Velvety gospel songstress, Evangelist Patience Akpabio, an Atlanta, Georgia-based gospel singer – the only African inducted into the Grammy’s Record Academy as a voting member – is a trained financial analyst with a bachelor’s degree. The proud mother of three kids and wife to attorney Ibanga Akpabio opens up to AHMED BOULOR on a range of issues bordering on her career, family and her fashion signature in this interview.
WHAT differentiates you from other gospel artistes?
The first thing is God’s anointing upon my life. My ability to be real because I’m me; I don’t pretend to be too holy, I’m down to earth. Secondly, my God-given panache is second to none.
What are your strengths?
My strength is God, my husband and family, my mother, Pastor Chuzzy Udewa, my mother in the Lord, Bishop (DR) Josephine Eggah. I have great friends and fans who stand by what I do any day.
Can you reveal a bit or more about your third album which is about to be released?
The album title is You Can; as the title implies, you can do anything, be anything, and achieve anything you want with Christ’s help. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, the Bible says. Don’t give up on God or on yourself. God will do everything he has promised you. Just tell yourself that you can achieve your set goals and dreams through Christ, not man. The album content is a mix of worship and praise songs to inspire my listeners to have an intimate relationship with God.
How different is this album from the last two albums you have waxed?
The love tone, the Nigerian beat, the contemporary style of worship, more inspiration yet God-based, the producers, the featured artistes, the fact that most of the songs on this album were written way before I got married and in the university, my maturity level and love life, my work with God through the years all make this album different. Experience and family support especially from my husband, my three kids and my mother add more to it.
What explains your recent trips to the United States?
I have been performing in the USA and I was also on live TV programmes frequently. Promotional materials for my album will be handled by CBS and my album is going to be distributed by Tate Music Group, all based in USA. I’m finalising all my promotional plans in the USA, media and more. That is why I have been travelling in recent times
You have also achieved relative fame in the US, how were you able to achieve that?
I have been able to achieve that through God’s help and that of my manager, Sonya Blackmon. He is on top of things to make sure I get heard. I have content worth listening to.
How does your husband cope with your busy schedule as a musician?
My husband is a rare gem; God has just blessed me with a man who’s so loving and caring, who allows me to express myself. God is the coping factor, love and understanding of my family members and their support keep me going. It is not easy but I’m doing what God has called me to do.
Tell us about your range of hair products and why you decided to venture into that line of business?
I hold a BBA in Finance with a concentration in investment and corporate finance. I have a good business sense and that’s why I went into the business. The hair line range is called Patiléon. My husband gave me the name; he coined it from my name Patience and made it Patiléon
Where will it be manufactured?
Beijing in China
I hear you are setting up a studio in Uyo..
Yes, I’m almost done with setting up La’khush Records and La’Khush Towers Media, which will deal in duplicating of CDs and DVDs. It is different because it will have state of the art facilities like you see in Hollywood. I intend to establish gospel record label and I want to give back to gospel music which has brought me this far.
What plans do you have in the pipeline for your third album launch?
My third album launch will be bigger and better than the last two that I’ve had. Keep your fingers crossed because I bet I will surprise many people.
Define your kind of music..
It is inspirational gospel music. I’m not your typical gospel music singer. I’m versatile.
When did you start singing?
Music began for me as a child. My late father, Chief Christopher Bassey Akpan, used to dance Uko Akpan, a traditional dance in Akwa Ibom state. My mother was a member of the choir at Church of Christ and she was also an Abang dance leader. I also developed my singing skills at my church choir. I did secular music for a while too before I transited to gospel music in 2002. I’ve been in the music ministry for my about 11 years now.
Could you describe yourself?
Princess Pat Akpabio is a renaissance Nigerian American woman who believes the future belongs to only those who believe in the beauty of their dreams and pursing them, achieving them, and reaping the reward that comes with the success thereof. She is a lady of many facets, a daughter, a graduate, an ordained evangelist, a wife, a mother, a business woman and financial analyst, trade mark owner, a writer, a sponsor, a philanthropist, a lyricist, an entrepreneur, lover and a friend. She is a child of God, and a commander in God’s Army. The rest you fill in as life unfolds this great master piece called Princess Patience Akpabio.
What’s your fashion signature?
For me, fashion is an expression of how one feels on the inside. Another woman’s taste may be another woman’s dislike in fashion. The basic rule is to dress to please yourself first and not another man. Dress the age you want to portray and keep it tasteful, classic, sophisticated, glamorous, sexy and daring. If you are married, dress to make sure your husband keeps his mind, head, heart, spirit and soul et al at home with you and the love you share. Bottomline, please God in all you do and be at peace with yourself when you dress.
How do you get inspired to write your songs?
My inspiration comes from God, studying the scriptures, hurts and pains of life, laughter, a great moment in time, love, mistakes I’ve made or seen others make. My husband, my environment, trials and temptations but most especially God and my children are my muses.
How do you relax?
I sit and review my day with my family, crack jokes and have a healthy dose of laughter. I cook, watch a good movie and write new songs
What have you been doing to keep a beautiful shape after three kids?
I have an aerobic instructor, so I dance and exercise. I play lawn tennis, eat healthy, stay happy and focus. I love the spa and I also swim a lot.
