Biodun Ajanaku is a talented singer and jazz artiste. The energetic vocalist, who has ministered under great men of God like Dr. Daniel Olukoya of the Mountain of Fire and Miracle ministries (MFM) and Pastor E. A. Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has worked with other great artistes in the country and abroad. Ajanaku, whose mentor is Tunde Kuboye of Jazz 38 has been ruling the airwaves with her debut single, Joshua, a classy tune which speaks about the fall of the walls of Jericho. She tells ADETUTU AUDU her strong vocal chord is her unique selling point.
WITH a Masters degree in Public Relations and International Affairs, why gospel music when it is generally believed that you can easily make money through secular music?
It is a divine call. It is not something that I dabbled into. I discovered that I have a strong passion for anything that concerns God. And it comes naturally to me.
My distinction is my genre of music and deep lyrical content. I am a professional gospel jazz singer. Sadly, many songs being churned out in recent times lack lyrical contents. They are merely nonsensical. The contents of my song are so strong that many have testified to its life-transforming effect.
Before now, what were you doing?
I was into fashion and I also ran a public relations outfit with my husband. But professionally, I am a musician now and I want to focus on music. I have a strong voice and, initially, I thought that was a minus. But after listening to an American gospel singer, Miles Jackson, I was able to discover that my genre of music is jazz. People have been blessed through the music.
Your two singles, Joshua and Thank God, are currently ruling the airwaves, how do you feel?
It’s a thing of joy that after ministering under great men of God like Dr. Olukoya and Pastor Adeboye, I could come out with inspiring singles that are widely acceptable. The two singles, Joshua and Thank God, are doing very well on air and the response has been massive.
What inspired the two singles?
Actually, singing has been a passion; it’s something I had fallen in love with since childhood. I have been singing since I was five. I could remember that each time I followed my mother to events, I would entertain and they would splash money on me.
Over time, I got enough encouragement from friends and family members to go into it professionally. I was influenced by prophecies from my spiritual fathers such as Dr. Olukoya and Pastor Adeboye. The singles were instant hits. Thank God was borne out of a testimony I heard and personal experiences. It’s a soul-lifting music meant to inspire the depressed. By the end of the year the full album will be out.
Your unique voice has received so much commendation. How did you achieve this?
It’s a style that is rare in Nigeria. I was influenced by the greatest gospel singer in America, Miles Jackson. I find it very convenient. It’s classic jazz. I have ministered in so many churches within and outside Nigeria and quite popular due to the uniqueness of my voice and songs. In fact, many weep after my ministration. My boss, Mr. Kuboye, who is the owner of Jazz 38, also influenced me. Even Dr Olukoya and Pastor Adeboye used to say they have not heard such a unique voice. I have been ministering under Dr. Olukoya for over 10 years.
Would you say you are now fulfilled?
I am on the path of fulfillment. Before now, I had been struggling with myself. I sing from within and people get inspired. I don’t just sing for entertainment.
You were on a tour recently, how was the experience like?
It was awesome. I ministered in most of the churches in London, New York, Minnesota. The people appreciated the music because it is a blend of African rhythm and foreign song. The reaction was wonderful.
Which other music act inspires you?
I love Modele. She has been wonderful with her style. We have very few talented jazz musicians who are into gospel despite the fact that we have many lovers of jazz music in the country. We only have contemporary artistes.
How do you juggle between motherhood and career?
By God’s grace we have been able to go far. I have been married for 12 years with kids and my husband has been very supportive. He encourages me to go ahead.
What’s the secret of your success?
The secret is God. Also, I have the support of great men of God behind me whose roles in my life influenced my success. I am a gospel singer under Dr Olukoya at MFM. Pastor Adeboye and Pastor Ben of RCCG really influenced my success in the Diaspora.
