AFRICANS IN RUSSIA: ITOHAN ORHUE

Can you please introduce yourself briefly?

My name is Itohan Orhue. I’m from Benin City in Nigeria but I currently live in Moscow. I studied mass communication at the University of Benin

I came to Russia in 2014 when my big sister brought me.

Where are you from and what do you love about it?

Benin’s culture is as rich and diverse as its landscape. With strong religious roots to inform most of the traditions, Benin’s culture is certainly one of the most unique and interesting in Africa. And music is of utmost importance to us. The weather is definitely a notable difference- Nigeria is very hot compared to Nigeria.

Can you tell us a bit about your music journey?

I am currently a recording artiste, songwriter and performer.

Music has always been my thing from day one. I started writing songs at the early age of 8. My parents inspired me to go into music. They have been supporting me from day one, convinced that their child will go places…

I have not released any songs for now because I am working on my EP and by the grace of God, I will drop it this summer. It has been very stressful but it’s totally worth the stress. 

My journey started officially in 2019 when I helped one of my friends to backup in his song. Everyone was shocked by my voice and they then encouraged me to do my own songs and after some weeks of thinking about it, I decided to go for my dream and that’s how i start singing here in Russia.

For anyone who wants to pursue their talents officially, I will say go for it. Because if that’s your dream, even if it’s difficult it will be worth it. Just keep going and never let anything or anyone discourage you. And never forget God along your journey…

What’s your favourite thing about being a musician?

My favourite part is performing. I love entertaining people. I love seeing that smile on their faces when I’m performing.

What was your worst performance like?

I was performing one time and the music stopped but I just kept singing and made it seem like it was supposed to happen that way.

If I ever make a mistake, I’ll make fun of it for everyone to laugh at.

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?

I don’t think so… Music is everything to me .

How will you describe your experience with living in Russia?

The most annoying thing about living and working in Moscow is the weather and the language barrier. It’s really hard to communicate with them properly which makes things difficult.

Relationships here in Russia… I would say it’s God’s grace to find someone who loves you for real because 88% of the guys here are not serious and they just want to keep playing games.  

The most annoying thing about it is you can’t tell who loves you for real and who wants to play with you because the bad guys pretend to be so good at the beginning. I just pray everyone looking for true love finds it one day.

What life principles keep you going?

My principle is staying focused and finding a bigger purpose on earth (outside yourself). I only have very few close friends and the reason I’m still with them is because we gather to solve one another’s problems in any little way we can help.

What is your biggest achievement and where do you see yourself in the next few years?

My biggest achievement so far is becoming the first Nigerian female artist here in Russia and still the only one for now. I’m really proud of my success and I pray one day I will be known world wide because that is my dream.

In 5 years time, I see myself performing in different countries by the grace of God, because I’m not giving up till I get there.

What is your social media handle for fans can reach you?

@official_hyt (Instagram)