Mike Abdul, a member of the popular gospel group, Midnight Crew, who has featured in so many musical videos with other gospel artistes, has decided to go solo by dropping a new single, ‘Morire’. He speaks with Dorcas Omunagbe on his passion and why he decided to go solo.
CAN you tell us why you decided to go solo from the Midnight Crew?
As I answer you, I am at an event with the Midnight Crew at Teslim Balogun Stadium. Our solo efforts run across board. It is an initiative targeting expansion and empowering the individuals in the crew. We have come a long way as a group, investing our time and life; we are not ready to destroy what we have. In other words, we are creating more bands from the mother band.
What are the new challenges the Christian music industry is facing with this new decision?
Same challenges you encounter while building something new. We are not new to such challenges; we always win.
Passion is key in what you do. How do you manage passion with a desire to make it financially?
Giving direction to your passion will help you find a desired structure and organisation for your gifting or talent. If you are able to develop a working structure for your talent, it stands you out to give value to society which in turn will pay you for adding value. You are only worth what you give.
Do you see a form of competition between the gospel and the non-gospel artistes in getting the attention of Christians?
Gospel and secular artistes have the same target audience. It is the same people who go to clubs on Friday that attend church on Sundays. People spend five days listening to secular music on their radio, one extra day to enjoy live performances of secular music in parties on Saturday and only one day for gospel music; this seems to be the design. We all seek the attention of souls. We are not in music just to play our songs to ourselves. It seems more difficult for the gospel artiste; it is a challenge we must surmount.
What efforts can you say are made to keep up with music trends and maintain the Christian audience? What I mean is there are different music trends which are mostly set by the secular artistes; for example, some words from their songs get into the vocabulary of listeners with time. What efforts are made to keep up with these trends and maintain the Christian audience?
Following trends can be difficult and most times inappropriate for gospel artistes. Most trends have sexual undertones and/or are inappropriate for faith-based presentations. Some of us have done our researches and once a while used some of the trending beats but we have discovered that despite all, gospel is meant to be different. We will make the music, write the lyrics, promote the songs as hard as we can and keep sowing the seeds of the spirit as often as we can.
What are your expectations from the Christian music industry or what gaps do you think are there to be filled?
There will always be gaps to fill. Development is a constant feature. We are not where gospel music used to be. Yes, we are not satisfied with where we are; we need to attain a sound that is international, a sound that will make our local content go global. Gospel music and artistes need to be more professional in approach and delivery. Professionalism will make us brands; enviable and desirable brands. We are working, we will get better.
Family is most important in a person’s life. How do you manage time with your job and family?
I believe in separating work from home. Be diligent with work but at the close of work, please go home and create special moments. Let home truly be a home.
What’s your fashion style?
I love to look smart and enviable. Comfort and respect are good enough statements for my fashion
What advice do you have for young upcoming Christian artistes? There is an idea that their colleagues, probably of the same age bracket, make it better in the secular.
Secular music industry will always make more visible money than gospel music just that the money will always never go round even amongst them. Many secular artistes are living below expectation, so let no one think it is greener on the other side. Stay by your calling, fall for nothing. The purpose of gospel music is not the money. Frustration comes when money is all the focus. Understand the music business, make your research, preach the gospel in your music with all sincerity and understanding of your target audience; trust me, you will be comfortable as long as you add value to society.
