How I Overcame Being An Orphaned Teenage Mum – Mocheeda

Fast rising female artist Caroline Sam, aka Maheeda certainly didn’t have a starry childhood. Orphaned at 14, pregnant at 16, hers is the story of an orphaned teenage mother and house help who has become one of Nigeria’s most popular female artists. In a recent interview she spoke about her music career and her life as an orphan.

What are you up to lately?
I have been busy going for shows, building my musical career and putting my album together. It has been quite hectic but I am happy I am making progress.

How would you describe this year in your life and career?
This year is one of my best year and for my career, is my lucky year.

What informs your dress sense?
The way I dress sometimes is the way I feel, but most times, I just want to stand out with my dresses.

How did you come up with the stage name Maheeda?
I decided to use Maheeda as my stage name after being told stories about it and what it means.It means blessing, and in some stories, it means treasure like a diamond. I see myself as a diamond because I went through a lot before my shine just like diamond.

How did you get into music?
I have loved music and performing since I was in primary school. I waited till I could pay for studio sections before I went into it professionally. That was six years ago.

If you were to do something differently, what would it be?
If I were to do some else apart from music, I will go for acting, or fashion.

What makes you different from other young musicians?
What makes me different from other young musicians is my experience in life. I went through a lot that girls and guys of my age have not gone through. I have a story to tell about what I went through and how I overcame them all. I can even teach a young mother how to take care of a baby because I have one.

How long have you been in the music industry and what have you learnt in the cause of your journey?
I am six years now in the music industry, and I have learnt that music is spiritual, so you need to be prayerful. I also learnt that exclusive focusing, hard work, giving honour to who deserves it and working with the right people, is the key to a successful musical career.

What inspires your songs?
I get my inspiration from God and life. Things that have happened and that are happening around me.

How long have you been in the music industry and what have you learnt in the cause of your journey?
I am six years now in the music industry, and I have learnt that music is spiritual, so you need to be prayerful. I also learnt that exclusive focusing, hard work, giving honour to who deserves it and working with the right people, is the key to a successful musical career.

What are some of the setbacks you have suffered in your career?
Money. Money drags back the project, we couldn’t do video or take tapes from one place to another. Being an orphan was not easy, but I had a dream of being great, a dream of representing my country, so it kept me going. Yes, along the line I got pregnant, I was too young, but it didnt stop me. I did house help jobs, was a bar girl, to take care of me and baby. I never lost focus and kept believing God because He had great plans for me. Even when I was shot on my head, I didn’t die. I lived for a purpose and so far so good, I am getting there.

How did you overcome the trials of being orphaned, and being a single mom to get to where you are now?
I believe it was God who took care of me and took me through those trying moments.

If you were to go back in time, what would you have changed about your life?
Nothing, because everything I have been through has made me a better and stronger person

What advice would you give to young orphans who have no one to help?
My advice to young orphans is, if you are old enough to do any kind of job please do, make money and pay for your school even if it is part time. If you are not old enough, and you are living with a relative, respect that person and be very hard working.
Do you intend doing a charitable work aimed at orphans having gone through that ordeal?
Yes, I will love to talk to them and share with them my experiences. I pray to be very successful because of them, so that they can have hope. If I become very rich, I will raise the bars for them. I must support as many orphans as I can, this is my wish. I wish to represent orphans in Nigeria, to be their mouth piece so that government that come to their aid. I have a dream, it is a big one, God help me.

What are the challenges you face as a musician?
Money, lack of professionalism , and piracy.

Who are your role models and musical influences?
Tuface and Beyonce

What achievements have you recorded as an artiste?
Being nominated for Nigerian Music Video Award, City Peoples awards. I was thrilled performing on stage with Tiwa Savage, Goldie, Kaffy and also working with the top producers in the industry like Sossick, Kas, ID Cabbasa, and Tee-Y Mix. Working with them has helped me become a better person.

What was your first day on stage like?
My first day on stage was super. I felt like I was where I was meant to be. I rocked it like it was suppose to be and the crowd was great.

What kind of man will you marry?
I will like to marry a God-fearing, kind, humble, caring, honest, romantic, strong and understanding man. He can be ugly, I don’t mind but not poor. He should be ready to take care of a family. My future husband must have a steady job that can take care of me and the family.

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