God called me to sing his expectations, messages to people — De-Ola

Why gospel music?

Firstly, growing up, I loved singing and particularly gospel songs because it always give me great comfort and strength. Though I had a Muslim background, I sang gospel songs a lot. Secondly, after accepting Christianity I joined the choir, singing and started writing beautiful songs. I discovered that music is a great tool to present the message and person of Jesus and the faith, hope, love, comfort and strength he offers and so I gave myself completely to gospel songs.

There have been several testimonies of how my songs have blessed and brought healing to the sick. Three years ago, just listening to my song stopped someone from committing suicide. My songs have also strengthened peoples’ faith and trust in God. Lastly, there is a call and the grace to do this and nothing else.

What sets you apart from other gospel music artistes?

I have a very unique sound and I know it. My songs are not ordinary; there’s always a message in each song; you can’t listen and remain the same.

Since your debut, what would you say has been your motivating factor?

God keeps me going. He talks to me a lot about the great assignment and it is obvious with the feedback on the impact in many lives all around the world. I receive and see people come out or send messages, calls on how my songs blessed and changed their lives from all around the world and it amazes me. So, I am greatly motivated.

Can you take us through the inspirational process of your recently released EP?

Like I said earlier, each song is given to me by God through the Holy Spirit. Many times, I am called upon to pray for a particular person concerning a situation and songs will rise from the place of prayers. So, this time around, I know it was time to give out what He gave me to bless the entire world and I specifically remember one night, I was praying and the Lord said to me, “as you have received it, give it to bless the world”. So, I am just doing what God told me to do.

What challenges did you encounter during the production process and how were you able to conquer them?

God blessed me with great producer. Though in working on one of the songs on the EP, one of the producers almost lost my job. Then, I knew I had to pray because it would mean working all over again. Another told me he relocated for three months but I thank God that he eventually delivered a masterpiece. So, sometimes, the devil knows what’s coming and causes distractions but with God, we always win.

What should be expected of you after this EP?

De-Ola is passionate about reaching out to the indigent in the society and unsaved. Last year, I led a campaign with the ‘ImpactOne’ initiative to provide potable water to the Pakuro community in Asese, Ogun State. Next year, I plan to consolidate on this. I will be organising different evangelical crusades for the purpose of reaching the needy in the society and changing lives all around the world for Jesus. This is so important because Jesus is coming soon and we must reach everyone for the time is indeed, short.

In your opinion, how has the gospel music industry fared so far in Nigeria?

As everyone can see, there’s so much growth already. Gospel artistes are gaining more grounds each day. The message is getting clearer and more recently, very consistent with the word of God.  Therefore, we can say there is so much improvement already over the years and gospel music is the future.