I Am Glad More Nigerian Women Are Dominating The Technology Space, Says KKC “Guitar Girl”

By Frank Oshanugor

Twenty-three-year old Oyinkansola Chinyere-Asabe Onwuchekwa (a.k.a. KKC) who graduated with a Second Class Upper Division in Geophysics from the University of Lagos in 2019 may not have made it yet in Nigeria’s music industry, but there is so much to show that she is not one that can be dismissed with a wave of the hand.

At the recent maiden edition of “Women Entrepreneurs and Executives in Tech Summit” which held at high brow Four-Point-By-Sheraton Hotel, Lekki Lagos, Oyinkansola was given time to entertain the audience on the side line of programme for the Summit.

To the amazement of all, not even the presence of highly rated women from the technology sector and other departments could intimidate her. She gave a good account of herself as an upcoming music star as she sang melodiously while playing her guitar.

AtlanticNewsonline took interest in her and got her to speak on a few issues in an interview particularly her music career and Nigerian women in technology.

The University of Lagos graduate would not hesitate to express her gladness with the level of women participation in technology related activities in contemporary time. In her words “Nigerian women are strong, intelligent, resilient and powerful and this goes without a doubt. I am really glad that more Nigerian women are venturing into and dominating the technology space.”

Speaking about her music, KKC whose father is from Abia and mother who shares Hausa and Yoruba parentage said she got so much inspiration from her parents both of whom have been her biggest supporters. “They go all out for me, get me gigs, shows, introduce me to their circles of influence and sponsor my music financially. They vet all my music before they are released and they constantly encourage me,” she emphasised.

Though Oyinkansola does not have any particular person as a role model, yet she is inspired by a lot of things which according to her include love, life, family, people’s experiences, her own experiences and music. “I do not have a role model but I admire a lot of people for their works, passion and dedication to their art,’ she said.

Going back in history, the Geophysicist told AtlanticNewsonline that “I started writing poems and stories when I was seven years old. When I turned 10, I wrote my first song and went on to write over 300 other songs, over 200 poems, articles and stories afterwards. I started playing guitar when I got it as a gift from my parents on my 13th birthday.

“Ever since then, I have been going for shows, events, even performing virtually. Music is really huge part of my life. I love music and the experience that comes with writing and listening to it. I have released nine songs which can be found in various streaming platforms under the name KKC.”

If there was one thing Oyinkansola guided so much against while in the University, it was a situation where her studies and music career would class or be in conflict. According to her, “while I was in school, I tried as much as possible to prioritize and compartmentalize things. There were times I went for shows late in the night and had to read over night to make up for it. I devoted time to my music and my studies accordingly without letting one suffer too much for the other.”

At present KKC combines her music with working in a leading insurance company in Nigeria. Her advice to upcoming artistes in Nigeria is that they should be resilient, hardworking, and consistent in addition to being prayerful to attract the grace of God for success.

“Do not stop pushing, you are your biggest supporter, never let your fire die,” she tells young ones like her.