Talking with Queen Great, a songwriter, speaker, and author of ‘iThrive’, is an interesting experience. She is a director at UK-based iThrive Consultancy; a business transformation, empowerment and training outfit that works with businesses and individuals in redefining their strategy and processes. She is also the convener and facilitator of various iThrive initiatives, including Thrive keys Seminars, annual conferences, concerts and regular training sessions. An alumnus of the University of Buckingham (UK) and Cranfield University (UK), she is a mother of four. In this chat, she took The Nigerian Xpress into her exciting world.
Tell us about your experience as a songwriter?
Songwriting, in my view, is a creative way to craft words and embellish those words with a sweet melody. Songs come relatively easy to me, as the lyrics and melody are a result of my life circumstances both past and present. Music has been a source of strength and a refuge to me as far as I can remember. I was born into a family of singers. Growing up, my dad would take us to TV and radio stations in Lagos where we did live music during Christmas and Easter. Although my dad died 28 years ago, mom carried on his music band to this day. Unsurprisingly, my husband, a man of many talents, is also a songwriter whose songwriting style is more spontaneous and highly creative. I have learnt from him a great deal too. We have an album on all major streaming platforms, called ‘Next Level.’ Singing is basically my life. Sometimes, I hear songs in my sleep and wake up instantly to be sure to capture in on a recording device.
What are the messages in your songs?
All my songs are essentially an extension of me. It’s either a reflection of what I went through or how I pulled through a situation.
For example, my soon to be launched single, called ‘iThrive’, is all about reinforcing faith in my audience. It is about reaffirming the innate strength within to overcome every problem. That song was birthed from a place of reflection over my life, my struggles and how I have gained many victories and continue to do so, especially when I am optimistic. When I believe, I truly thrive.
Easily, I link songwriting to my personality and life experiences and you can see this through the lyrics. I write with faith that someone will be rescued, raised, restored, released, dreams realised and revitalised as they listen to my music.
What was the very first song you did?
The very first time I did a song was at a TV station – a live music show with my dad. I was seven or eight years old at that time. I joined him in doing a Christmas song. I was ecstatic to have been allowed to sing at the front of the band and on TV.
I have since then been part of many different choirs, music bands and singing groups in Nigeria, the USA and the UK.
How about the memorable experiences, working on concerts and the things that inspire you?
By far the most memorable concert I have put together was the one called ’40fied’. This was to celebrate my husband’s 40th birthday in 2017. We had this event in Milton Keynes, UK. I really enjoyed the planning, execution as well as working with an amazing team. The hall was grand, the music was great, our guests were superb, the food was superb. Personally, aside from the music that I really enjoyed, I really, really loved my dress. As a pastor’s wife myself and a lover of music, my husband and I organise two concerts annually, called ‘The Value of Praise’ and ‘The Value of Worship’. We also feature award-winning artistes. I look forward to more concerts this year both virtual and physical.
You have had a wonderful time working with Millennials. What are the lessons learnt here?
I do indeed enjoy working with Millennials. I guess it’s the thirst they have in learning that gets me. Also, I love the energy and positivity. I always see ways to elevate them and add value to their lives and that’s why I run workshops to help equip them with life skills and personal development. I organise Valentine’s Day party for Singles to expose them to knowledge so they make the right decisions in their relationships.
What are some of the other things that occupy your time?
Hmmm, yes. I am married to Abraham Great (CEO of GD Group of Companies) and I am a grateful mum of four boys.
I am Director of iThrive Consultancy where we work with men and women aged 20-35, (working-class young adults) who are currently struggling with their identity, potential and personality yet have a strong desire to maximise their abilities through personal and spiritual development. We equip them to thrive in their unique life journey and purpose in a relaxed, fun environment. They learn and teach others to do the same.
What are some of the changes that you will like to see in the entertainment sector?
I hope to see a lot more collaboration across sectors both locally and internationally. How beautiful to see Legends and well-established icons raise men and women, empowering and equipping them for the future. I love the cordiality that has been built over the years within the Nigerian comedy circle and I hope to see bigger collaboration in other circles, including gospel.
Tell us about your book, called iThrive?
iThrive is simply a resource through which I get to show you some of my personal stories of going from hardship to high ground, of pain to purpose, of shame to shining and of trials to triumphs. iThrive is a book that will help you put life in perspective and strengthen you. You will receive hope and strength to bloom in life, knowing without a doubt that you were not made to merely survive. You were made to live life maximally. I could have been shattered and destroyed through the journey of life but I have received strength to thrive. You can and you will thrive too.
If you had to change something in the country, what would it be?
That will surely be the leadership. John Maxwell tells us that everything rises and falls on leadership.
Once we get leadership right, the problem is mostly solved. The next area of transformation is the mindset of citizens to shift from being heavily dependent on what others can do to asking what each one can do. Just like US President John F Kennedy said in his inaugural speech, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”.
If you had to advise young people today, what would it be?
I will tell them to ensure they pursue their assignment in life and make that the most important pursuit. That is where their life satisfaction, supply of needs and ultimate fulfilment in life is.
What is your favourite travel destination?
It’s a bit tricky to choose because every travel gives me a unique experience each time. I love Dubai for the beautiful scenery, sightseeing, four and five-star hotel experiences and for shopping. I also love Israel mainly because each of those holy sites and landmarks brings a brand new experience each time.
What type of books do you like to read?
I’m always drawn to books that can build me up whether it is spiritually, mentally, emotionally or in my health. I read new books by new authors as well as classics. I read physical books, ebooks and listen to audiobooks.
What won’t you do in the name of fashion?
I love to look good but not at the expense of what I know or think is right. I certainly will not go against my moral values in the name of fashion.
What advice do you have for Nigerian Youths at this time?
Here is what I am longing to shout out to every Nigerian youth: You must understand that time never stands still. A child today will soon become a young adult. A youth today will in just a matter of years become classed as one of the aged. I need every young man and woman in Nigeria to know that you have enormous power to make big shifts happen. Have a thrivers mentality. Discover the plans God has for you and work daily to ensure you realise your purpose without fail.
What lessons has life taught you?
Life has taught me to put first things first. God, my family and others. At the end, that is what will matter.
I have also learnt that if I can get my priorities right, nothing will daze or erase me. I can always find calm in the midst of the chaos.
I have learnt to hold on to John 16:32b : ‘Yet I am not alone.’ Life has taught me to be a thriver and help everyone realise that they are thrivers too.
