Our LagosMums mum of the month is NK Maduforo, a sensational singer, songwriter, worship leader, recording artist, wife and mum and we enjoyed talking with her. Read more about this amazing mum as she talks about herself, her music, parenting during this coronavirus pandemic and motherhood journey so far. Enjoy!
Please tell us about yourself?
I am Nkiruka Maduforo also known as NKÂ Maduforo and I have been a Mum for over a decade.
Share one unexpected thing about you?
One unexpected thing about me is that I grew up with a lot of boys, lol. I have 6 brothers as my siblings.
Can you share all the hats/roles that you wear?
I am a daughter, sister, wife, mother, sister-in-love, songwriter, recording and performing artiste, worship leader, music director, fashion designer, a writer and a serial ideas generator and executor.
Tell us about your beautiful family?
My husband and I have known each other for almost 20 years and we have been married for a decade and a half. Thank God for the government-run National Youth Service Corps programme which was instrumental in bringing us together otherwise we would not have met. God has blessed us with two wonderful sons who are growing up so fast. They are both athletes and have won medals representing their school in international competitions.
What has surprised you the most about motherhood?
Hmmm, the surprising thing for me about motherhood is that it doesn’t get easier . So if you think that having sleepless nights, because you’re still breastfeeding, is hard; then you’ve got another think coming!
What has motherhood taught you about yourself?
Motherhood has taught me that I don’t know the half about motherhood! Every mother’s journey is unique based on the beautiful beings they are blessed with. I feel approaching motherhood this way makes me a better mum as I am more open to learning and becoming and growing in it as my children grow.
How are you keeping your family safe during this coronavirus pandemic and lock down?
The truth is that God is the one who truly keeps us safe and we thank Him for preserving our family at this time. We have also obeyed the Government’s order on social distancing and observing personal hygiene. We have pretty much stayed at home and limited our contact with the ‘outside’ world as much as practically possible.
Have you noticed any change in your parenting during this lock down?
Understandably, this lock down period is tough on everyone and especially tough on the children because outdoor activities that they would usually enjoy during the holidays have been classified ‘unsafe’ and they are restricted to the home. Hours that would normally have been spent at school are now being spent at home so, yes, there are changes and one has to ensure they are keeping up with their school work as well as balancing being at home with going out for a wee bit of fresh air and physical exercise as well as sunshine, not forgetting home chores as well. We are doubling as teachers and Sunday School teachers, but it has been rewarding!
[Tweet “Love! The love that covers a multitude of sins should never be missing from a home! – Nk Maduforo @nkmaduforo”]
Can you tell us some of the funniest things your child (ren) has said or done?
Lol… My boys make me laugh all the time especially when I try to get pictures or selfies and they are like ‘mum…stop’. I have a lot of pictures of them covering their faces.
Tell us about your music career
I have always written songs and sung since my primary school days but I started recording professionally after I had my second baby. I spent most of my maternity leave with the baby in the studio. It was just something I did at the time to document the songs, but it helped kick start my music career which has grown since that time
You recently released a new song. Can you tell us what inspired it?
Oh yes, so I released my single ‘Brand New’ on 14th November, 2019 and it has gone on to get over a hundred thousand YouTube views and counting and it has just been added to the playlist of the International TV channel, Faith TV. Brand New was inspired by the joy I feel at being found by God and the freedom that that decision brings. It’s a happy song accompanied by an equally happy and expressive video.
Work-Life Balance or Work-Life Integration? How are you able to find a balance between work and the home front now?
For me, I work from home usually anyway so it is not much different other than the fact that everyone is at home with me. I have to balance more because there’s now more of ‘life’ in my work space. In a bid to practice social distancing, we don’t have any house staff presently so there’s definitely a lot more to do in the home front including cooking. I will enjoy it while it lasts as it is a blessing that we can all work from home and be together all day and all night long.
How important is a support system for a mum?
Every mum needs a support system. Trust me, you do.
Who is in your Tribe?
I’ve got my amazing steward who has been with me for years and my sister-in – love who I love dearly. I’ve got my mum – super mum and dad and of course my darling husband who is so insightful and knowledgeable. I like family so I would say all my family. My brothers are the best Uncles. I’ve also got my sister-friends who I can share with and pray with and I can be prayed for.
Use one word to describe one thing that should not be missing from every home?
Love! The love that covers a multitude of sins should never be missing from a home!
How do you relax and spend time on yourself?
As a Mum, you should take care of yourself. A grumpy or stressed out mum would mean the home would feel it too so I take out time to relax by watching movies. I like to go to the cinema when it doesn’t have loads of people (non-peak times); relax and enjoy a good movie.
As a Yummy Mummy – can you tell us how you stay stylish and your beauty routine
I like to eat well and exercise as a form of taking care of my skin. For fashion, I like Ankara a lot and I wear them almost everyday. When I design clothes, I am very experimental and I don’t mind being unique or different. I like afro centric accessories.
What advice do you have for mums during this lock down?
As with all things, our attitude determines how we enjoy or abhor the experience so i’ll advice mums to decide to do the former. See the good in all this. Enjoy your role as mentor and teacher; it is a great bonding opportunity even though I know we could pull out our hair as teaching is not easy(kudos to all teachers…we love you more). The key for me has been scheduling time with each child to ensure their work is vetted.
Get the kids to pick up new skills e.g. coding or cooking whether they are boys or girls; this is the chance to pass on your favourite recipes.
You know how everyone has always had a plan to do something if only we had more time?There we go, now we have more time! Catch up on that beauty sleep you haven’t had for a while, do activities together as a family that you would normally not do (e.g. scheduling board games) and most importantly, grow spiritually!
What do you love about LagosMums?
Oh my, I love how informative LagosMums is. I love the newsletters. It is a mum-saver in the summer!
#MumGoals Trivia
N1million or more sleep?
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- 1 Million please!
Go on a shopping spree or all expenses paid trip to your top destination?
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- All expense paid trip to my top destination!
Homeschooling or traditional school?
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- Traditional schools for me
A spa day or Eat out?
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- Spa day!!
[Tweet “You know how everyone has always had a plan to do something if only we had more time?There we go, now we have more time! Catch up on that beauty sleep you haven’t had for a while, do activities together as a family that you would normally not do (e.g. scheduling board games) and most importantly, grow spiritually! – NK Maduforo @nkmadforo”]
Visit LagosMums Mum of the Month category to read from other mums who share their motherhood journey.
SEE ALSO: Tips for Achieving Work-Life Balance
