Born and raised in Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Lady Evang Toyin Leshi has always loved singing as a teenager. She was participated in different competitions and waited for the right moment to make a career out of it. She speaks with Segun Adebayo about her music career, ministry and plans.
For some gospel musicians, music usually starts from the church for them. How would you describe your journey into music?
The Journey actually started in 1995 when the Holy Spirit led me to join the Choir of CAC Olorunsogo in Mushin, Lagos. That was where I discovered my gift of singing. I learnt how to sing hymns, classical music and contemporary music. But God has already given me the Prophecy of this ministry in a revival service but I just didn’t know when it will be fulfilled or how. But I give God the glory for the journey so far. He will see me through.
Having the talent to sing is one thing, convincing people you have what it takes is another. How did you get people to believe in what you do?
As per getting people to believe in what I do took years of ministering on different platforms and programs and people start complimenting my ministration as regards how it impacted their lives. But the truth is that you have to believe in yourself first otherwise no one will believe in what you carry. You must have confidence in what God has put inside of you and know who you are in Christ that is when you can convince other people.
How challenging was it at the beginning?
My first album “Oba Ara” was very tough for me because I didn’t really know fully what I was doing. I just knew that God was leading me to do this.
What was that career-Defining moment for you?
I work a full-time job so I’ve been pushing back from doing an album for many years. That Career-Defining moment was the first day I stepped into the studio to record my first album “Oba Ara” it was a defining moment for me that finally, I’m stepping into my purpose.
You’ve been spreading the gospel through your music for many years, what has kept you going for so long?
I’ve been doing music now for 27 years. At first, it was a struggle. So much money involved with no sponsor. I spoke to many people and organizations maybe they can promote this vision God laid in my heart and I got turned down. They were like oh you know Nigerians won’t buy your music if they don’t know you. I got all kinds of kickbacks. Some of them even promised to help me and took my money but it was all lies. I had to decide after the second album that even if nobody supports me as long as God help me and provide for me, I will continue. The experience made me more resolute and determined than ever before. Sometimes in life, you just have to go all alone. Just believe in yourself.
Your most recent project, “My Love Song” is another solid gospel album dropped in the midst of a pandemic. Was that Intentional?
My most recent project “My Love Song ” is actually so far the most challenging album for me. I got the inspiration at the peak of the pandemic when everything was going like really crazy and the whole world was locked down. The Holy Spirit gave me the whole album in one month. The songs were just trooping in. Thank God for His grace.
How was the process of making this album?
The very day I was supposed to go to the studio, I got really sick and I was tempted to cancel my session but the Holy Spirit told me to go ahead that He will strengthen me. I was amazed by the strength that came over me when I got to the studio. I gave it my best shot and sang every track with all my heart. I knew this album was going to be different because there was so much opposition putting it together. Oh my engineer told me. This tracks are too many. This could make 3 albums. But I follow my heart. God gave these songs to me to bless my generation I’m not holding on to them. I believe He will give me more songs. I’m not thinking about making money I’m more interested in blessings lives through my music.
You have released videos for All 10 songs on this album. How were you able to achieve that?
I decided to do the videos for all the songs at the same time because time is essential in whatever you do. It cost me so much money to put the videos together. If you watch the videos you will see that I just freely expressed myself. Whatever you see in those videos were my genuine expression of my joy and gratitude to God for making my dreams come true.
What’s the most personal song to you on this album?
I love all the tracks in the album but the ones that really resonate with me were “Baba Ose Oluwa, Modupe Fun Ore Re Ninu Aye Mi. I looked back and in spite of all, I’ve been through in life. I am still standing. It is worth celebrating. All glory be to God.
The most challenging video you on this album?
All the videos were challenging. I danced and danced till I had no strength left in me but it was fun. I loved every part of the shooting for all the videos.
Where can people access the videos and the Toyin Leshi brand?
The Videos are available on my YouTube Channel (Toyin Leshi) and you can download the music on all music blogs as well as social media platforms.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
We Have Not Had Water Supply In Months ― Abeokuta Residents
In spite of the huge investment in the water sector by the government and international organisations, water scarcity has grown to become a perennial nightmare for residents of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. This report x-rays the lives and experiences of residents in getting clean, potable and affordable water amidst the surge of COVID-19 cases in the state…Gospel singers must have Gospel singers must have Gospel singers must have
Selfies, video calls and Chinese documentaries: The things you’ll meet onboard Lagos-Ibadan train
The Lagos-Ibadan railway was inaugurated recently for a full paid operation by the Nigerian Railway Corporation after about a year of free test-run. Our reporter joined the train to and fro Lagos from Ibadan and tells his experience in this report…Gospel singers must have Gospel singers must have
and then