Deborah
Vanessa Owusu-Bonsu is popular for her ‘Uncle Obama’ hit song and the
fact that she is a biological sister to controversial musician, Wanluv
Da Kubolor.
Her followers have hitherto believed she is not as
crazy as her Kubolor brother but that belief has been brought to
question by the type of things she told television presenter Eddy Blay
in the interview below exclusively done for NEWS-ONE.
Deborah,
also known as Sister Debbie, revealed that although she is in a love
relationship, she would rather love to take care of her body so she
looks good on the red carpet rather than get pregnant to make babies.
She also spoke of her love for her ‘small buttocks’ and why she wears
short clothes.
What have you been up to lately?
Debbie:
There are quite a lot of things going on. I have a show on GH One called
‘Glitterati’. I also just recently recorded my next hit single. I’m
waiting for it to be mixed and mastered. I just put together a
collection for Printex.
They were looking for upcoming designers to
put forward a collection, out of which four outfits would be put on
billboards. Up till then, I had been doing designs but just as a hobby.
I
jumped at this opportunity, though. I have taken part in big shows like
the Ms. Ghana Top Model 2010 and also the Be Bold Show. But I never
really looked at it like a business. I felt I wasn’t ready. People are
going to buy your work so you need to be ready if you want to go
professional. .But now after this Printex show, I feel I’m ready to
launch. I’m proud to say that Yvonne Nelson wore one of my outfits to
her movie premiere and the dress has gone viral on the internet. My
designs are getting good reviews.
You are a musician, designer, painter, and TV personality. Which of these do you enjoy the most?
Debbie:
I enjoy all of them equally, I think. It would be great if I was just
into painting because that’s the one thing I can do without anyone’s
help. All I need are my tools to get the work done. But with music for
example, you need a producer, an engineer, etc. Sometimes getting things
done might take long because it’s literally out of your hands. But I
enjoy all these things I’m doing very much.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Debbie:
My friends inspire me a lot when they compliment my work and tell me
they would wear my designs. I also get a lot of inspiration from Nigeria
and the aggressive nature of how things are done over there. I have
attended quite a few events there and I have to say they are very
organised. They take things like image and branding very seriously and
understand the importance of how you look in the public’s eyes.
What’s the life of a celebrity in Ghana like?
Debbie:
Well people are always friendly. I get a lot of smiles from people who
get excited when they see me and I find that very flattering. I
appreciate the love. Most of my friends are also in the entertainment
industry so I don’t consider it a big deal and I’m quite comfortable
when I hang out with them.
Some celebs complain that even though
it comes with the package, it’s hard dealing with those that are
described as haters. Do you feel the same way?
Debbie: l don’t
really focus on that. There might be maybe one or two comments that
people might make about me on a social network that might be
mean-spirited. But when you see the kind of person making those
comments, you might realize that it’s not worth taking them seriously.
The love always outweighs the hate, anyway. Two wrongs don’t make a
right so if you are insulting me for something you think I did wrong,
what does that make you? I don’t like to even acknowledge these
so-called haters like others do. Some people go like “shout out to all
my haters” and all that. l don’t like to recognize negative energy. It’s
good to keep it positive and focus on being the best you can be in
whatever it is you’re doing. However, it’s also important to listen to
constructive criticism from the fans, because after all, they are the
reason we do what we do.
Many have labeled you a sex symbol. How do you feel about that?
Debbie: (laughs) Where? In Ghana? Wow. I feel very honored and privileged because I don’t have a big butt. (laughs)
What would you say to the young ladies reading this that might want to take up your line of work?
Debbie:
Well for starters, you need to be passionate and confident. Also, you
can’t take negative comments personally. You can’t please everyone so
the most you can do is be yourself. Honesty is also very Important. I’m a
very honest person.
Where do you see yourself a few years from now?
Debbie:
Basically, I want to take my work to another level, set up shop
properly with staff working for me and an office, with salaries to pay,
etc. I also want to win some awards for production. Awards make you feel
that your work is being appreciated and you are doing your job well. I
want to be known as one of Africa’s best producers. Maybe some awards
for acting or performing as well. I really love the arts.
How would you describe your ideal weekend?
Debbie:
Hmm, that would include going to Busua Beach with my mom and brother
(Wanluv Da Kubolor). This hasn’t happened yet because my mom hardly goes
anywhere.
Are you in a relationship?
Debbie: Yes. (big smile)
Are you looking forward to settling down with kids?
Debbie:
Nope! I’m a bit selfish right now and it’s all about me and my career. I
can’t really be thinking about changing diapers and things. I’m too
busy thinking about how to look fabulous on the red carpet. Not really
looking forward to the big stomach, you know. (laughs)
What is the concept behind your song ‘Uncle Obama’?
Debbie:
Well there are quite a few messages in that song. But basically the
song is about telling people to take care of their pets. Whichever pet
you may have, you need to make it happy. In the song’s story, I am going
to the market to buy food for my pet. Another angle is I am also trying
to tell people to take better care of their environment by watching how
they use and get rid of polythene bags. So in the song there’s a bit
where I talk about using a Ghana-made basket to shop instead of a
plastic bag. Then there’s also a message about how we refuse to dress
according to the weather. We sometimes wear heavy clothing when the sun
is so hot. If you wear a short skirt to the market they will insult or
even stone you! I’m not saying you should be indecent. But when it’s
hot, you should be allowed to feel free and not get criticized for it.
I’m also talking about going to buy fruits because eating fruits is
healthy. But of course if adults see some sexual innuendo well… (laughs)
What’s next for you?
Debbie:
Well my new single will soon be out. It will not be as controversial as
‘Uncle Obama’ but it will still be very crazy and my fans will love it.
I’ve also been invited to perform at the famous Glastonbury festival in
June. That’s a huge honor and I’m really looking forward to it. I think
it hasn't even sunk in yet and it will probably hit me when l step on
that stage.
Do you get nervous before you get on stage?
Debbie:
I get very nervous like five minutes before, but once I get on the
stage it all goes away. But I always have to pee just before I get on
stage. (laughs)
A message to your fans?
Debbie: Well my
fans are the “berrst”. They should keep supporting, because they
motivate me a lot. I will keep surprising them. They should always do
what they are passionate about no matter what people say. |
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