Bianca Okorocha thrives on the excitement of new experiences. Much like clay that can be molded, destroyed, and reformed, Okorocha embraces the process of learning and relearning. She is drawn to the endless possibilities of the unknown. During her childhood, she spent countless hours immersed in rock records, eagerly using her pocket money to expand her collection. Her father’s love for rock music may have sparked her interest, but Okorocha’s passion for the genre grew into an insatiable drive. For her, rock music is not just a genre but a reflection of nature itself—an essential element she cannot live without.
When the chance to pursue music professionally arose, she seized it without hesitation, determined to become the best Afro-Rockstar the world has ever known. Known as ClayRocksU, she chose her stage name to reflect the malleability of clay, saying, “With time, process, and effort, ordinary clay that you picked from the ground can become something better.”
In this interview with Music Untamed, the artist shares her early beginnings, the forces that drive her artistry in a society often at odds with rock, and the inspirations behind her newly released EP, “Hate It Here.”
1. How did you develop your unique rock genre and persona? Was it inspired by a childhood experience or a significant moment that made you realize your passion for rock music?
ClayRocksU: I don’t really remember a time I didn’t like rock music. The moment I could pick the
remote, I usually wanted to watch MTV (not MTV base). I don’t remember a defining moment that started all these, but it did start pretty early. As for my looks, I have always been an alternative teenager, I just didn’t have the money to buy the kind of outfit I would have liked to wear, but I would tear my clothes here and there.
2. Your fusion style in Nu Religion is exceptional, reminiscent of Evanescence with a unique twist that combines rock star vibes and Igbo elements. How did you develop this distinctive sound that evokes such a range of emotions?
ClayRocksU: Well, it’s just something I wanted to do. When I fuse genres, I think of the sounds in my head, tap my hands for drum patterns and see what works. I also play different guitar licks in my head and I settle on what I think works, call up my producer or band and the rest is history.
3. You shared the story of LELE in a video on your page. Could you briefly recount it here for us?
ClayRocksU: Lele is track 3 off the Hate It Here EP. So the word ‘lele’ is like a play on the Igbo word ‘ile or lee’ which means to see. So, the chorus goes ‘lele, lele oo I dey miss you die’ . Now you know that means, ‘see, see how I miss you’. The backstory ; I wrote this song when my fiancée fell seriously ill, hoping that he would get better, but he actually died. So it’s a tribute to the wonderful person he was.
4. What challenges have you faced as a rock artist in Nigeria, and how have you overcome them?
ClayRocksU: Lol… We’re still overcoming. I think the biggest one is getting the music from me (musician) to the masses (fans). There seems to be a divide and not because 250m Nigerians don’t like rock music (a few millions would love it) but because the media and industry is so loud
about only one genre, Afro-beats and Afro-pop. So, most people think that they only need to look outside Nigeria for other genres outside these two. But we will get there, Afro Rock is here to stay!
5. Can you tell us about a particularly memorable performance or moment in your career that had a significant impact on you?
ClayRocksU: Hmm… Not sure but in recent times, maybe winning the Afrima awards for best
rock category
6. Do you plan to continue your music career in Nigeria, or are you considering relocating to a place where your sound might be more appreciated?
ClayRocksU: Lol… Not sure whether I can answer that now
7. Collaboration can be a powerful tool for artists. Are there any artists or bands, either local or international, that you dream of collaborating with?
ClayRocksU: True, I like Bloody Civilian and Ayra. The international collaboration dream list is really long, but I’ll just start with Florence and the machine.
8. Looking ahead, what are your goals for your music career in the next five years? Are there any specific projects or milestones you’re excited about?
ClayRocksU: Win more awards, perform in international festivals (all the big ones), have a huge,
thriving Afro Rock community of Nigerians, dropped two albums.
9. Could you please share your full name with us and explain the inspiration behind your stage name?
ClayRocksU: Bianca Adanna Okorocha. Stage name is Clayrocksu. Clay Rocks You. Clay means better and better, so take ordinary clay soil, add some water, mould, destroy, start all over, design, dry, put in the fire, etc. You see that with time, process and effort, ordinary clay becomes something beautiful. So what I’m saying is that it is never my best, I’ll keep getting better and better. Not just only from a music standpoint but even in my personal life, I believe in continuous learning, unlearning and relearning as one grows.