God taught me to sew, sing —Eden

Eden is one gospel act that is true to her calling. With a collection of songs that are enjoying regular airplay across radio stations in Nigeria, she hopes to inspire a generation with her music. This, among other issues, she revealed to ROTIMI IGE during their chat recently. Excerpts.

 What inspired you to do music?

Music runs in my family. My father loved music. I and my siblings had no other choice but to be lovers too.

Why Gospel?

I chose gospel because I draw inspiration from God and my experiences so far with Him.

Passion or music business.

Many say there’s not much money in gospel music? I’ll say passion. Of course, we all need money but everything boils down to one’s perspective.

I get my own perception from Matthew 6:33 which I’ve learnt to interpret as, “seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and every other thing (all what men are dying for) will come chasing after you”. So it’s passion first and as the vision unfolds, the benefits follow.

Tell us about your kind of music/songs.

My kind of music is strictly straight up gospel music. It could be inspirational, motivational and all encompassing but with the sole aim of passing a message.

Musical influences?

Hmm. I have so many musical influences. In fact, if I start ehn. (Laughs) I love good music and I listen to as many good works as I can lay my hands on as long it has inspirational content.

You also own a bespoke tailoring outfit. How did that come about?

I’ve always nursed a passion for tailoring from childhood. I remember making fabric-dolls at about age seven. Sadly, I lost my wonderful dad just before resumption at 200 level while at the University, thus shattering all my hopes of learning how to sew. I had no money and no one to sponsor me to learn fashion and so, I told God about it. He simply showed up. I started seeing visions and hearing instructions. He taught me how to sew. I just knew it, just like that! Afterwards, I opted to work for free (no pay) in a tailor’s shop. About a year after NYSC, I got a tailoring job in a top bridal fashion-house in the country. Today, I own a tailoring outfit.

As a live/recording artiste, which do you prefer? Do you have a band?

I have a team and we do my music together especially when I’m invited to places (mostly churches). However, I really do not have any particular preference.

What should fans look out for from Eden?

So much than I can even think of. Eden is unpredictable and spontaneous mostly. However, with God on our side, they definitely won’t get less. However, in the mean time, I have a song recently released titled ‘Pray for Me’ dedicated to the young girl-child in Northern Nigeria. It’s a cry against child-labour, violence against women and children and every form of unrest the nation might be faced with generally. It’s available for free download on www.locodeck.com

Any collaboration to look forward to?

Yes. There are so many. I have a couple of artistes I am presently working with.

You are very fashionable, is it possible to be like you without revealing body parts?

(Blushes) Fashion is an expression, a message. Fashion is you! We express ourselves differently; however I’m not a fan of dresses that reveal body parts. So when you see me in long dresses, jeans, and not revealing body parts, it’s simply me being myself.