Almost 20 years later, Olivia Longott has returned with a huge hit song ‘Poison’ where she has collaborated with Tanasha Donna Oketch (Kenyan Rnb Songstress) in this sizzling yet interesting blend of melodic voices. They have teamed up to record an exciting video with a few teasers doing rounds on various social media platforms and the posters making their debut to everyone across the world especially in Kenya.
Even more exciting news, they have also been recognized by the Grammy academy and got a recent consideration in two categories; Best Duo Group Performance and Best Record of the Year respectively, which is a huge win for them.
Having started her career as a teenager she kicked off her musical career in the early 2000s. She made a cameo appearance on ‘Love and Hip-hop New York’ for its tenth anniversary season after a 7-year hiatus (season 1-2 Main Role) and supporting role in season 3 & 10) as well as having video game roles in 2005 on 50 cent’s ‘Bullet Proof’ as an additional voice. Olivia Longott a former member of the G-Unit Musical family and was also featured as a cast member on the VH1 reality Television series-Love and Hip-hop New York’.
I got up close and candid in this riveting yet in depth look at Olivia Longott’s life and career goals that has shaped her into the power force she is today:
1. How or when did you start singing? I started singing at a very young age (around 8). I would record videos as a child with my older brother of us singing and dancing. Singing was something that always brought me joy and still does.
2. Which record label did you get signed up to before the G-Unit Era of music? My first record deal was with the incomparable Clive Davis when I was about 19 years old. I hadn’t even finished college yet, but I knew that I always wanted to be a singer/entertainer.
3. How was it collaborating with great artists over the last decade including Tanasha Donna, Shaggy & 50 Cent? It is always so fun and exciting when you get to collaborate with different artists, especially artists outside of the U.S.
My collaborations with 50 cent have stood the test of time and I am very proud of our work. My collaboration with Shaggy was such a pleasure because reggae is my roots being that I am West Indian (Jamaican and Indian) .
My dad still loves that record. This year my collaboration with Tanasha Donna was so refreshing, she’s very focused as an artist. I’ve worked with artists from DRC CONGO (Fally Ipupa on Chaise Electrique) & GHANA artists (KIDI with my song titled “SOLO”) but working with Tanasha this year was a whole different vibe. I love when I get to blend our cultures.
4. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? I never like to answer that question…but what I will say is that wherever I am, I am sure I will be happy.
5. If it weren’t for music what would you rather be doing with your life? I used to want to be a pediatrician because I have always loved kids. But I believe I would have always come back to singing. The job that doesn’t feel like work will always be your favorite!
6. How, when and why did you start the ‘gummies business’? I knew I wanted to be in the Beauty and wellness industry. I have always tried to take care of my hair and skin. When the opportunity presented itself, I jumped at it.
I want people to feel and look good. For most women, when your hair looks great, you feel great. That’s why when we are having a bad hair day, we don’t want to do a thing with My Aivilo Beauty gummies, it will take care of your hair, skin and nails. I also have a natural sleep aid pill as well as immune system drops. Building my brand Aiviloskincare.com brick by brick.
7. What drove you to co-write the song ‘Poison’ with Tanasha Donna and how has it shaped your perspective on the music scene in Africa? When I first heard the track by Producer Moh Denebi , I instantly loved it. Usually when I love a track, the words flow out naturally and fast…in which it did. Tanasha and I had a great vibe from the very start. I have always loved the music scene in Africa. The culture is so rich and the music makes you automatically want to dance.
8. What 5 things stand out for you about Kenya and why? I have had the pleasure of visiting numerous countries in Africa but I have actually never experienced Kenya. I am looking forward to that experience. Although I’ve heard the wildlife there is exciting and the food is amazing.
9. Any charitable projects you’re working on or a new album/EP? I am actually working on a full Afrobeats album. For updates on that check my Instagram (@only1olivia) I never confine myself to one genre. As an artist, I love to take chances and explore new sounds outside of my comfort zone.
10. Any last words (motto/slogan you live by)? My favorite slogan that I have stated since I started in the industry at 19 is “It’s nice to be important, but more important to be nice”.
11. Parting Shot for you Kenyan supporters and loyal superfans? Thank you for supporting me through the years and I am honored that I get to do what I love everyday. As for my fabulous Kenyan supporters…I cannot wait to visit you all and tear down the stage!
Interview and photos provided by Wanjiku Thuku
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