Entertainment industry is for the strong, not a child’s play —Melody

What have you been up to lately with your career?

I have been re-branding my music. I’m now a contemporary gospel and inspirational singer. I have been recording new tracks and working on my EP and album. I have also diversified into other areas of the industry; I am also into fashion, events management and other things.

 

How have you been able to combine other interests and music without any clash?

I think God has given me the grace to be flexible. I’m a lady of many talents; though it may look overwhelming. I’m an actress, entrepreneur, model, I also manage events and projects, I’m a makeup artiste, I do public relations, I host a cooking show on Instagram hashtag: “Cook Diary By Melody C Gabriel”. I just started a new brand ‘4 Fruits Smoothie’. However, I’m about to launch an ushering and cleaning service. Above all, music comes first.

 

You have been around for a while, how has the experience been in the industry?

Super cool and at the same time tasking; the industry is for the strong and not a child’s play. If you know what you want, you’ll scale through.

 

Going by your set goal for 2019, would you say you have achieved your aim for the year with you career?

I would say the year is still ongoing and a lot can still happen, but from January till now, it’s a big yes for me. I haven’t gotten all I wanted yet, but the ones I have gotten are beyond my expectations. I didn’t think about them and I only planned for few and they came eventually. God just blew my mind and He is going to do more.

 

Would you say that your recent gym hit was part of the re-branding?

No, this has been a lifestyle from the onset. I have been a gym and workout freak (Fit-farm) since teenage days.

 

How did you discover your passion for music?

I have been into music since age four. I later developed myself with the talent while growing up until I decided that I wanted to make a career out of it. To me, it is fun. I do all kinds or genre of music. I have tested my expertise on Soul and R&B, among other genres of music.

 

What is your assessment of the industry?

No specific assessment. The industry of then is not the industry of now. It changes. Just be true to yourself, work hard, be focused, know what you want and pray. God has the keys to unlock every door.

 

How do you draw inspiration?

Waking up in the morning knowing there are 7.53 billion people in the world I need to reach out to through my music inspires me. It tells me I have to do more than expected, knowing that the aim is for my name to be a household name in the industry soon, is an inspiration; knowing that I’m a role model to lots of people is an inspiration; knowing that I have to make my family proud especially my dad, is an inspiration and knowing that I need to walk into a room without doing an introduction, is an inspiration. Also the “Keyboard” inspires me as well.

 

If you have the opportunity, what will you like to change or correct in the gospel music industry?

Versatility! We can express God in so many ways. We shouldn’t be restricted to just one sound. Every sound is gospel; it’s the intention and the lyrics that truly matters.

 

How many songs do you have to your credit?

Six singles, two videos recorded, 10 songs in process, over 50 songs not recorded yet. Some of my works include: Soso, single and video; I gather; My melody; Baby; The remix (National Anthem); TRY (single and video). These are my formal materials (songs) before the re-branding. The new songs will drop in an EP soon.

 

Who are your role models?

Juanita Bynum, Alicia Keyz, Whitney Houston, Paula White, Nicole C Mullen.

 

There are insinuations that there are various caucuses in the gospel industry, which one do you belong?

Really? I have no idea. I belong to my craft and the vision.

 

What has been your greatest challenge?

The major challenge is finance, but God has been faithful to us. We have been able to carry on even beyond my imagination.

 

What are your plans for 2020?

To be Sincere, I have no idea how 2020 is going to be or go, but I have a strong feeling that it is going to be the best year for me, my craft, and my family. I’m so so hopeful. I already have plans laid already for January – March 2020. By December 1st, I’ll start making plans from March 2020 on-wards.

 

How have you be handling your male admirers?

Same as old; nothing has changed.

 

What distinguishes you from other gospel musicians?

I’m a contemporary and versatile artiste. That’s my brand and bringing something new and entirely different is my main goal. Though I love to play the keyboard, my voice; it is my treasure, and through it, I have a way to return all glory to Him, as well as affect lives with spirited songs. I would say it is a gift from God.

 

Any words to your fans

Only you have the power to make or break you. You have everything and more it takes to get to where you want to, but not without God. One thing is for you to dream it, then believe it, and put it to work. Hard work is very essential. Look above your present condition or situation and know that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. I also want to use this medium to appreciate my fans for all the love and support. They have been really amazing. I want to urge them to keep believing, loving and supporting me. I will make sure and definitely make them proud.