Bukola Bekes is a gospel minister who has dignified the gospel music industry with her talent and lifestyle. In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, she speaks on the secret behind her success and her plans for 2024.
YOUR music is known for its powerful messages and emotional impact. How do you select the themes and messages for your songs?
The Bible says in Isaiah 61:1-3: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
The Spirit of the Lord is our guide at every point in time, we rely on him totally for every time of our ministration, either on the stage or outside the stage.
Also, it is from the word of God that we get our messages and God’s word never fails. There is always a word for every season and for everyone.
Gospel music often connects people with their spirituality. How do you see gospel music evolving in the digital age and its roles in contemporary society?
Let me start by saying that the gospel is the good news. It is the good news about Jesus Christ our Lord and saviour. The digital age has helped in spreading gospel music faster than it was some years back. In our society now, you see everyone listening to music right from their fingertips including watching a musical video on social media.
At every point, there is music playing somewhere and this has made this era of digitisation a great advantage, these days music goes viral faster than it was before.
What are some of the challenges you have faced in the music industry, and how did you overcome them?
There are lots, for example before the advent of streaming platforms, distributing our music was a serious concern, in fact, we had a series of experiences with different people, and accountability of supply of our CDs to many places was a challenge, as a matter of fact, till date some organisations we supplied are yet to reconcile the supply. Another challenge is finances, music is a huge industry that requires funds, but we thank God for His faithfulness.
In what way has your marriage to your husband influenced your career?
I thank God for the man He blessed me with. Being married to my husband changed so many things or I can say changed my life entirely. I have seen one of the reasons God in His infinite mercy brought us together in marriage.
Look, I knew I had the calling of God upon my life, but I never knew how to go about it until I met my husband who understands quite a lot of things about music and how to navigate the industry. I learned so many things from him.
Above all, he is never intimidated, he has been a great supporter of our ministry because we worked together. We have a saying that, I am the face of our ministry, but he is the backbone of it. He has been a huge influence in the ministry.
Some women have complained that marriage and motherhood usually affect their careers. What is your own experience?
Children are the heritage of God. The only thing my children changed mostly is my stature. I used to be very slim and tiny, but after having four children I never remained the same.
Again, God placed some wonderful people around me. My family has really been helpful in taking care of my children when we are on the field ministering or travelling.
Will you want your children to follow your path, and why?
Music is in their genes; they are automatically born into a musical lineage by God’s grace, and that they will follow my path or career is not my choice, but theirs. Like I always say, I will not force them to take after me. They are free to follow their desired path.
I believe everyone has their own purpose in life and it is better they pursue theirs rather than for us parents to force them to do what we do. They should follow their passion and what God created them for.
How many nations have you had your popular concert “Worship Experience”/ “Alone with God”?
We had our maiden editions in Nigeria. We have held the concert in the United Kingdom, and Ireland. We collaborated with The Martins in Auckland New Zealand and had another one in Australia.
What is your plan for the year?
By the grace of God, we will be doing quite some this year. We trust God to hold Worship Experience/ Alone with God in Ireland, the UK, the USA, and many other nations. The plans are ongoing to finetune the train.
We noticed that you and your supportive husband have been away for some time. What necessitated this?
This was necessary. You know Jesus Christ our perfect example, sometimes would not be visible to all. We are his children. So sometimes there are factors that would make us be away. However, it is for a good cause. We thank God it ended in praise.
Are there any project or song you are working on?
Yes, by God’s grace from March 2024, we will be dropping some of our new songs, which God gave to us and the videos too will be out simultaneously. Let everyone keep us in their prayers and be expectant.
and then