The Nation Newspaper

Tag: gospel

  • Gospel acts gather for Worship Unleashed

    Partnering with Foursquare Youth Ministries Somolu, multi-talented Soul singer, Qadowsh, is set to host a worship service tagged Worship Unleashed. The concert comes up at Jebako Hall, Somolu on Sunday, August 9 at 4pm.

    Ministering alongside Qadowsh in this no-holds-barred worship service will be Kenny K’ore, No Nayme and Lifestyl.

    The Mojubare songstress said: “Beyond having to listen to good music, there is an atmosphere of worship charged with the presence of God which will create life changing moments that won’t be forgotten in a hurry.”

    Qadowsh has been described as a passionate Soul singer who is always eager to share the Good News of Christ, as the true epitome of holiness and completeness. A voice trainer and music graduate, she strives for excellence at all times and believes worship is meant to be a lifestyle.

  • MEGA awards call for entries

    MEGA awards call for entries

    The Music and Entertainment Gospel Awards, MEGA Awards has called for the submission of entries for the third edition of its awards.

    The award was launched to recognize and celebrate outstanding performances and exemplary talents in Nigerian gospel music community, within the country and abroad.

    Entry forms for interested gospel artistes are free and available here from Monday June 1 and closes on Friday, July 31 2015.

    The attention of judges and screeners will be focused on original works released or published between May 1, 2014 and April 30, 2015.

    Judges/Screeners include Rev. Bassey Ekpeyong (Karis Band), Mr. Laolu Akintobi (aka Laolu Akins, ace producer/music advocate) and Evang. Tolu Gaye (ex-A&R Mgr, EMI).

    Others include Mr. Funmi Onabolu (GMD, Cosse Group – Advertising), Broda Martyns (recording artiste/minister), Pastor Uche Chikwendu (youth/music minister), Ms Gloria Rhodes (Director, Steve Rhodes Foundation), Pastor Abayomi Oladiji (Regional Director, RCCG Drama) and a few others.

    Full list of the approved Award categories, descriptions and definitions, among other details, can also be viewed here.

  • I’m not a gospel artiste – BUSOLA OKE ELEYELE

    I’m not a gospel artiste – BUSOLA OKE ELEYELE

    She found her way into stardom with the hit track Eleyele few years back and many wondered what’s happening to her since the release of the album. In this interview with ADEWOYIN ADENIYI, Busola Oke, popularly known as Eleyele, explains what she has been up to, in and outside the country, including plans to establish a clothing line among other issues. 

    What has been happening to you all this while?

    I have been going in and out of the country. At a time, I relocated permanently, but I am back to Nigeria now.

    A lot has been read about Busola Oke, but how soon do you think you can achieve the feat Eleyele hit made?

    Everything in life depends on God and the individual’s ability and struggle. For me Busola, I am doing all I can to attain my dream place in this chosen career and to make my fans proud of me but, with God all things are possible. I am working very hard to become even better than what is expected of me.

    I would like you to clarify this; are you a gospel artiste or an inspirational singer?

    I am a professional musician; I do different kinds of music. An inspirational singer sings reality, he or she sings from a natural source; something that will move you or remind you of something that is real, something that will touch your soul and also pass a message but, a gospel artiste is like a Minister of God; his or her song might either be preaching the gospel or praising and appreciating God.

    What would you refer to as the challenges of the entertainment industry?

    I will mention three if you don’t mind. Number one is piracy. Second is bad marketers and promoters while the third is substandard music

    You are famous for your Eleyele hit; do you think there is still market for your kind of music inside and outside Nigeria?

    Thank God for Eleyele, but my kind of music is the original African beat and style. It’s not of the western world or imitations. It is real and anything that is real makes way anywhere and everywhere but, at the same time, I am not the best, my music is not the best and there is still room for amendments and improvement.

    What would you say inspires your compositions?

    My compositions come from my natural inspiration from God and in my everyday life, I compose from reality

    Do you write and compose all your songs or do you hire people to do that for you?

    I write and compose all my songs.

    It is generally believed that marriage takes female artistes to the back seat, how true is this?

    For me, my marriage is not affecting me in anyway but as a cultural person, I must also put my marriage into consideration in everything I do. I don’t see how it affects me as a person because my husband is my biggest fan and also my biggest promoter owing to his encouragement morally and financially.

    As a beautiful lady, how often do you get advances from men?

    Like Jack Robinson. I mean every second, every minute, every day and time. To be realistic, this is very common and I must say I am used to advances from the opposite sex but, for someone with focus and determination, it’s easy to handle.

    Doesn’t your husband get jealous?

    Oh my God! Can you show me just one man that doesn’t get jealous? Only if the person is Jesus or Prophet Muhammed!

    Can you let us into the man in your life?

    My man is an introvert, he doesn’t like publicity, he loves his privacy. I don’t bring him into my career and he doesn’t bring me into his business as well. He is not a showbiz person. I chose this path because of my talent.

    How did you meet?

    Our meeting was divine. I don’t want to talk about my husband. The most important thing is that I love him and he loves me too.

    What drives your passion?

    Good music and good people

    Apart from music, what does Bukola Eleyele do?

    Asides music, Busola Oke Eleyele is a professional caterer, a cloth designer and event planner.

    What’s your advice to young women of today?

    My advice to our young women is for them to have focus, learn to be strong, be determined and believe in themselves.

    As a lady, what is the weirdest thing a female fan had told you?

    I can’t believe I am finally sharing this. One day, a female fan called me and said, ‘Busola Oke, what is it about you that my husband is going crazy for? He even told me that I must learn and know how to sing all your songs and also wear your hairstyles. Busola Oke, who are you? What planet are you from? What is special about you?’  I was so shocked and short of words.

    How would you describe yourself in three words?

    I am a goal getter.

    What are your plans for 2015?

    This 2015 is going to be a very busy year for me because I have lots of projects on the table. For example, releasing the album of my first artiste, Segun Royal, my personal video, Emimimo, launching of my Foundation and Clothing Line, and finally, introducing my new music concept.

  • Shaydee goes gospel with Pastor J in My Way

    Shaydee goes gospel with Pastor J in My Way

    One of Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E) leading acts, Shaydee, recently collaborated with Jimmy Odukoya, popularly known as Pastor J, in a new gospel single titled My Way, a thanksgiving song.

    The song which was released under Pastor J’s label, Firehouse Records, in report, sees Shaydee put his skills to use while Pastor J delivered on the verse with rap, making My Way, an Afro beat rap.

    Pastor , makes a comeback with the fresh new single, coming after his last single, Mr Wonder produced by Wizzypro and visuals shot by Moe Musa.  My Way was produced by Spax.

  • Gospel sensation Mae Wo drops You’re Worthy

    HOUSTON, United State-based Nigerian gospel singer, Ademewo Agbebiyi-Nwachukwu, aka Mae-Wo, has released her first single, titled You’re Worthy.

    After months of hard work, Mae Wo said her fans and lovers of good music should watch out for her. “I have just recorded my first single, You’re Worthy, produced by Sean Keyz for Sept’18 Records. The album is set to be released by summer of 2015 by God’s grace,” she told The Nation.

    Despite being armed with two degrees in Health Administration and Nursing, Mae Wo said she decided to do what she has always had a passion for, which is music. According to the singer, she started singing as a little girl age in her local church choir, where she discovered her passion for singing and consequently received the support of her family.

    On how she combines family responsibility with music, she said, “Although it has not been easy going for rehearsals, studio and ministrations and having to play mummy and wife, the Bible says in 2 Chronicles 15:7: ‘But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.’ I hold unto that every day and I know it is all going to be worth it at the end.”

  • From Glory To Glory to bring gospel acts together

    From Glory To Glory to bring gospel acts together

    Grace Family Church will, from November 12 to 16, hold its annual convention with the theme, From Glory To Glory. According to the General Overseer of the Church, Reverend Yinka Ojo, this year’s edition is timely because it has a direct bearing on the state of the nation.

    “We believe this one is very crucial because we are just a few weeks to a very crucial period in the history of our nation, the general elections. We believe that the intervention of God is what has kept Nigeria to this point,” said Ojo.

    According to the reverend, the convention will be held every day in the church premises, while on Saturday evening and Sunday morning, the activities will move to Blue Rooftop of Lagos Television, LTV. He also revealed that Ministers within and outside Nigeria will use music to evangelise to the people.

    “To a large extent, music is crucial to the sanity of Nigeria. Psychology shows that singing diffuses the tension in your life even if you don’t know what you are singing about. If you can sing a song of joy and pray, it diffuses the ticking time bomb inside you. On a higher level spiritually, we believe that praise, worship and music is what brings down the glory of God and this event is about us moving from glory to glory,” he added.

    Nigerian artiste, Omoobaorun and the award-winning Shalom will be thrilling guests at the conference. Elray and Tryx will be coming in from the UK while Stacey Guhr from the United States will also be performing during the ceremonies.

    Speaking on behalf of other artistes who will be performing, Omoobaorun said there will be a lot of praise worship as the intention is to let God use music to bless people.

  • From Glory To Glory to bring gospel acts together

    From Glory To Glory to bring gospel acts together

    Grace Family Church will, from November 12 to 16, hold its annual convention with the theme, From Glory To Glory. According to the General Overseer of the Church, Reverend Yinka Ojo, this year’s edition is timely because it has a direct bearing on the state of the nation.

    “We believe this one is very crucial because we are just a few weeks to a very crucial period in the history of our nation, the general elections. We believe that the intervention of God is what has kept Nigeria to this point,” said Ojo.

    According to the reverend, the convention will be held every day in the church premises, while on Saturday evening and Sunday morning, the activities will move to Blue Rooftop of Lagos Television, LTV. He also revealed that Ministers within and outside Nigeria will use music to evangelise to the people.

    “To a large extent, music is crucial to the sanity of Nigeria. Psychology shows that singing diffuses the tension in your life even if you don’t know what you are singing about. If you can sing a song of joy and pray, it diffuses the ticking time bomb inside you. On a higher level spiritually, we believe that praise, worship and music is what brings down the glory of God and this event is about us moving from glory to glory,” he added.

    Nigerian artiste, Omoobaorun and the award-winning Shalom will be thrilling guests at the conference. Elray and Tryx will be coming in from the UK while Stacey Guhr from the United States will also be performing during the ceremonies.

    Speaking on behalf of other artistes who will be performing, Omoobaorun said there will be a lot of praise worship as the intention is to let God use music to bless people.

    “We have a mission to carry people into God’s presence. It is not about showing off, but what is important for us is to give to the people of God what He has in stock for them. For people that are coming for the programme, we are trusting God to give them whatever they desire,” he said.

  • ‘Jesus changed me from secular to gospel artiste’

    ‘Jesus changed me from secular to gospel artiste’

    He started his music career as a hip-hop artiste but Meshach Budaye, a 300-Level Industrial Technology Education student at the Federal University of Technology in Minna (FUT MINNA), Niger State, who is known on campus as Meshbee, changed his genre of music after his third song. The rapper tells UCHE EKWUEME-DURU (classmate) why he now sings gospel music.

    What genre of music do you do?

    I am into gospel music, where I do rap and R and B.

    What inspired your music talent?

    I cannot really point what inspired me into music but I discovered I had a special likeness for music. I got involved and developed the ability. I found out that I was very good at it; so I decided to go deeper in music. Taking the decision of going into music was not a hard one for me because I noticed my ability for rap.

    Which musicians would you say influenced your choice?

    When I started some years back, I was into secular music. The famous Jude Abaga known as MI in the music industry was my role model. I loved the way he churned out the rap in his songs, so I became attracted to him and his kind of music. Gradually, I started listening to a wider range of music, such as songs by Busta Rhymes, Twista, Tech 9ine and the rest of them. Then, I became motivated also by them. But when I got born again and met with Jesus, my life changed. I stopped doing secular music. I am strictly a gospel artiste now. I now look up to the likes of Lecrea, Da Truth, and Dwayne Tryumph. These are now my mentors.

    Do your parents support your going into music?

    They are not in full support of my choice. They made a suggestion that I should finish my studies first before pursuing my music career.

    How has it been combining your studies with music?

    Mixing the two has not been easy. But I try my best to strike a balance between both sides. I don’t give all my time to one and neglect the other. Whenever I am in school, I focus more on my studies so as to make good grades and when I am at home, I do my music.

    How many songs have you done before now?

    I have four songs to my credit. I am working on the fifth one. Three of the four songs are actually secular while the last is a hip-hop gospel.

    Are you signed to any label yet?

    No. But some music labels have been meeting me for a record deal.

    What is your advice for students that may have this kind of passion?

    My word for them is to put in their best and be the best they can be if they have the passion to do music. Being good at music comes by doing music often. They must not be frustrated in pursuing their dreams.

  • MEGA: Organisers chart new path for gospel music in Nigeria

    MEGA: Organisers chart new path for gospel music in Nigeria

    Although this year’s edition of the annual interactive music workshop organised by the Music and Entertainment Gospel Awards (MEGA) has come and gone, its beautiful memory will continue to linger in the minds of the participants, particularly because of the salient discourses which were aimed at rewriting the story of the gospel music in Nigeria.

    At the event held last Wednesday, The Coordinator of the workshop, Femi Akintunde-Johnson, aka FAJ, stated that gospel music in Nigeria is lacking in terms of adequate media representation. He, therefore, called on media professionals to rise to the occasion by providing the needed coverage for gospel activities.

    Also, the CEO of Xclusive 2 Divinity(X2D) TV, Deji Irawo, urged Gospel music artistes in Nigeria to eschew conflict and embrace unity.

    According to him, “We claim to sing about the love of Jesus, which is the good news. But how can you give what you don’t have? If we are supposed to sing about love and we don’t have love among us, then, there is a bit of hypocrisy somewhere. We need to address those issues. I think this generation needs to rise and do something different.”

    The first session treated the topic, “Probing the Urgent Question: Why Do We Create Music?”, while the second discussed “Providing the Cogent Answers: Why They Create Music”.

    Present at the workshop were top-rated gospel music artistes and industry practitioners, including multiple award-winning producer and instrumentalist, Wole Oni; veteran broadcaster, Tokunbo Ojekunle and award-winning songwriter and vocalist, Lara George, among others.

  • Ekiti deputy governor-elect tasks churches on prosperity gospel

    The Ekiti State deputy governor-elect, Pastor Kolapo Olusola, has tasked churches on making disciples for Christ rather than making millionaires out of members.

    He  chided the church leaders, who focus more on prosperity gospel.

    Speaking at the 44th Annual Conference and inauguration of the  Christ Apostolic Church Students’ Association (CASA) in Osogbo, Olusola advised the church to purge itself of acts capable of misleading the multitude.

    The deputy governor-elect, who said the church had lost focus of its primary duty, maintained that for the church to work in consonance with the Christ it must go back to the basics and make disciples for the Lord.

    He said those in position of power must demonstrate the fear of God.

    Olusola, who was a senior lecturer in the Department of Building at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, said: “I believe politics should be about making life better for the people.

    “If we have the fear of God I know it will not be difficult leading the people.”

    The newly- elected President of CASA, Pastor Joseph Adeyemo, challenged youths to make themselves available as tools for good work.

    He said youths must allow God to be in charge of their lives if they want to succeed, urging them to shun the temptation to go against the will of God by not getting involved in crimes and other social vices.