US-based Nigerian gospel act, Toyin Ajibolade, was recently in the country to promote her new singles. She spoke with Dupe AYINLA-OLASUKANMI.
WHEN did you start music professionally?
I have been singing as a chorister back from the high school and during my Nursing School days in Nigeria. I also joined a gospel musical band when I was in the Nursing School. The band used to play in campus fellowships and local churches and at musical concerts. After I relocated to the US, I continued to sing in churches and other events mainly to glorify God and also as a hobby. I did not plan to take my musical aspirations beyond the level I was doing it then because I am a professional nurse who is also deep into academics. Sometime in the year 2008, I had dreams on repeated occasions that I was singing, made albums and my music are being played on the radio and at people’s houses. When I related the dreams to my husband, he was also making jest of me going into music. After much consideration, I realized that I have to do what God wants me to do as He only knows the end from the beginning. So, my first album was recorded in 2009. Since then, I have been ministering at churches and other events in Nigeria, United Kingdom, United States and other countries of the world.
As a gospel singer, what are the challenges you face?
Finding the right people in the industry to work on labels on timely basis could be very challenging, especially in the areas of marketing, promotion and networking. However, with God, all things are possible. Surviving the music industry at this early stage, like other businesses, requires someone to be very strong minded, such that when the going gets tough, the toughs must keep going. I have been combining the music ministry with business and my professional career for survival. I have much joy and fulfillment knowing that I am doing what God wants me to do anyway. My songs are very inspirational, encouraging and therapeutic. Sometimes when I am faced with challenges in any area of life, when I listen to some of my own music, I have the enthusiasm and the courage to move on. With God on my side, and also with the support of goodhearted people and fans here in Nigeria and abroad, I am having a breakthrough instead of a breakdown.
How encouraging has the sale of your album been?
Marketers often don’t like to sell music by new artists until they listen to the music and I don’t blame them. Even I have bought CDs of some new artists and I ended up not willing to listen to them. You will agree with me that it is not every type of music you really want to listen to.
This is not to criticize anybody’s music but to express the tastes of different audiences and people generally to different music. With time, more and more people are becoming interested in my music after listening to them. The responses are mostly very encouraging and many people that already have some of my albums often ask me when my next album will be out.
Has there been a time you wanted to give up on this dream?
I have not thought of giving up on my God giving dream. I love the music that I do and I could see and experience the faithfulness of God all the way.
How do you combine managing your career and home?
I always make efforts to prioritize my task, and seek my husband’s approval in making my decisions. After God, my family comes next, then my career. I have a supporting family, and with prayers we make decisions by putting God first. In God’s own time, He makes everything to be beautiful.
Is your husband in support of what you are doing?
As I mentioned earlier, I do not do things without my husband’s approval and permission.
How do you handle male fans?
I always try to utilize appropriate resources to handle situations. I don’t hesitate to get other parties involve, who could possibly help to put situations under control.
Who are your mentors in the industry?
Here in Nigeria, my mentors are Evangelist Adelakun (Ayewa), Dr Bola Are and Chief Ebenezer Obey. To my surprise, some people have mentioned to me that I even sing like Baba Obey. I often tell them that I just love to sing my own way and dance my own way. Other ministers of God that I draw inspirations from and look up to as role models are Bishop David Oyedepo, and Daddy E. A. Adeboye and many others. I love them all and I thank God for their lives.
Why did you choose gospel among other genres of music?
My music are mostly gospel, some of my tracks are also contemporary music, which are blends of pop, rock, highlife and present day melodic mix. I love gospel music mostly because that is the genre God has given me and has put in my heart to sing.
Would you say music was your calling or you stumbled on it?
I was called into music, I know that for sure. Since my early days, I have learnt to always shift to areas where I know God wants me to be. The day I first had the dream that I was singing and making records, I laughed at myself, even when I told my husband the dream, he also laughed. But today, it is a reality!
Apart from music, do you have other engagements?
I am a busy and multitalented person. For this, I give all the glory to God. I had the dream of going into music, now, I am into music and I love the music that I do. As a teenager, I once had a dream of becoming a nurse. At that time, it was somehow unbelievable for me because I did not like the idea of going into nursing as a profession. Eventually, I ended up attending school of nursing, then the midwifery school at UCH, Ibadan. Later, I traveled outside Nigeria to obtain higher degrees. I am a healthcare consultant, a freelance writer, a business woman, a wife and mother among other things. I write articles for newspapers and magazines in the U.S. I also do engage in small scale businesses and contracts.
How do you put all these together?
I do some on the side, along with my other schedules during my spare time. I always make sure that one thing does not negatively impact the other. I live my life in such a way as to give no room for idleness. Music I love to do, especially at weekends, but when there are no music shows available, I fall back on my other skills. My principle is always to do my best possible at any point in time, and leave the rest to God.
What is it like living abroad and trying to push your music here?
I would rather say I stay abroad and live in Nigeria. I have flexible schedules on both side, and I always try to push my activities and events around my schedules.
How popular are you over there?
Whether here in Nigeria or abroad, it is extremely important for people to know you with your music career. As it applies to music so it is with other businesses. It is essential for people to know you and to be aware of your business. That is where networking, advertising, marketing and other campaign comes into play. I understand that it takes time for people to get to know me and my music, however with time, more people are getting to know me, and they are falling in love with my music. As an up-coming artist, I need promoters here in Nigeria and abroad. However, as I mentioned earlier, finding the right people to work with could be challenging but “In God We Trust”.
Do you perform on stage?
Yes, I do stage performances as well as ministrations in churches and at events.
With your stature, would you say you have stage craft?
I believe my stature is my unique gift from God, and I will utilize it to God’s own glory. I try to be myself on stage, while I continue to work on improving my future performances.
Tell us your experience when you started your career?
I did not start my music career very early in life like most artists and musicians. I started my professional career first, as that was the direction and pathway I found myself in life. I do not compare myself to others in any respect inasmuch as I know that I have to do what God wants me to do, be where God wants me to be and work at God’s pace. However, I recognized the talents and the ability to compose music and sing very early in my life and I did not give up on it. Music is what I love to do as much as I love good food. I love the experiences of life I have acquired so far even in the professional and corporate world. However, with time, as I continue to build up the ladder, these experiences will continue to reflect in my music and future albums.
