Band members absconding abroad hard to curtail until… — Big B

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2 years ago

You recently held a smaller edition of your usual annual event. Why?

After the 12th edition of the concert last year, I had a strong nudge to have a thanksgiving concert because only God could have pulled us through all we went through as a nation.

We have had 12 events in 12 years, so I thought to make the thirteenth edition a thanksgiving special and take it to a ministry or church location. We had to change from our normal month of July to September to suit the logistics of the venue we had in mind. We thank God that it turned out very well and we earnestly look forward to ‘Turn It Up’ 14.

The gospel music industry has evolved over the years with new ministers and sound. In your opinion, do you think the audience has changed?

I will say it’s being accepted by a larger audience now so it’s reaching new grounds and hearts .

Issues of godfatherism, cliques, seclusion etc are also alleged in your industry. As a role model to many, what have you experienced and how can we move forward?

I have not experienced it so maybe those who have can shed more light on the issue, but I must say that as a Gospel artiste, you can’t know everyone. Some of our fathers and mothers in the gospel and music industry can’t know everybody and will usually only beckon on those they trust and are comfortable with to be inner disciples.

Another allegation was made recently of some band boys of a popular musician absconding while on tour in the US. How can this be nipped in the bud especially for gospel ministers?

It’s very heartbreaking that such happened to a leader that had invested so much into building the team.

And pushing them to great opportunities, I pray the leader is able to re-establish trust with a new team because it will be hard for such a person to trust, however I am not sure such can be avoided for now especially with this relocation mindset, maybe when the social and economic situation of Nigeria is much better then the eagerness to stay in a foreign land might reduce.

Many allege that the gospel music industry does not enjoy enough ambassadorial influence or support from corporate organisations or even the church itself. Why is this and what can be done?

I would say it’s our faith that hold many back. Well, the truth is any gospel artiste that can give a brand the projected impact and influence still gets beckoned upon, I know a few who have turned down such offers because in a subtle way, the contract was asking the artiste to tone down on Jesus when speaking out the brand .

In recent times, more gospel ministers are dropping worship for praise so as to become popular and get streams online. How does this affect the industry?

As long as it’s all as unto Jesus, let all keep firing their cylinders.

What are you also doing to educate mentees against worldly aspirations?

Directing all to the word himself Jesus and his words. (Holy bible)

Are there still any plans for a major concert this year?

A personal concert will have to wait till next year, we have a lot of outreaches and crusades to handle.

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