The Voice of Finland, a Finnish reality singing competition that started about ten years ago is where anyone who wants to nurture his or her musical career would love to be. Since it’s inception about ten years ago, we have seen few contestants from African backgrounds vie for the coveted crown. Sensational singer, Ikenna Ikegwuonu whose parents are from Nigeria came to limelight when he got to the finals with his song “Vaiheillaan” thanks to his melodious voice. The duo of Michael Ekeghasi and Odudu Equere have also represented the Afro Community in 2017 and 2018 respectively.
There are four coaches, who train the talents in their group and occasionally perform with them. Talents are selected in blind auditions, where the coaches cannot see, but only hear the auditioner. This year, Elise-Juliette Njila, a young talented Cameroonian- Namibian has risen against the norm. Aside her confidence and good voice, she has a certain je ne sais quoi that caught the attention of everyone. In an interview with Obi-West Utchaychukwu, the Editor-in-Chief of Diaspora Glitz Magazine, she opened up on why she is in the competition and she also asked for votes. Her voting number is 8 (070079248)
To VOTE for Elise-Juliette by SMS. SEND 8 to 17224. To VOTE by calling, dial 070079248. Price 1€
Voting on hybrid TV: (Voting on hybrid TV is free and starts at the beginning of the broadcast):
1. Press the blue button on the hybrid TV remote control.
2. In the service menu, select "Vote for your favorites"
3. Voters have one vote per broadcast.
4. Select your favorite from the menu and press OK. Voting on hybrid TV is free
To vote online use the link below
https://vote.securycast.com/voice?c=8
1. Please introduce yourself to your readers?
My name is Elise-Juliette Njila, I’m 16 years old. I study in the health sector in a vocational college while also doing my studies in high school. I have always been interested in music, singing and dancing have always been my favourite things to do but as I progressed I realized that I’m into singing more than dancing.
I love singing because it is a way of expressing myself and let’s me know what type of a singer I am or could be regardless of the kind of music. I love all types of music so it gives me in perspective different way of singing.
2. Who or what inspired you to compete in the Voice of Finland?
My family is my main inspiration when competing on TV . If it wasn’t for my family I wouldn’t have applied at all, they are the reason I am who I am. For that I am truly grateful
3. Are there any musicians who inspire you? What qualities do you admire about them?
Many musicians, artists inspire me,
Two of the many musicians who inspire me is
definitely Charlotte Dipanda and H.E.R because they both have their own way of expressing themselves through music.
Originality, is one quality that every musician has but not everyone shows a lot in their own making of their music. Every musician has their own reason for being who they are and no matter what happens they always stay true to themselves.
Elise-Juliette
4. Immigrant children are often faced with challenges but here you are, against all the odds you are doing well in one of the biggest reality singing competition in Finland. Tell us about your feelings?
I feel very blessed to be born here in Finland and into an amazing family that is so supportive and have also a chance to go to school to get my education.
And to think I would be competing in TVOF is still very amazing because at the time I still can’t believe I put my name in the application and especially amazing when I’m on stage performing
Being on TVOF you would think that you would have to face challenges with other people on the set but it is the opposite of that, during this whole show it’s been more like sharing feelings about their experiences of performing in large crowds and talking about how they love singing or/and making music
During the whole crew of TVOF, it has just been so very positive and getting to know everybody for who they are beside the fact they can sing.
5. The song Ndolo Bukaté that you performed during the knockout stage was sublime and great. Why did you chose the song?
I think that showing your musical background or your background, in general, is very important so that when people get to know you they don’t only know you for only singing music that is known to all people but shows where you are from it shows nature of your roots. Singing music that is more known to people buys singing in the basic language that people understand isn’t showing that you have more than one culture.
Shortly explained
Letting people know your background is important for when you people get to know you they won’t only know you for singing music that is based on one language but letting them know that you are multicultural can be beneficial to you and the audience you display your music to.
To VOTE for Elise-Juliette by SMS. SEND 8 to 17224. To VOTE by calling, dial 070079248. Price 1€
6. Who are your biggest fans?
I must say that my biggest fans are and will always be my family, friends., well wishers and followers They’ve always had so much faith in me and have supported me during all these times even before TVOF. At times when I would perform my friends, families and followers would always compliment me and tell me that I would have a chance in TVOF or in that case any talent show.
7. Do you get nervous before your performance on stage?
When it comes to performing on stage I do get very nervous and sometimes even get anxiety but I have an inside reminder that everything will be alright and that I don’t have to worry about a thing. It is usually a mode that I put on it shuts every negative and sad emotion and gives me confidence
8. Tell us about the support you are getting from your parents
The support I’m getting from my parents is truly amazing and just motivates me to do more in life
If it weren’t for my family and close friends I wouldn’t have considered sending an application for TVOF. So it is great knowing that you have an amazing family that is having your back in the choices you make.
