A major force in contemporary inspirational music, Tim Godfrey adapts gospel sounds to pop lyrics, from western style, to indigenous Africa music, from dance choreography, to drama. Recently headlining The African praise Experience (TAPE) hosted by the Pastor Paul Adefarasin’s House on the Rock Cathedral Church, Tim, in this chat with ADEFEMI BELLO, discusses his music career, Fearless Concert, and also reacts to questions on his relationship.
It’s that time of the year again ‘Tour to five Cities.’ How do you feel recounting historic event like Fearless Concert yearly?
Hosting Fearless Concert could be a bit challenging as the economy keeps biting hard because we have really not considered sponsorship yet. Hopefully, by next year we will start taking sponsors. And for now, regarding finances we’re doing everything within us, God on our side. People have identified good with us. Fact be spoken, people really appreciate what we do and everybody wants to be part of the movement.
More so, the caption ‘Fearless’ is very captivating. Sometimes, we just dream it big, either there’s money or no money. Fearless is a word that encourages the young, adult, artisans, civil servants and just anybody passing through hardship. Just say the word ‘I’m fearless, I conquer. No matter what the economy is saying and my bank account reads, I don’t care, I’m fearless.’ Hosting fearless since 2016, 2017 and 2018 being the third edition, it has moved from being a project to a movement. Fearless movement has to do with facing and conquering social problems faced by people on a daily basis.
What has been the experience working with Marvin Sapp, Kirk Franklin and Travis Greene?
It wouldn’t have been really easy looking between the lines. Nobody would think a single artiste could host gospel legends on his platform because it’s usually done by bigger churches who have the money and resources to host such artistes like Kirk Franklin (who) has won 12 Grammy awards and Travis Greene, who has also won six Stella awards, just mention it. These guys are wonderful gospel artistes. Performing with them on stage and hosting them on my platform ‘ROX Nation’ is a huge plus.
People are really enjoying the immense turn out. Truly, we don’t just do praise and worship. We do proper production. It has rubbed on us also but we are enjoying it gracefully it as being awesome.
These artists are being hosted based on the type of music Tim Godfrey & Xtreme crew does?
You know people with their different opinions. “Tim Godfrey, why can’t you host this artist because they do the type of your music?” but no, only on spiritual leads (do) I host artistes.
Let talk about your music: What type music do you do?
I don’t want to burst myself. Specifically, I do ‘Adore kingdom worship’. Although, social media has equated my music to be Kirk Franklin style. Personally, I create music with anything.
No matter what someone says, most times (I) tell story with my music. I creatively do any type of music but it depends on the sound and inspiration. I can work with-jazz, Afro, hip-hop and reggae. Later, I can inspire myself with something else but for now I’m fine with kingdom music.
What was your reaction when people said you’re an entertainer and not a worshipper?
If you listen to my songs, you will know it is not true. I do worship and still entertain.
How do you get inspirations for your songs, the tune arrangement, the drama, choreography and dance?
Depends on what God lays in my heart. Where I function most is when I see seas, trees around me and sometimes happenings in the streets or social problems. Just in June, I recorded 12 songs. Normally I can finish two albums in two weeks.
How do you relate with your crew?
Particularly, this year had bigger team and also worked with Nigeria professional dancer and dance instructor Kaffy. Most, I just say guys, this is what we are going to do now. We sit down to do almost everything together.
Would you like working with hip-hop stars, the likes of gospel female artist Tasha Cobbs who on a single title ‘Get Ready sing’ feat Nicki Minaj?
Yes, I listen to these guys a lot. They inspire me a lot. I mean, they are premium stars not just hip hop artists and great legendary artists. Interestingly, I want to work with hip-hop artists like Jay-Z, Travis Scott, Beyoncé and Kanye West. I also love our gospel guys too. I urge people not be judged. Perhaps, everybody has their own different calling, everyone can’t be prophet. As I always say, you can’t give personal beliefs as the world’s doctrine.
Do you think Nigerian gospel stars can compete for international awards such as BET Awards, though we’d seen the likes of hip-hop counterparts representing Nigeria globally?
I think next sound is coming from Nigeria on gospel scenes. I know truly I and some gospel artists are doing great work and great awards. I know for sure, from Stella to Grammy, we are going to win all that. Frankly winning more souls for Christ should our major, then later awards can follow.
Do you have a spiritual father?
Yes, Pastor Paul Adefarasin.
How can you describe your relationship with him?
He has been my role model and father. The man is just an amazing man and supporter of dreams.
Are you in a relationship, like dating?
No and no comments for now. Because I don’t like talking about my private life.
