The Voice-Over Priestess.
Joy Ogbekene joins us today on Nikkyo’s blog. Joy Ogbekene is a voice-over artist, singer, and multi-talented individual. In the last 15 years and counting, she has been blessing the world with her voice. Come along as we have a beautiful conversation with her…
- How did your journey into voice acting begin?
“I have always loved broadcasting. I’ve also always had a love for music.
I’ve always been drawn to art. I used to want to be a graphic artist.
Then it evolved into being a broadcaster. I just knew I enjoyed properly pronouncing words…
I enjoyed pretending that I was on the radio!”
“I recall telling a classmate at the University of Lagos that I wanted to work in broadcasting at one point.
Then, one of them took me seriously and told his colleague at the Radio Nigeria Training School, who actually came to look for me.
In all honesty, I am still in doubt that it was me he came to look for…
Even better, he auditioned me on the spot. He asked me to pronounce the word (ONE), which I did, then corrected me and told me not to worry and that I could come over to Radio Nigeria’s studios.
It was then that I began doing small gigs and segments on the radio.”
- What was the defining moment for you in your career?
It was back when I was just starting out and still getting my bearings.
There was this product, Tura. Tura medicated soap. They needed someone to make the announcement, and here I was, a newbie still trying to learn! They gave the script to me and two other established voice-over artists to audition for.
They were interested in determining who had the best feel. As I recall, the other ladies had already gone through the audition process, but when it was my turn, I was experiencing stage fright. But then I remembered something a senior female co-worker once told me.
She advised me to stop trying to be perfect all the time and to simply be myself. I was constantly falling into that trap, but I remembered her words and snapped back to reality.
Then I walked up to the microphone, kept it natural, and as soon as I was finished, the producer simply said, “That’s it!”
My confidence has grown since that day, and I continue to hone my craft.
- What is a typical day like for you?
Voice-overs!
When I’m not doing voice-overs, I’m researching content. For the most part, I’m working on becoming more creative. I’m always looking for ways to improve my creativity.
In addition, I enjoy watching and learning from the younger voice actors. Saying that voice-overs and content creation are my life would be the absolute truth.
- What is your most exciting and least exciting gig?
I guess my most exciting job would be my first international job. I couldn’t believe I had created that advertisement. The company I auditioned for went so far as to look for me and message me on Facebook.
I believe my least favourite job would be one of those where the pay was not commensurate with the amount of work I did, or perhaps one involving a difficult client.
- What woman inspires you?
There is this woman, whom I refer to as the voice-over matriarch—Mrs. Daphne Roberts ( NKA, Mrs. Daphne Ben Okagbwe).
She is a voice-over artist. I believe she began doing voice-overs in the 1970s.
You may not be aware, but she was the voice in the Bournvita vitality commercial. She is an inspiration to me in my line of work.
Mrs. Ceelo Bankole is another. She is the voice behind most Shoprite ads. You’ll be pleased to learn that she is the same person who advised me to keep my English voicing deliveries natural.
- What is the one quote that inspires you?
“You rest when you die!”
Move on! Don’t stop. Be consistent and never stop…
- What words of wisdom do you have for aspiring voice actors, especially among our female readers?
Be tenacious!
Nobody hates you, so accept criticism with an open mind.
- Continue to work on yourself on a daily basis.
Regardless of my experience, I do one voiceover every day.
- Be mindful of God’s grace.
Without God’s grace, I could not have accomplished what I did.
Joy Ogbekene’s voice can currently be heard in several commercials, including those for the MTN MOMO Wallet, The Real Housewives of Lagos, and the Maggi Chop and Win Promo.
She most recently won the APVA award for best audiobook performance in 2022.
Nikkyosblog specially appreciates Joy Ogbekene for her time and for sharing a lot with us in this session.
You can follow her on Instagram @joyogbekenevo 💕
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