenges and takes its pride of place in the comity of great nations of the world.
Clarissa, an accomplished humanist and social worker, who left the comfort of her New York residence seven months ago found a new home and love in Nigeria as her experience in those period had sharpened and reinvigorated her utopian perspective of Nigeria as a country truly blessed to be a global player which was the kernel of her ‘Rise Again’ musical message saying that despite the present seeming negative narratives, there appears light at the end of the tunnel.
She spoke exclusively on Monday with Ekiti Standard while fielding questions with our correspondent.
On the type of her music which many see as a blend of soul and country music, she said; “I play and appreciate many styles of music because I don’t believe any one genre is better than another. Each genre carries its own history, emotion, and cultural meaning. That said, I feel most deeply connected to Afro-soul, country, and inspirational music. These styles give me the space to tell honest, meaningful stories and align naturally with the themes of hope, resilience, and human connection that define my work”
Continuing she adds; “Through this blend, I’m able to express both my personal journey and shared experiences that resonate across cultures.
She hinted that she discovered her talent gradually over time but as a citizen of the world she noted that the natural gift grew to full bloom at adulthood.
Her words; “Music became an outlet for expression and healing, and as I grew older, I realized I had both a voice and a message that connected deeply with people”
On the home front and the positive clash as a result of career choice of as an artiste, Clarissa praised her husband for his support and encouragement while it lasted saying;
“My husband has been very supportive of my music and has been the positive push I needed. He believed deeply in my lyrics and often told me they could change the world and encourage people. He understands the purpose behind my music and continually encourages me to use it as a positive tool for connection, inspiration, and cultural bridging”.
On a final note she dropped the hint on the need to re-write the Nigeria’s story in a positive light.
Sharing her experience, the Rise Again crooner said; “I was misled to believe that Nigeria was a place where danger overshadowed safety, hatred overpowered love, sadness eclipsed joy, fear became the currency of survival, and hope was almost nonexistent. But after spending time here, living among the people, and seeing their resilience, creativity, and warmth, I realized that Nigeria is far richer in spirit than I had imagined. My motivation in creating my latest work was to convey that hope exists, even in the face of challenges, and to celebrate the courage, optimism, and potential of Nigerians. I wanted my music to serve as a bridge—showing that despite difficulties, joy, unity, and a vision for a better future are very much alive here”.
Responding to another question of whether she was motivated by political correctness, she denied such insinuation but yells; “My motivation was not political. It was personal and human. Spending time in Nigeria allowed me to experience the strength, resilience, and spirit of the people. Despite challenges, I saw hope, unity, and perseverance, and I felt compelled to reflect that through music as a form of encouragement and solidarity”
Meanwhile, Mrs Arokodare next plan was to engage in aggressive promotion her song through aggressive promo on social media, digital platforms and particularly through collaborations, and community engagement by critical stakeholders and patriotic Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
She also envisaged a situation that gives room for organic participation, allowing people to share how the song resonates with them in their own voices and spaces.
She capsulates her motive for doing the artistic work for Nigeria thus;
“Nigeria showed me resilience, warmth, and an unbreakable spirit. The music is pan-Nigerian because it reflects unity, strength, and hope. These are values that I believe resonate across regions and cultures within the country”.
