I will never wear a mini skirt – Says Barimade

Barimade is a popular Islamic singer and the daughter of late fuji icon, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister. She tells Ademola Olonilua about her father, career and style

At what age did you discover your musical talent?

According to the story my grandparents told me, they said that from a very tender age, I had taken interest in singing. They told me that whenever they beat me, while crying I would begin to sing and anytime I wanted to communicate as a kid, instead of talking, I would rather sing. Ever since they noticed that talent in me, they knew instantly that I would walk in the footsteps of my father. Even when I was in school, I was a very brilliant child but I was more interested in singing. All my peers knew me and I was always the leader of bands and singing groups. I began to nurture my passion for singing and today, I thank God I am a household name.

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At what point did you decide to make it a career?

Although my father, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, was a famous singer, I never had the intention of making it a profession. It was one of my father’s friends that encouraged me to make it a career. He always told me that apart from walking in the footsteps of my father, I would probably be more famous. His words of encouragement really inspired me to become a sitnger. Whenever I told my father that I wanted to become a singer, he would tell me to face my studies. He preferred that I study and get a job instead of becoming a singer. When the pressure on him became unbearable, he advised me to wait for my time. He told me that God’s time was the best.

So what career did your father hope you would opt for?

He was just interested in me studying. My father kept encouraging me to go to school and further my education. He never mentioned a particular career, only that I should be educated.

At what point did he give you his blessing?

He gave me his blessing when M.K.O Abiola died. At that point in time, my grandmother and I composed a song as a tribute to the late M.K.O Abiola. Unfortunately, my grandmother died shortly after, so I dedicated the song to her instead of Abiola. I presented the song to my father and he was amazed. He asked me who composed the song and I told him that I did it alone. After that, he prayed for me.

Why did you decide to be a fuji singer?

I am not actually a fuji singer, I sing Islamic songs and fuji was derived from Islam. They are interwoven. I was featured in one of my father’s albums, Questionnaire, and in the song, he said that whenever people saw me sing, they could easily identify me as his daughter. He said that his star was shining in me.

Our voices sound alike, so whenever I’m asked to perform some of his evergreen songs at events, I’m always delighted to oblige them because I’m proud of my father’s works.

But it is often insinuated that there is no financial gain in singing gospel music…

It depends on the musician because we belong to different caucuses in life. We belong to different circles and know different people. I thank God that I come from a respectable family and I have also upheld our family name. Because of the family I come from, I never find it difficult to get whatever I need.

What is the significance of your silver teeth?

I got the teeth when I went to Mecca for Hajj pilgrimage. I always wanted to have silver teeth and because I love and respect my husband, I asked for his permission before I went ahead to get them. When I called him that I wanted to have silver teeth, he laughed and told me he was about to call me to get one. He advised that I should have two because of him. That is why I have two silver teeth.

Is it right to say that was a symbol of your love for your husband?

Of course, yes. Whenever I look at the mirror and smile, I immediately think about my husband because he travels a lot.

What is your take on tattoos?

I have one on my leg. I do not want to say it was a mistake because I do not like it. As of the time I got it, the craze for tattoos was really much. I wanted to inscribe Baritide, but the pain was too much for me to bear, so I told them to just write the letter ‘B’. After that, I never thought of having another tattoo.

What kind of clothes suit you best?

I love wearing traditional attire. However, my husband is mostly abroad and whenever he is around, he prefers me wearing jeans, skirts, and other sassy wears. No matter what I wear, I always ensure that my dressing reflects my religion. I watch a lot of Islamic channels and I have observed and incorporated the way they dress. I like the way they dress and often times, I imitate their styles that best suit me.

Is that why you always cover your head with a scarf?

Yes, it is because of my religion that my head is always covered.

How many scarves do you have?

They are numerous and I have lost count. I have different colours that match most of my outfits.

What is your opinion on ladies who wear revealing clothes?

All I can say is that religion is not about the way a person dresses. What matters most is what dwells in the heart of a man. Religion is practised from the heart. Some ladies may wear body hugging clothes that are revealing with a little scarf on their head but they are more religious and spiritual than those that cover up from head to toe. For instance, I always ensure that I dress to impress whenever I am going for an event and I never fall short of compliments.

I have two mirrors in my bedroom to view my front and back sides when I am done dressing. Before anyone criticises me, I would have spotted the mistake and make amends. I like wearing clothes that people would admire and be inspired. I also wear body hugging clothes but I don’t reveal my body.

What kind of clothes would you never be seen wearing?

No one can ever see me wear mini-skirt in public. Regardless of my religious beliefs, I can never wear a mini-skirt.

What is your fashion weakness?

I love perfumes a lot, most especially because my husband buys them for me a lot. I love shoes and bags but I dislike carrying a purse. I don’t use purse because they are stressful to carry.

How long does it take you to dress for an event?

I would not lie, it takes a very long time. Before I would apply make-up, get my dress, etc, it takes a long time. For instance, if I have a show by 3pm, I would have my bath around 8:30am. From 8:30am, I would apply make-up on my face till 10am, then the rest follows.

Do you feel incomplete without any make-up on your face?

I don’t apply make-up on my face every time I have an outing. Sometimes if I look at the mirror and feel it is not necessary and I look beautiful the way I am, then I do not apply anything on my face.

Do you bleach your skin or you were born fair?

I was born fair and I do not bleach my skin. My husband buys my cream for me and all I do is to add ‘ori’ (shea butter) to it. I add it to my cream so that it would make my skin soft and it would glow. They have been applying it on my skin right from when I was a baby.

Do you wear shoes with high heels?

Yes I have them a lot because I am not a tall lady.

Have you ever prayed to be taller?

I am my father’s child. He was not tall either. If you see my first born, she is almost as tall as I am and people often think we are sisters. I am grateful to God for the way he made me.