Person to Person: Precious has been performing since she was a young child 

TELL us about yourself;

Hello! My name is Precious Abimbola, and I am a final year student at MTU Cork School of Music, where I’m currently studying for a BA in Musical Theatre. Both my parents are from Nigeria, specifically from the Yoruba tribe. They moved to Ireland in the early 2000s and raised my siblings and I here in Cork. As a child, I was always extremely interested in performing. I would participate in poetry competitions such as Feis Maitiú Hall in primary school.

I’ve been involved in various aspects of music from an early age, starting with my local church choir and then later joining The Cork School of Music Junior Choir when I was eight years old. I’ve been at the Cork School of Music for over ten years, starting with the choir as a day student, and now I will be finishing as a university student this year.

Where were you born?

I was born and raised in Cork and currently live in Cork City.

Family?

I am the eldest of five; I have two brothers and two sisters. My sister Latoya is currently in her first year of Medicine at the University of Galway. My brother Alex is in 6th year and will be sitting his leaving certificate this summer. Rachel is the second youngest in the family. She is very confident and isn’t afraid to tell anybody her true feelings, which I do admire. Mark is the youngest in the house. He is so caring and incredibly intelligent. In my eyes, he’ll always be the baby of the house (but I’d never say it to his face because he wouldn’t be impressed with that statement).

Best friend?

I am very lucky to have such amazing friends in my life, who I consider family. My oldest friend, Debbie, has been with me since we were infants. I am also incredibly grateful for the friendships I have gained from college.

Earliest childhood memory?

My earliest memory would have to be watching shows like Barney and The Bear in the Big Blue House and dancing along to the songs with my mom.

Person you most admire? My mom is the person I aspire to be. She always goes out of her way to help people and instilled those values into me which I’m deeply grateful for. She is resilient and is one of my biggest motivators.

Person who most irritates you?

I don’t have a specific person but I would have to say when people are rude to hospitality workers that annoys me.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

My most memorable holiday was my transition year trip to London with my friends from school. We went to see The School of Rock and I completely fell in love with the show. It was also my first time seeing a West End Show!

Favourite TV programme?

At the moment, I am binge-watching ‘ The Wheel of Time’ for the third time. I’m obsessed with the show, and I’m looking forward to seeing the new season soon.

Favourite radio show?

I spend most of my time walking from place to place so I listen to podcasts instead of radio stations. My favourite at the moment would have to be Cocktails and Takeaways.

Your signature dish if cooking?

I’ve recently changed my signature dish to pesto pasta with Cajun chicken, mozzarella and sundried tomato. What I love about it is that I can have this meal for dinner and save it for college the next day without any hassle.

Favourite restaurant?

Sober Lane, the buffalo chicken wings are fantastic!

Last book you read?

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo.

Best book you read?

The Importance of Being Aisling by Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

The last album I downloaded was ‘ Dance, No One’s Watching’ by Ezra Collective.

Favourite song?

At the moment it is ‘As’ by Stevie Wonder.

One person you would like to see in concert?

I would absolutely love to see Olivia Dean in concert. She provides such calming energy in her music and I feel as though seeing her perform live would be mesmerising.

Do you have a pet?

No, I do not.

Morning person or night owl?

I’m definitely a morning person. I love getting up early. I find that I can accomplish more things when the day has just started.

Your proudest moment?

Receiving my first professional performing contract. My mom was the first person I rang and I remember her singing praise songs in Yoruba and cheering me on over the phone. It was truly a special moment.

Spendthrift or saver?

I am a spender but I try to minimise it as best as I can. I tend to borrow a lot of my clothes from my sister Latoya and my mom. They both have such amazing taste in fashion and have such a good eye when pairing pieces of clothes together ( a skill that I’m still trying to perfect!).

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

The bus service.

What makes you happy?

Spending time with my friends and siblings. When my friends are back from college on the weekend we try to do a joint activity with all our siblings. Whenever we meet up we always end up having a laugh, I love it.

How would you like to be remembered?

I would like to be remembered as someone who had an incredible work ethic and who also cared and valued the people in her life.

What else are you up to at the moment?

At the moment I’m currently preparing for my final year exams and planning for my life after university.

The Cork Opera House is 170 years old this year and it is kickstarting the celebrations with a black-tie gala celebration this Saturday, March 22. The event will feature some of Ireland’s finest artists including Musical Theatre icons, Killian Donnelly and Claire O’Leary, Cork Soprano Majella Cullagh, singers Rachel Croash, Emma Nash, Laoise Leahy, Rory Dunne and Precious Abimbola, alongside a host of well-known actors and performers. See www.corkoperahouse.ie