It’s tough being female rapper – C-MI-

France-based, Nigerian-born artiste, Adegoke Alice, popularly known as C.M.I, is one person who is poised to take the Nigerian and French scene by storm.

C.M.I, who started recording in 2002 with the guidance of Mex Ossai, has won the Bitbender’s freestyle Friday competition (in Lagos, Nigeria), where she got the beat for her first official single, Nani produced by Sleekamo.

The Malaysia-based artiste has also performed at shows alongside prominent Nigerian artistes such as 2-face, Terry G, Kelly Handsome, Morachi, Reekado Banks, CDQ and Skiibii.

Speaking on her latest single titled, I Can’t Breathe Mama, C.M.I noted that it was dedicated to George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter’ protest. Speaking on her experience in the entertainment industry, she said, “It is very challenging being a female artiste, let alone a rapper. I have had a lot of people tell me to change my sound just to be accepted but then, I know my music cannot be accepted by all. This has helped me cope with a lot of rejections. Sadly, I have had people I did business who undermined my efforts, but it’s all part of the process. I just keep my head up and keep moving; no matter what.

“I truly hope that other artistes and creatives learn to appreciate the efforts of everyone trying their best to push themselves to the forefront of their art, and that they do what they can to make their journey easier.”

As one who is well travelled, C.M.I maintained that she is not pleased with the situation of things in Nigeria.  She said, “There is no need to sugar coat anything. The truth is I am not pleased about the situation of things back home. The Nigerian people deserve better. We wonder when the change we have always hoped and prayed for would come. The government needs to treat the people better.