Darlington Alas Asaba, whose stage name is Blinkz Baba, is a multihyphenate creative as is expected of any creative affiliated with Rara Avis. Blinkz is a singer, songwriter, event planner, hype mc, and DJ. He is an astonishingly talented singer and songwriter. One of his songs which stands out and is easily recognizable is his hit song ”Omotena“!
This culturally infused track, with its captivating rhythm, melody, and lyrics, is guaranteed to get you moving! Its heartfelt tribute to an anonymous female figure resonates with women of all kinds. Celebrating the strength and beauty of womanhood, this song makes a perfect dedication from any man to his special someone – no need to change a single name in the lyrics
Rara Avis on Blinkz ”Omotena”
Blinkz has been an integral part of Rara Avis, right from the inception. He doesn’t quite fit into the debutant profile, -though he’s a fast emerging artist- because he has had some performance opportunities prior to signing up.
He is a full powerhouse… Rara Avis’ Golden Creative! Yes! He is usually the last artist to perform because just like in a relay, you want to save the best for last to make up for lapses from other team members.
Blinkz never disappoints with his performances. He always gets a standing ovation at hugely packed events. He was part of our entourage to SMA Nigeria. see link
Last year, Blinkz made it to the finals of a music themed reality TV competition ”Naija Star Search” organized by Startimes with the support of Trace Naija: Trace Naija‘s parent company is Trace Africa .
Blinkz Baba performed on season 2 of Naija Star Search on ST Nollywood Plus on Saturdays at 8 PM.
INTERVIEW
Here Rara Avis talks to Blinkz Baba about his experiences prior to and post competition:
Pre-Competition Experience
Rara Avis : What motivated you to sign up for the Naija Star search competition?
Blinkz Baba : I was motivated because i am a talented singer and i knew i have what it takes to compete.
Rara Avis : Can you share your musical background and experiences before entering the competition?
Blinkz Baba : Before entering the competition i was already doing music professionally : I had put out a body of work and was going out for gigs.
Rara Avis : What were your expectations from the competition, and did you have any prior experience with music competitions?
Blinkz Baba : My expectations while in competition was to gain new knowledge, better approach to live performance and also to emerge as the winner.
Competition Experience
Rara Avis : How would you describe your experience as a contestant on the show?
Blinkz Baba : It was a bit tough having to meet different personalities and to have to work as a group to perform a song … but in the end , it made me even better.
Rara Avis : What were some of the most challenging moments for you during the competition?
Blinkz Baba : Some of the most challenging moments in the competition was have to nominate my fellow contestant for eviction and also getting to do unfamiliar songs and having just a day to score it … and perform same day.
Rara Avis : How did you handle the pressure and stress of performing live and being judged?
Blinkz Baba : It wasn’t as much pressure for me because I was already used to performing in front for thousands of people.
Career Impact
Rara Avis : How has being a finalist on the competition impacted your music career?
Blinkz Baba : Becoming a finalist has helped me in gaining more attention and connection. It was a career boost for my music…price went up.
Rara Avis : Have you seen an increase in fan engagement, bookings, or collaborations since the show?
Blinkz Baba : Yes, absolutely, especially in terms of booking
Rara Avis : Can you share any notable opportunities or achievements that have arisen as a result of your participation?
Blinkz Baba : As result of my participation, I have worked with Trace TV on several occasions. I had a meeting with the popularly known singer, Oxlade, I am working on a distribution opportunity with Nigerian hiphop first lady her self, Sasha P, I also got special branding tips from Vector and international producer Cobahms .
Lessons Learned
Rara Avis : What were some of the most valuable lessons you learned from your experience on the show?
Blinkz Baba : I learnt to put in creativity during my stage performances. I learnt music writing.
Rara Avis : How did the competition help you grow as an artist, and what skills did you develop?
Blinkz Baba : It helped grow my confidence, how to handle a microphone properly and to always leverage on being on camera at all times.
Rara Avis : Are there any specific feedback or critiques from the judges that have stuck with you and influenced your music?
Blinkz Baba : Yes the judges told me to also use my vocal strength, and they see me rocking Jazz festivals around the world.
Yes the judges told me to also use my vocal strength, and they see me rocking Jazz festivals around the world.
Blinkz on Judges’ remarks
Personal Growth
Rara Avis : How did the competition affect you personally, and what did you learn about yourself?
Blinkz Baba : I learnt and discovered that I could actually sing better than I thought I could because the competition allowed me to push myself to the limit and discover my potential.
Rara Avis : Were there any moments of self-doubt or uncertainty, and how did you overcome them?
Blinkz Baba : I was in a competition with so many talented singers and sometimes when I hear them sing,I have that fright … but in all, I remained confident of myself and delivered.
Rara Avis : How has your experience on the show shaped your perspective on success and perseverance?
Blinkz Baba : My participation in the show has helped me believe in my creativity, in music and i see success closer than I ever did before!
Future Plans
Rara Avis : What’s next for you musically, and are you working on any new projects?
Blinkz Baba : I just dropped a new song titled Cold available on all platforms. I am also in the process of putting out my first EP soon where I will be collaborating with some talented creatives like myself.
Rara Avis : How do you plan to leverage your experience and exposure from the competition to further your career?
Blinkz Baba : With the experience I have gotten from the competition I plan to use all what I have learnt and put it in my music … and of course collaborate.
Rara Avis : Are there any specific goals or milestones you’re aiming to achieve in the next year or two?
Blinkz Baba : Yes. In the next two years my prediction is for my music to have gone global and get that full attention it deserves.
Reflection on Rara Avis
Rara Avis :Did Rara Avis have any impact on your career prior to going on Naija Star Search?
Blinkz Baba : Rara Avis has always been the backbone to my experience in stage performances and branding.
Rara Avis : What do you think that Rara Avis should do to help prepare artists who want to go on competitions such as Naija Star Search?
Blinkz Baba : I think Rara Avis should keep doing what its already doing … that is training creatives, take them for performance tour and also encourage artist to better their craft.
Rara Avis : Would you recommend Rara Avis to emerging artists? Why?
Blinkz Baba : One simple reason is because Rara Avis is part of my music success today. One thing I know is that with Rara Avis your growth is certain!
One simple reason is because Rara Avis is part of my music success today. One thing I know is that with Rara Avis your growth is certain!
Blinkz on Rara Avis
As a multihyphenate creative, you have to keep pushing like Blinkz is. He is a phenomenal artist and a powerhouse on stage. However, there’s still a lot to be accomplished because he hasn’t even tapped into a quarter of his talents!
Watch some of Blinkz‘s performances at Naija Star Search.
Links to music : https://audiomack.com/blinkzbabyy/song/original?share-user-id=29594951
To book him for shows or as a songwriter contact
