How did you start your music career?
While I was in secondary school, I used to freestyle, and perform at shows. The response I got from people made me know that I could do it, and I didn’t want the talent to die in me. I started out as a secular artiste, and I recorded songs such as “Baby Sumomi,” “Shoddy, what’s your name?” “Edumare fumi lowo,” and many others.
How did the switch to gospel music come about?
It was almost like secular songs were not meant for me. Whenever I went for shows to perform gospel songs, I got cheered, and I usually won competitions. On the other hand, when I went for secular competitions, even though I got cheered, but other people that I know that I’m better than still beat me. However, when I decided to sing gospel songs fully, I realised that my life changed.
Did any specific incident happen that made you dump secular for gospel music?
Yes. At a point, my mom was really sick, and I had to sell everything I managed to gather so I could support her. After she got better, I took ill too. Most times, I used to dream that I was singing in church, and in real life, at all the churches I attended, they kept telling me to use what I have to serve God so that was why I decided to finally serve God and sing gospel songs.
Do you sometimes miss secular music?
Hmm…though doing secular music is fun because you will get the chance to hang out with your friends, but in gospel music, I have found joy that brings peace of mind. I can boldly say that since I started gospel music, I have been blessed more than before. To answer your question, I don’t miss secular music because since I left it, I feel like a heavy burden has been lifted off me, and the gospel music I sing gives me courage that I use to win souls for Christ, just like he won mine to himself.
How did your friends and colleagues react when you dumped secular music?
I was mocked and criticized. I was asked if I would be able to succeed, and at a point I thought they were right. I started thinking of staying back, but later, I thought of it that when I needed help, these same friends never came to my aid, so I decided to stick to gospel music.
How do you fund your music career?
My parents are separated and that’s the main reason why I had to fend for myself. I was able to get money for the production of my album by working at a confectionery company. I saved my pay instead of buying clothes and looking good; at a point, even my boss and colleagues used to say that I was stingy to myself, but I knew within me that I was working towards a goal. However, at this juncture, I am really looking for support from record labels or well-meaning individuals.
What challenges have you faced in your career?
When I was working on my second album, I went through a lot of challenges. My songs got formatted from the computer on many occasions, and we had to start again from the scratch. My producer also fell ill. Along the line, I lost my job. I started work on the album in 2014, but it wasn’t until this year that I was able to finish it by the grace of God.
Tell us about some of the songs on your album
Some of the songs on my album are “One by one,” “Fategunferesimi,” “Ori mi ba mi ware,” amongst others.
What are your expectations from the album?
I just pray to have good promotion for it, and I want God to take control because it’s not something I can do on my own.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
In the next five years, I wish to see myself in the mist of people whose souls I have won to Christ.
Who are your role models in the industry?
I really don’t have a role model. However, I respect my Mother in the Lord, Evang.Tope Alabi because her songs are special.
What would you like to say to upcoming acts like yourself out there?
I want to tell them to keep doing the best they can, and they shouldn’t get discouraged by people’s talk, and women.
How do you handle your female fans?
I have lots of female friends, and I get along fine with them. However, some ladies may want S*X from you, but if you carry yourself well, they will respect you. If they want to help you, they should do that without any strings attached, because if one falls for them, or decides to keep sleeping with them, you are wasting your career and dreams.
Twitter Handle
@JMC1
