Gospel music lacks solid structure —Kay Spirit

Kayode Jemiseniyan, otherwise called Kay Spirit, is one of the fast-rising artistes in the gospel music industry. In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, he speaks on his career and other issues in the industry. Excerpts:

How did you discover your passion for music?

I would say that my dad influenced my music career. I was a restless child while growing up and part of my punishment by dad was to force me to stay glued to the television watching the programme Sesame Street. It was there I unconsciously developed interest in music, dictions, harmonies and solfa notations which later became more emphasised when I was drafted from the children’s church into adult choir. Aside that, my dad also likes music. He leads hymns in the house, as well as known to be a bass singer. Back then, hymn was part of our night prayers which used to be my best moments, as I would sing beautiful harmonies along with my sisters, who happened to be great singers too. Any time we were in church, something in me was always fascinated and fixated by the dexterity of the church organist as he played. Eventually, I developed my music career and started music professionally in 1991 in the city of Ilorin, Kwara State.

What was growing up like?

It is just like the average upbringing for most children in this part of the world. Being the first boy of the family of eight gave me the privilege of enjoying some pampering, until our last born showed up as a guy. I was raised by hardworking and loving parents. My dad did his best as a banker, with a great support from my mum, an industrious tailor to take care of us and instill moral values in us that formed the foundation for our lifestyles as adults. My mum is a tough disciplinarian, especially in the house. I grew up among wonderful siblings. Of course, as a family, we had our high and low moments, especially in the area of finance, but looking back we can confidently say that God’s grace has sustained us hither to.

What is the experience like so far?

I will describe it as awesome and challenging, because I have always enjoyed the grace of God in my career. Gospel music has changed my life for good and has given me the opportunity to explore what God has deposited in me to liberate the world.

Why do you think gospel music is not as lucrative as secular?

We have no structure as the secular.  Another major challenge is that there is no proper, solid and real structure on ground to support gospel musicians or encourage them to toe that line with an assurance that their basic needs and that of their families will be met. Over the years, attempts made by people who had an inkling into the importance of this to gather gospel musicians under an umbrella in order to achieve this structural goal. But the fire in both the visionary and the initially excited members were doused by political ambitions and the entire vision got killed by greed. It is a pity to know that the secular folks are grounded even in the gospel principle that ‘a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.’  The Gospel musicians, who have made significant impact got there through personal struggles and sacrifice, and most times even when they have the good intention of pulling the younger ones along, it is just so difficult, because there is no structure.

What are your plans for 2017?

I have a lot of plans and projects for this year and I am hopeful that God will make me achieve them with divine grace. I am currently working on an album. It is a praise/worship album. By the grace of God, the project will be ready before the end of the first quarter of 2017. Also, plans are already on to premier the project with a praise night concert within the same time in Abuja, Lagos and Ilorin respectively. A video of Praise without Borders will follow suit in the second quarter by God’s grace. More so, part of the proceeds from these programmes will be earmarked for corporate social responsibilities and community impact in our own little way. We will put smiles on the faces of the needy, especially widows and orphans. Plans to support up-and-coming gospel artistes in the pursuit of their musical dreams are also in the pipeline.

How do you get your inspiration as a gospel singer?

To me, inspiration is about breathing in. My experiences in life inspire me; the good or not-so-good; the things I have been through or still going through; the things that I see, the things that I hear; the things I read; people and their creative works inspire me; nature God’s handiwork inspires me; answered and unanswered prayers inspire me; the desire to encourage and minister to someone else inspires me.

Advice for up and coming music ministers?

I urge them not to give up. They should never stop believing in their gifts or stop upgrading themselves but stay current to remain relevant. Nurture, respect, honour and invest in relationships and most importantly ensure to stay healthy.a