AVA
" LAGOS, NIGERIA"
Ava Henshaw fingers flew across the screen of her phone as she edited the latest video she just made to post on TikTok. Her small bedroom doubled as a makeshift studio ,with colourful scarves and fabric serving as makeshift backdrops .
The afternoon sunlight streaming through the window highlighted her beautiful features ,her bright smile and beautiful eyes.
" Done" I said after uploading the video on TikTok and within minutes likes and comments began flooding in ,my heart swelled with joy and excitement
" Bad girl,now now 10k views,Omo you don blow oo " my roommate and best friend Emem said as she walked into our room
,as I grinned from ear to ear because of her comment " this video needs to go viral abeg, I want to perform it on a big stage next year " I said " Babe, you voice is everything . when are you releasing a song?" she asked
" When I have enough money,I will. But my mum wants me to focus on my studies,she believes music is just a hobby and a waste of time" I said releasing a sigh, " your mum needs to understand that music is your dream, your 22 Ava , it's time to chase your dreams " she said " I don't know why Nigerian parents believes that pursuing a music career is a waste of time " she added.
As we chatted ,my phone beep with a notification from TikTok " OMG ,Temi liked my video" I said " really? Which Temi are you talking about?" She asked " Temilola nah, which other one do you know " I said " O my God, babe you've made it " she said ( Temi is a popular Nigerian actress) ,we spent the whole hour going through all my videos and responding to comments about my video and replying to direct messages .
Later that evening,I laid on my bed with my laptop as I scrolled down my social media analytics,with my heart racing.my views and engagement has skyrocketed,I was brought out of my daze state by the sound of my phone ringing " hello mummy" I said as I picked the call " how's your day dear " she said , " it's been good, just working on some music stuff" I said " hmmm,I hope your taking care of yourself and not just spending the whole day on your phone " she said,I was glad she didn't say anything concerning my music " no mummy,I just finished eating and am laying down " I said " okay dear,I just wanted to check up on you, take care of yourself and lock the doors before you sleep okay " she said " I will " I said and she ended the call.
I logged out of social media to watch some movies, suddenly an email notification popped up on my screen - Starlight Music, a renowned American Record Label
" Dear Ava Henshaw
We've discovered your incredible talent on TikTok and we would like to offer you a recording contract with our record label...
My eyes scanned the E-mail, this is it - an answer to my prayers ,I read on, taking each and every word slowly
"....we believe your unique sound and voice would resonate well with our audience. We'd like to invite you to our Los Angeles studio for a meeting and potential recording session .
Please find ....."
My hands trembled as I held onto my phone while reading the letter " Babe, Babe" I tapped my sleeping friend on the shoulder " what" she responded sleepy " look at this" I said showing her the letter on my phone " what's that" she said cleaning her eyes " just read it" I said impatiently, finally out of her sleepy state ,she collected her phone and read the letter " AVA!!!" she screamed my name " Am so proud of you" she said " congratulations dear" she said and hugged me " no forget me when you reach oyibo land oo " she said " I won't" I said as I hugged her back.
I visited my parents house the next day to tell them about it " Mum,I want to talk to you about something " I said after helping my mum do somethings at home" what is it ?" " I got a Email from a record label in America and they want me to come to L.A for a meeting " I said ,her expression change from curiosity to concern " Ava , your not thinking about dropping out of school are you?"
" Mum, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity,I have to take it" I said
" Ava, your education is important, what if this music stuff doesn't work out " I held her hands " Mummy,I will make it work ,I promise. And think about it, this could change our lives " I said ,I watched as her gaze dropped and her shoulders sagging
" Your father would want me to support you " she said. " Then let's do this,mum. Together " I said .
Over the next few days,mum and I researched Starlight Music ,consulted with a lawyer and prepared for the trip to LA ,my uncle who was a lawyer sponsored my trip .
As I packed my bags, Enemy cheered me on
" Your going to make it girl,I know it" she said
" Thank you so much, your the best" I said " I know" she said and winked at me while I laughed .
The next morning,Mum,Emem and I arrived at the airport
" Make sure to take care of yourself, and be safe, don't forget who you are ,when you get there,if they ask you to do something you don't like say no " she said "yes mum" I said " I wish you all the best " she added " go make us proud " Emem said " I will" I said
" Flight to Los Angeles, California board in five minutes, passengers are advice to be on inside the plane to avoid missing their flight "
" Goodbye" I said and entered the door which led us to where the plane was .
" I will make you proud Mum,I will make it in America " I laid my head back on the passengers seat as the plane took off.