I want to use sax to heal the sick, raise the dead, 11-yr-old, saxophonist

At 11, he is resolute in becoming a famous saxophonist. Temitayo Kayode, popularly known as TemmySax, a wonder kid and multi-talented instrumentalist, in this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, he speaks on how he has been able to combine his academics and his talent, among other issues.

You have been able to prove that your passion for saxophone is not a fluke following your steady rise in the industry. How did you discover your passion for the musical instrument?

I fell in love with saxophone when I was two years old. I usually went to my daddy at the choir stand, because he is chorister. So, I played any musical instrument I laid my hand on. I did this for a while and gradually developed passion for it. At some point, I told my parents that I wanted to learn how to play any instrument. I started with the drums; I practised with talking drums and drum set. At four, I came across a popular saxophonist, Beejay Sax on the television. I was amazed with his display and I told myself that this was what I really wanted. I told my parents to buy me a sax. My daddy didn’t agree initially; he wanted me to concentrate on my studies, because I was doing well in school. I was already representing Lagos State in Mathematics competition at that time. So, they didn’t want me to take part in anything that could distract me from my studies, but my mummy went ahead to get me a saxophone, as well as a teacher. She begged my daddy to allow me follow my passion for a little while and he agreed. 

So, how has it been since you picked up saxophone professionally?

It was difficult at the beginning, but the passion I have for it has made the experience interesting. My parents encouraged me and I also gave myself enough courage to create uniqueness with the instrument. I thank God for giving me the grace to discover talent at my tender age. I see myself as an instrument in the hand of my God and I am delighted to be a chosen vessel for the propagation of the gospel.

You are considered to be one of the wonder kids poised to revolutionalise your genre of music, how prepared are you for the task? 

I am fully prepared and I don’t entertain any fear, because I have God’s backing. I am ready to use my talent to inspire other children around the world to discover their talents. For me, There is no going back, because I have a mission. I want to be successful like every prominent saxophonist around the world.

Where do you draw your inspiration?

I am always spirit-filled whenever I handle the sax. God takes over anytime I am set for performance. My prayer is that God  grants me grace and wisdom to excel in the industry and be a source of inspiration to people. I have been able to inspire my younger siblings: one likes the saxophone and the other plays the keyboard. They are learning fast. So, it is going to be a home of multi-talented instrumentalists anytime soon.

There is a claim that saxophonists often suffer critical health issues later in life. Don’t you have this fear?

I have no fear about being a saxophonist. I cannot be threatened by any superstition because God is the message and I am just a mere messenger. Because of the God factor and the fact that my passion, I have nothing to fear about; nothing negative will happen to me.

Do you feel threatened as a young saxophonist among the A-lists in the industry?

I am not. I am not in competition with anybody. My mission is to glorify the Lord and spread the gospel.

Why did you choose gospel?

I am brought up in a Christian home. I see my talent as a divine call; so, it has been a delightful experience doing the will of God and I don’t plan to I can switch to secular music. Gospel is enough for one to flourish, especially when one has a divine backing. I have a mission and it is strictly gospel. I now have my own concert, TemmySax Live in Concert, tagged: Grace and I have a single.

How have you been able to combine your studies and career?

I focus on my studies from Mondays to Fridays and give enough time for sax at weekends. Instead of any setback,  they have been working for good for me. Like in Mathematics, one needs some calculations and equations when playing sax sometimes, because it involves some logic.

Is there any possibility of dumping the sax, considering your passion for Mathematics?

My ambition is to become a medical doctor and multi-talented instrumentalist. I want to use both talents to glorify God and win souls. In fact, I want God to manifest Himself more in my life as a saxophonist; I want Him to use me to heal the sick, blind and raise the dead through my sax, even before the next five years. I also see myself gaining admission into the university within the same period.

Now that you are one of the wonder kid saxophonists, what kind of special treatment  do you enjoy at school?        

I relate with my colleagues as a family, because I believe we are all the same. The school authority sees me as a good student. I let them realise that I am open to correction and punishment like every other students. Some of my colleagues tell me that I am already famous and that I am too big for the school, but I let them realise that God created us the same way and that no one knows what the future holds.

How did your parents, especially your daddy, receive your breakthrough?

I am delighted that I didn’t only convince them that I could excel, but I have also, in my little way, made them proud. They remain my source of encouragement and motivation, especially when I encounter challenges. They tell me to be consistent in what I am doing. Their prayers and words of encouragements have helped me a lot.

What is your greatest challenge?

Combing academics and sax, but I have been able to balance the two. God has  blessed me with good parents. My daddy is my manager and my family is my first fan. They follow me to events. I also have a band and they have been very supportive.

What is your growing up like?

It has been awesome. I was born on July 10, 2007. I am the first and only son in a family of five. We are Christians and our parents teach us in the way of God. My parents are disciplinarians and caring. I am in JSS 3 at Kings College, Lagos State.

Any advice for your fans?

I want to advise them to always trust in God. I also advise parents to keep supporting their children and nurture their talents. They should not bury their talents. Parents should make extra efforts to give their children maximum support to discover their talents.

Where has your talent taken you to?

I won the God Children Great Talent (GCGT) Season 5 in age 7-9 category, where over 3000 children from US, UK, CANADA and Nigeria participated in the competition. I have attended many music concerts. I was also a guest minister at the birthday of the wife of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye organised by pastor’s Seed Fellowship (PSF), where I was opportune to play alongside top saxophonists, including, Pastor Kunle Ajayi; Bolaji Banjoko (a.k.a Beejay Sax); Dr Kunle Pimiloye (Ksticks) and some other foreigners.  I have also been privileged to minister at the RCCG National Convention; Seven horns of Joshua gospel sax concert; End of the year Carol and Thanksgiving Services of Amni Petroleum; Wema bank, Sterling Bank and Genesis Fashion Show to mention a few.

I have shared stage with music legend, King Sunny Ade and some saxophone legends like: Mike Aremu, Segun Oluwayomi, Nathaniel Bassey, Olujazz, Imoleayo Balogun, Funmilayo Ajayi (Funmisax) and others. The gift has also given me the opportunity to minister in USA, UK, and Turkey and in different churches.