Seen's roving reporter Andy Green seeks out a genuine disco diva.
Carol Jiani, born Uchenna Ikejiani, is a Nigerian born disco diva who moved to Canada in the 1970s, originally to study but her singing career soon took off and the hits followed with the biggest one being Hit N Run Lover in 1981.
She continues to record and perform and is very popular with gay audiences in Europe and North America.
Andy caught up with her for a little chat during a rare gap in her hectic schedule.
AG: You played at Liverpool’s first official Pride, how was that?
CJ: It was the most amazing experience. Music is a powerful tool that can reach the masses and the reasons I wanted to be there was to remind people that there is still so much work to be done.
There is still a lot of stigma and in many countries men and women are still being executed for being gay. I also wanted to remind the young of the history, of how Pride came about.
A lot of young people do not understand the history of Pride, like the Stonewall Riots for instance and we must educate them. Also it is a great cause for raising funds for charities, it’s not all about having a party, it really is for me that all men are equal and that love is the principal thing.
I would love to play there again this 2011.
AG: Being a Facebook friend of yours I can’t help noticing that you appear to be really busy and are gigging all over the place.
CJ: Yes I am very busy at the moment promoting my new tracks and also Disco is still big business in Europe . People love to party, bringing back the good old days when we had great melodies and uplifting sounds so I am so lucky to have had the classic "HIT AND RUN LOVER" very lucky indeed and so grateful.
AG: Why do you think you’re so popular with gay audiences?
CJ: Well the term gay was originally used to refer to feelings of being "carefree", "happy", or "bright and showy". I have a large gay fan base and a large gay following, it’s all about the love of being alive and enjoying the music. I started my career in 1979, the good old days I call it, music was uplifting and we all had fun then, we are all superstars we love to have a great time just having fun and living life to the full .
AG: Your first big hit and signature song Hit N Run Lover was back in 1981 and there have been various versions and remixes since – do you have a favourite? And do you ever get tired of singing it?
CJ: Wow yes I am so lucky, my favourite has got to be the original you cannot beat that. Yes it has been remixed every single year since its original release and I never get tired of singing it, I am lucky and blessed. The Group Lime played on every single instrument, a classic indeed and the original has stood the test of time.
AG: What projects are in the pipeline? I hear you’re going to be in a film…
CJ: So many projects in the pipeline, I am still recording and I’m very excited about the new project my first "Nollywood" Film.
AG: Nollywood?
CJ: The Nigerian feature film industry is sometimes colloquially known as Nollywood, having been derived as a play on Hollywood in the same manner as Bollywood.
It’sAfrica's largest movie industry in terms of both value and the number of movies produced per year. The New Film will be called "IDENTITY" and we start shooting soon, so very excited indeed and the diet starts now (laughs).
AG: How important are your Nigerian roots to you?
CJ: My Nigerian roots are very important to me, we must never forget our roots, If you’re British or wherever one comes from always remember your roots and give back and support your tradition.
We must always respect where we come from and continue to teach and accept each others traditions. Yes I am a very proud Nigerian.
Thank you so much for the interview let us continue to love and respect each other, that is the way forward for mankind.
AG: Thank you Carol and I hope to see you in August for our next Liverpool Pride.