The American singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist Keri Hilson recently visited Nigeria and Beat FM Lagos was one of her first place of visitation.
There she spoke with radio host Tolu ‘Toolz’ Oniru-Demuren on the current Airtel Trace Music Star competition, her music and other interesting subjects. She revealed that the winner of the competition will get to hang out with her for some time and together they’ll be recording a song as well as a video shoot. Hilson also stated that she’ll be writing the song.
Having successfully written a bunch of hit songs, she told Toolz that choosing between songwriting and recording songs is a bit difficult, as she enjoys both of them for different reasons.
She said: “You know something, I can’t choose. I enjoy both of them for different reasons. Like performing is something I always envisioned. I always saw myself on stage or accepting awards and me being in the limelight. Songwriting was me being practical.
“I enjoyed it, I did it from a younger age, But it was also my plan B and my plan B brought me back to my plan A and I’m grateful. I can’t choose one.”
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She also spoke about her involvement in the creative process as she looks to get contestants at the Airtel Trace music competition to learn several aspects of music-making. According to her, a singer’s
voice is just a part of the story, only a small part of what it takes to become a superstar. The Knock You Down singer also advised the contestants to rehearse but do so moderately to avoid losing their voices before the big day.
Now a world-famous singer, songwriter and performer, she started things in this light at a very tender age. According to her father who was present during the interview in Lagos, she started as early as two. At 14, the Georgia-born star had already gotten a record deal with a girl group but they later broke up for several reasons. She’s written and sang background vocals for R&B and hip hop artistes over the years including Mary J. Blige, Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez.
The 33-year-old has earned two Grammy nominations as well as several other awards like the Soul Train Music Awards, MOBO Award, the BET Award and others. Hilson is widely reputed for the hit songs Knock You Down, I Like, Turnin Me On and Pretty Girl Rock.
