20 years after accident: Many times while performing, I feel like jumping to dance —Ayefele

Yinka Ayefele recently celebrated his gift of life, in remembrance of 20 years after an accident which confined him to a wheelchair. In an interaction with journalists, he recounted his ordeal since the accident and expressed his belief to walk again. ROTIMI IGE presents excerpts:

Twenty years, a life defining transition in form of  an accident happened; what was your reflection these passing years?

First and foremost, I give God the glory for sparing my life; my reflections have been based on what the spinal cord means to every human life. These memories flood back each time I feel the pains I am going through, so I reflect on the importance of the spinal cord at all times.

We remember the instances after the accident, when you sang ‘Bitter and Sweet experience’, particularly as it concerned the late Kola Olawuyi; what memory do you hold of the entire situation?

I will say that I was not grown then, but now I have learnt my lesson because if I had known, I would not have taken it to that extent because I now believe that God has purpose for everything that happens at a particular given period. If Kola Olawuyi had taken it upon himself then, maybe I won’t be where I am today; just like King Pharaoh insisted that Israelites would not go like that, God hardened the heart of Pharaoh for a reason because he wanted him to perish. Likewise, if Olawuyi had helped me like announcing on his programme about my ordeal while I was passing through pain, maybe a lot of people would have rallied round me to give me support financially; maybe I won’t be where I am today because I would not want to be unfaithful and ungrateful to him. But at the same time, well meaning Nigerians rose up and supported me during treatment. Although it generated a lot controversies then I still had to apologise to him because we just have to let it slide.

For the first two weeks after the incident as you lay on the hospital bed, what was going on in your mind about your future?

I thought it was the end and that I was going to die, but when I got to know that it was a spinal cord injury, I was a bit confused because I did not really know much about the importance of the spinal cord and its value in human lives. So, when I was told that I might be confined to a wheel chair for life, I thought I was going to die but eventually I made up my mind and told God that I wanted to live believing that I would still walk again. We were about over 40 that were brought to Neurological Department of the University Teaching Hospital, Ibadan (UCH) at the same time, and all died, except me. I thought it was going to be my end but God is indeed awesome.

How will you describe the experience now that you have been confined to the wheelchair for 20 years now?

I can tell you authoritatively that life on two legs is far better than being restricted to the wheelchair. The pains and the restriction alone are cumbersome because you may want to get something done but cannot do it if there is no assistance. But if you are on your feet, despite not having cash in your pocket, you can still run around to get things done. However, in all, I give thanks to God who has always been my shield and helper.

How will you react to those who feel you prefer to be on the wheelchair?

(Sighs) Can one prefer or choose to be in pain? I am in terrible pains 24hours everyday because I had five ribs broken and I still have that persistent pain. I have learnt to live by it each passing day because if I want to be taking pills, it might cause damage to my kidney, liver or lungs so I decided to live by it. So, I cannot say I prefer living in pain, it’s impossible.

Saying you are still in pain at the moment, medically, how are you doing?

Medically, I am very fit including every other thing (Laughs). I am very agile despite the pains because I try not to be restricted by the pain. I live with and by it. I don’t have any other health issues other than Yinka cannot stand up.

Despite your pain, how then have you been able to create merriment in your music and for your fans?

Well, if I did not tell you now, nobody would know I am still passing through some pains. I just left downstairs playing with children because I love being around people that love me. So, whenever I am in such a gathering, I forget every pain and play along with them because if eventually I walk, they won’t have known who I am during the 20 years that had passed. So, I need to enjoy the time I have presently. Whenever I am on stage trying to make people happy, I  am always ready to give them what they want.

As much as you have lots of competition in your profession, will you say your being favored is as a result of the compassion that people have for you being on the wheelchair?

I don’t think so. When I first released ‘Bitter Experience’, a lot of people said it was patronised because of my condition. Then I came out with the second one and if it was still with sympathy, they bought it and it was accepted. I came out with the third album and over five others I released concurrently. To say those records were bought based on sympathy will not be fair. It only takes the favour of God. There is nothing special about me; I only see the favour of God. Yes, there are lots of musicians that cut across all genres and they are making it yet they are not on a wheelchair; you can see that they are also favoured. The irony of life is the fact that there are some people who don’t like the Ayefele brand and when you ask them why ,‘They’ll be like, Yinka did not offend me, but I just don’t like him’.

Are there moments you feel like jumping up?

Several times! Most times, when I am performing, I want to jump out of the wheelchair, especially whenever I am on stage. Every minute I wish I could stand up because most times I make moves with my legs. Most times I want to show a lot of people that I am still very fit and whenever I see people dancing to my music, I feel like joining them to dance.

A lot of people do not know how to classify your kind of music and some equate it to the fact that maybe that’s the reason you have not performed in churches like the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) camp. Some opined you don’t belong to the gospel sector?

First of all, Tungba is my own kind of music and the Tungba is the sound of my talking drum mix, it is my own way of preaching the gospel if you believe it or not. I am the only Nigerian gospel artiste with lots of Muslim fans in Nigeria. Performing at the Redemption camp is not a ticket to God or heaven and if they want to me to come and perform, I will be invited. I have met with both Pastor Enoch Adeboye and his wife several times at revivals; if I am not invited, it might not be Pastor Adeboye’s fault as it could be sentiment amongst the pastors. I have performed in virtually all other churches.

Do you believe in miracles?

Of course, I believe in miracles, I have been waiting for it and I know surely it will come unexpectedly.

How do you feel listening that genre of song you popularised being sung by Muslim counterparts?

I feel so happy because it’s a legacy; I am not bragging but the truth is if you listen to what everybody is playing, most especially the nowadays gospel artistes, it’s my brand of music. I changed the face of gospel music; we only had Mama Bola Aare, Mama Funmi Aragbaye among others then and they didnt play danceable music, they preached the gospel with songs. A fan called me up on Ileya Day saying they were listening to one of my records. Also, if you listen to Juju music nowadays, they play like Yinka Ayefele’s Tungba. My Muslim brother, Ere Asalatu plays like me; that word, ‘ like Ayefele’, is my pride.

What is your relationship with other upcoming gospel singers?

I encourage them because it will always be my pride that they are doing something and I am there to give them the support needed.  I want to be a part of the success story of many so that when they are writing, they can say that at the point they met me, things changed for them. If you are a musician and you want to get close to me, you are welcome.

When you got the MON, how did you feel?

First, I did not expect it and was too excited because that is the biggest award I have ever received.   Because seeing myself in the midst of Nigerians in quote as one of the awardees, I felt so honored because it is not a thing that you lobby for. I never did because it was based on merit; the Federal government felt I was worthy of it.  My joy was that I did not lobby for it, a letter was written and sent to me just like recently, I got a letter that they want to give me a street in Abuja.  It’s an achievement for me and I don’t take them for granted.