By Our Reporter
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – Nigerian author Ndifreke Ukpong has joined fans and fellow creatives in celebrating songwriter and singer Queen Pius on her birthday, using the occasion to reflect on her emerging music career and the artistic promise shown in her debut single.
Ukpong, widely known for his socially reflective novel, “A Future in Chains”, highlighted Queen Pius’ growing presence in Nigeria’s music space, noting her commitment to meaningful storytelling and thoughtful expression at a time when the industry is often driven by speed and spectacle.
Queen Pius, a native of Akwa Ibom State, officially entered the music scene with “Pain Dem”, a debut single featuring fellow artist Timak. Since its release, the track has drawn attention for its emotional depth and straightforward narrative, placing the young singer among a new generation of independent artists building careers through authenticity rather than trend-chasing.
Speaking in commemoration of her birthday, Ukpong recalled his first encounter with Queen Pius and explained why he considered the moment worthy of public reflection. According to him, they met during a modest creative gathering where writers and creatives exchanged ideas on storytelling across different art forms. He noted that Queen Pius was involved in the event’s decoration, an effort he said reflected her quiet dedication to creative work behind the scenes.
“I met Queen Pius in a very simple setting, without any spotlight,” Ukpong said, adding, “She did not speak much about music at the time, but the few conversations we had showed that she understood art the same way a writer understands words with responsibility. That stayed with me.”
Beyond her vocal ability, Ukpong said what stood out most was her discipline and long-term perspective. He explained that his decision to acknowledge her birthday publicly was informed not by personal familiarity alone, but by what her approach represents for emerging creatives.
“Birthdays are good moments to pause and take stock,” he said. “In her case, it is worth noting that she has chosen patience, preparation, and meaning in an industry that often rewards speed over substance.”
Offering a critical yet balanced assessment of Pain Dem, Ukpong described the song as a thoughtful introduction rather than a fully formed artistic statement, a distinction he believes is appropriate for a debut. He explained that the record centres on themes of testimony, personal growth, and gratitude, conveyed through calm vocals and a restrained instrumental arrangement.
“Pain Dem works because it does not overreach,” Ukpong noted. “It is honest, emotionally grounded, and clear in its intention. You hear a young artist learning to trust her voice and her story, and that sincerity gives the song credibility.”
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He also commented on the collaboration with Timak, observing that the feature complements rather than overshadows Queen Pius’s performance. “The collaboration feels supportive, not competitive. That matters in a debut, where the goal should be introduction, not domination,” he said.
Placing her within a broader industry context, Ukpong identified Queen Pius as part of a new wave of Nigerian musicians prioritising emotional clarity and storytelling over fleeting trends. He added that artists from regions such as Akwa Ibom continue to enrich the national soundscape when they remain grounded in their cultural and personal experiences.
Though still in its early stages, Queen Pius’s musical journey reflects a gradual and deliberate build rather than a sudden breakthrough. Industry observers note that such an approach, while slower, often leads to more sustainable careers, particularly for artists whose strengths lie in songwriting and vocal performance.
As birthday messages continue to circulate among fans and fellow creatives, the celebration serves as an informal checkpoint in her career, a moment of recognition rather than conclusion. Ukpong emphasised this in his closing remarks.
“This birthday is not about arrival,” he said. “It is about direction. If she remains grounded in truth and patient with growth, her work will find the audience it deserves.”
For Queen Pius, the day marks another year of life and the early chapters of a career still unfolding. With encouragement from voices such as Ndifreke Ukpong and a debut that signals intent rather than excess, her birthday stands as both a personal milestone and a quiet statement of artistic purpose.
